🌿 Benefits of Rosemary · Amy's Health Nest

Mar 21 • Food

🌿 Benefits of Rosemary

I love rosemary! We grow this plant and always see to have a lot around the house; therefore, I add to a lot a our dishes.

How do you use rosemary? I love to put rosemary essential oil in my hair and diffuse it in the house. During COVID, I diffused rosemary essential oil in our car for long trips to help prevent sickness.

More info on rosemary is below.

🌿 Benefits of Rosemary

Cognitive Support: May improve memory, focus, and mental clarity. It’s often used in aromatherapy for mental stimulation.
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory: Contains rosmarinic acid and carnosol, which can reduce inflammation and fight free radicals.
Digestive Aid: Supports digestion, reduces bloating, and relieves indigestion.
Hair and Scalp Health: Promotes hair growth, reduces dandruff, and soothes an itchy scalp.
Stress Relief: Calms the nervous system and may reduce cortisol levels.
Skin Care: Its antimicrobial properties can help with acne and skin irritation.

🍽️ Culinary Uses

Seasoning: Add to roasted meats, vegetables, or soups for an earthy flavor.
Infused Oils: Create rosemary-infused olive oil for dressings or dipping bread.
Herbal Teas: Brew fresh or dried rosemary leaves with hot water for a refreshing tea.
Bread and Butter: Sprinkle chopped rosemary into sourdough crackers, dough or butter.
Marinades and Rubs: Mix with garlic, lemon, and olive oil for a flavorful meat marinade.

Holistic and Home Uses

Essential Oil for Aromatherapy: Diffuse rosemary essential oil to enhance focus and reduce stress.
Hair Growth Treatment: Combine a few drops of rosemary oil and massage into your scalp to stimulate hair growth.
Skin Care: Add a few drops of rosemary oil to your skincare products for its antibacterial properties.
Natural Air Freshener: Boil rosemary sprigs with lemon and lavender for a refreshing home scent.
Muscle Relief: Use diluted rosemary oil for a massage to relieve muscle pain and tension.
Steam Inhalation: Add rosemary leaves or oil to a bowl of hot water for sinus relief and respiratory support.

🌿 How to Make Rosemary-Infused Oil

Ingredients:

1 cup fresh rosemary (or ½ cup dried rosemary)
1 cup olive oil (or carrier oil like jojoba, almond, or coconut oil)
Clean glass jar with a lid
Strainer or cheesecloth

Method 1: Cold Infusion (Takes 1-2 Weeks)

Best for preserving delicate nutrients.

Prepare the Rosemary: Rinse fresh rosemary and pat dry completely. Ensure no moisture remains to prevent mold.
Combine Ingredients: Place the rosemary in a clean, dry jar. Pour the oil over it, ensuring the rosemary is fully submerged.
Seal and Store: Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place.
Infuse: Let it sit for 1-2 weeks, shaking it gently every couple of days to release the oils.
Strain and Store: After 2 weeks, strain the oil through a cheesecloth or fine strainer. Store in a clean glass jar.

Method 2: Warm Infusion (Faster - Takes 2-3 Hours)

Ideal if you need the oil quickly.

Prepare the Rosemary: Wash and dry the rosemary.
Heat the Oil: Pour the oil into a saucepan and add the rosemary.
Warm It Gently: Heat on low for about 2-3 hours. The oil should be warm but not boiling. Keep the temperature under 120°F (49°C) to retain nutrients.
Cool and Strain: Let it cool, then strain the rosemary out using cheesecloth.
Store: Pour into a glass jar and store in a cool, dark place.

✅ Tips for Success:

Use dried rosemary if you’re worried about moisture causing spoilage.
Choose high-quality oils like extra virgin olive oil for culinary use or jojoba oil for skincare.
Store the infused oil in a dark glass bottle to prevent oxidation.
It lasts about 1-2 months when stored properly.