Delightful ways to benefit from wonder essential oil – Rosemary

( Representational Photo: Getty Images) Rosemary is a fragrant evergreen herb native to the Mediterranean. It is used as a culinary condiment, to make bodily perfumes, and for its potential health benefits. The herb has been hailed since ancient times for its medicinal and therapeutic properties. Studies confirm that rosemary is rich in antioxidants and contains natural anti-microbial properties. Rosemary oil is extracted from rosemary herb through cold-pressing and steam distillation methods. These techniques require extensive experience and the use of complex apparatus. If you want to extract it at home, you can follow a simple procedure that uses low heat on a gas stove. All you require is grape seed oil and dried rosemary leaves. How to make rosemary oil at home Dry out fresh rosemary leaves in a warm, dark place for several hours or till the herb has lost most of its moisture, otherwise the essential oil will become contaminated with mold and spoil. Strip the dried leaves from the woody stalk. Take a double boiler. Fill the bottom vessel with water and put three to four ounces of rosemary leaves in the upper vessel. Pour two cups of grape seed oil in upper vessel to cover the rosemary leaves. Simmer on low heat for three hours. Turn off flame. Strain the oil into a clean sterilized glass bottle. Seal and set aside in a cool, dark place. Rosemary essential oil is popularly used in aromatherapy and massage treatments since it is believed to relieve stress and improve memory and concentration. This oil is also promoted for its ability to relieve pain, which is why it is widely used in treating headaches, muscle pains and even arthritis. High-quality rosemary oil has analgesic, antibacterial, anticancer, ant catarrhal, antifungal, anti-infection, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and expectorant properties. This essential oil […]

Click here to view full article