How to make rosemary oil at home and what you can use it for

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This article was written by Qaqamba Falithenjwa.

Rosemary oil is popularly known for cooking and beauty treatments and it has health benefits for both uses. Instead of buying the ready-made oil, you can try using your inexpensive products at home to make your own, and this is how you do it:

Cooking method

The Tom’s of Maine publication states that to create rosemary oil, use full sprigs of rosemary, oil of your choice (extra virgin olive, safflower, canola, sunflower), strainer or cheesecloth, and a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. “Extra virgin olive oil lends itself to culinary creations, but it may have an overpowering smell in comparison to other options. Safflower, canola, and sunflower oils are low- to no-odour alternatives that will let the rosemary’s scent shine.”

The first thing to do according to Health Shots is you need to make sure the needles of the rosemary sprigs are appropriately removed and that you do not add any stems. After that, you are advised to pour two cups of your preferred oil into the skillet or slow cooker over the rosemary needles. “If you have extra large needles or have more rosemary, then you may add extra virgin oil to compensate.”

For the slow cooker method, the above publication states that you cook the oily infusion on low for at least two hours, stirring often and it should simmer rather than boil. After turning off the slow cooker, is suggested that you leave the oil covered and steep for an additional hour.

“If you’re cooking oil on a stovetop, simmer the oil and rosemary on the stove in your medium-sized saucepan for 10 minutes. Again, don’t let the mix get too hot. Stir with a wooden spoon as needed. After the mixture cools, strain the needles out. Collect the remaining scented oil in a clean glass jar with a tight-sealing lid.”

Uses

Improves brain function: Healthline believes that inhaling rosemary oil may improve brain function by preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine, a crucial brain chemical. “In a study that tested cognitive measures of 20 young healthy adults who were randomly assigned to be exposed to diffused rosemary oil for various lengths of time in a small room, it was found that speed and accuracy increased in direct proportion to the duration the oil was diffused.”

Enhances hair growth: The source mentioned above also states that research shows that men with androgenetic alopecia can increase hair thickness using rosemary oil, which also reduces scalp itching. Additionally, rosemary oil is believed to help combat patchy hair loss, a condition affecting up to half of the population below 21 and 20% of those over 40.

Improves skin health: The Nikura publication mentions that this oil is a natural remedy that can help combat signs of ageing, and acne, tighten skin tone, reduce under-eye bags, and reduce inflammation. Its antioxidants are claimed to protect the skin from harmful free radicals and environmental pollutants, reducing the appearance of fine lines. “By cleaning out the pores in combination with its non-comedogenic properties, it can work to minimise breakouts and potentially prevent them from happening in the future.”

This article first appeared on Bona.