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Is Rosemary Extract Safe For Baby
Yes, Rosemary Extract (Rosmarinus officinalis) is used in skin care and folk or herbal medicine. In its leaf extract form, rosemary benefits have antioxidant properties that make it a natural remedy for a variety of health conditions. In fact, the medicinal aspect of rosemary
Rosemary Extract (Rosmarinus officinalis) has been validated pharmacologically because of the many valuable properties it contains [1]:
- Antioxidant properties
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Anti-cancer properties
- Antibacterial properties
- Anti-diuretic properties
- Anti-ulcerogenic properties
- Anti-thrombotic properties
The Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases created by Dr. James Duke of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) include Rosmarinus officinalis oil as one of over a thousand edible plants with known chemical compounds. Duke took note of over two dozen antioxidants contained by Rosmarinus officinalis. Also noted were the antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory properties, and its ability to regulate the immune system [2].
In addition to rosemary essential oil benefits, rosemary as a nutritional ingredient, supplement and preservative is in demand due to the supporting data showing a reduction Alzheimer’s disease symptoms and the progression of certain cancers [3]. The medical journal, “Oncology Reports”, stated that rosemary oil extract slows the spread of breast carcinoma and leukemia [4]. Regarding the therapeutic effects of rosmarinic acid on Alzheimer’s disease, more research is required. The journal “Scientia Pharmaceutica” published in 2010 reported that the components of rosemary extract and essential rosemary oil extract vary. The study found that there is more oil content in the essential oil formulation amounting from 190 to 380 mg than what is found in rosemary extract formulation amounting from 6.39 to 6.57 mg [5].
Origins Of Rosemary Extract (Rosmarinus Officinalis)
Rosemary is an evergreen shrub related to the Lamiaceae or mint family. Its Latin name, Rosmarinus officinalis, is translated as ocean dew referring to its light blue flowers and love of wet environments [6]. It is also known as a polar plant or compass weed.
Rosemary oil extract is sourced from the common household plant, rosemary, which naturally grows up to five feet tall in Europe’s Mediterranean regions. Fresh rosemary is easy to grow in backyard gardens. Dried rosemary leaves are always available at the local grocery store. Rosemary essential oils are also commonly sold by aromatherapy stores.
The Composition Of Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis)
Rosemary essential oil benefits are derived from several chemical compounds such as lineol, camphor, borneol, eugenol, and pinene. Rosemary essential oils also contain natural antioxidants like verbenone, thujone, and carvone among others. Polyphenolic compounds with high antioxidants like carnosic acid, rosmarinic acid, ursolic acid, rosmanol, and rosemary diphenol are also found in rosemary extract [7].
Fresh rosemary leaves have high reserves of different vitamins including folate, vitamin B6, vitamin C, thiamin, and vitamin A. They are also rich in manganese, iron, copper, magnesium, and calcium.
Appearance
The leaves of Rosmarinus officinalis are green and look like spikes. It is a woody plant that can be used as a hedge or border. Mature plants can be quite colorful with flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, or white [8].
Smell
Essential rosemary oil extract has a unique smell which remains on your hands once you touch the leaf. The aroma of rosmarinic acid is reminiscent of pine, lemon, and camphor.
Feel
The texture of fresh and dried rosemary leaves is sturdy and has the feel of a pine-needle. Rosemary leaves should be used sparingly because of their potency. Sometimes the fresh leaves cause skin irritation. The leaves are crushed or crumbled when added to food. Dried leaves have a tougher texture and can be crushed by hand or with the use of a mortar and pestle. When dried, rosemary should be stored in an air-tight container to maintain its flavor and potency.
Benefits Of Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis) For Babies
Maximize the uses of Rosmarinus officinalis by knowing the differences of a rosemary essential oil benefits as compared to rosemary extract. While they may seem similar, there are distinct differences regarding usage and the manufacturing process.
Extracts are the result of soaking rosemary leaves in alcohol or other compounds. Rosemary extract is used in various foods. Extracts that are ingested are not as potent.
The distillation or steaming of rosemary leaves produces rosemary oil. Rosemary essential oils are used in the manufacturing of personal care products because the distillation process produces an invigorating and woody scent. If you are looking to maximize the medicinal value of this herb, then use the essential oils.
Rosemary Extract Is A Safe Essential Oil For Babies
This essential oil contains bornyl acetate which is responsible for its distinct smell. Rosemary oil benefits for babies include its ability to help protect the immune system, stimulate circulation, heal skin conditions and boost mood [9].
Rosemary essential oil is considered an effective mood enhancer and relaxer. It is used in the fragrance industry as an ingredient in shampoos, lotions, soaps, and candles. The minty smell of the herbal extract combines well with lemon and other citrus scents.
Babies benefit from the many uses of rosemary essential oil primarily because of its antimicrobial properties.
Rosemary Extract can be used for the following for babies:
- Acne
- Eczema
- Infections
- Escherichia coli
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Candida albicans
- Respiratory illness [10]
Is Rosemary Extract Safe For Baby? Yes, Here’s How Rosemary Essential Oils Are Used.
Rosemary essential oil can be added to bath water because of its relaxing effect and pleasant smell.
It is a natural antioxidant
This essential oil is used as an antimicrobial agent, deodorant agent, and skin conditioning agent [11].
According to a report which appeared in the Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine Journal in 2016, the scent of rosemary may improve cognitive function [12].
Rosemary essential oil is used in skin cleansers because of its astringent properties [13]
A massage with this herb will emit a beautiful smell, and the antimicrobial properties protect your baby. It is often used in baby products such as creams or topical salves that are effective in relieving sprains, bruises, and muscle cramps. When applied sparingly on the scalp, essential oil encourages hair growth [14].
The relaxing scent of rosemary essential oils relaxes babies and improves their sleep.
The antioxidant properties of rosemary are beneficial in aromatherapy and to disinfect the air. Using rosemary extract aromatically may benefit a child’s respiratory tract and help the child breathe normally during cases of the common cold [15].
Is Rosemary Extract Safe For Baby Resources;
[1] US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health; The Therapeutic Potential of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Diterpenes for Alzheimer’s Disease, Solomon Habtemariam, January 28, 2016.
[2] Dr. Duke’s Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Database; Ethnobotanical databases facilitate in-depth plant.
[3] US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health; Supercritical Fluid Extracts of Rosemary Leaves Exhibit Potent Anti-inflammation and Anti-Tumor Effects, Peng CH, Su JD Chyau CC, Sung TY, Ho SS, Peng CC, Peng Ry, Sep 07, 2007.
[4] US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health; Supercritical Fluid Extracts of Rosemary Leaves Exhibit Potent Anti-inflammation and Anti-Tumor Effects, Peng CH, Su JD Chyau CC, Sung TY, Ho SS, Peng CC, Peng Ry, Sep 07, 2007.
[5] Scientia Pharmaceutica; Investigation of the Volatile Fraction of Rosemary Infusion Extracts, Christine T. Schiggerl and Franz Bucar, April 29, 2010.
[6] Bastyr University, Rosemary: An Herb With History, Christie Taylor, Christen Harris, PhD, RD, Fall 2018.
[7] Greener Life Club; Rosemary Essential Oil, November 09, 2018.
[8] Bastyr University; Rosemary: An Herb with History, March 15, 2010.
[9][10][11][12][13][14][15] US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health; The Therapeutic Potential of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Diterpenes for Alzheimer’s Disease, Solomon Habtemariam, 2016.
