Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is an evergreen shrub with needle-like leaves and a woody aroma .

Though best known as a food seasoning, it is one of the most popular aromatic and medicinal plants worldwide .

Rosemary’s essential oil — which holds the plant’s core components, or essence — is extracted and sold in small bottles. Despite its name, it is not a true oil, as it doesn’t contain fat .

Due to rosemary oil’s use in folk medicine, many scientists are now testing its potential health benefits .

Though most of this research is just beginning, it supports some traditional uses of the oil and illustrates possible new uses.

Here are 14 potential benefits and uses of rosemary essential oil.