Rosemary Essential Oil

Oil Properties:
Scent: woody, powerful refreshing herbal
Odor Intensity: High
Evaporation Rate: Middle Note
Color: Colorless to very pale yellow

SAFETY: The camphor, thymol and terpineol in rosemary are highly stimulating. Pregnant women should not use the herb as either an essential oil or a tea preparation, as either may cause premature labor. Those prone to asthma may be bothered by rosemary’s strong scent, and the active ingredients may also cause seizures in epileptics. Rosemary Oil may cause skin irritation if not diluted properly.

Uses:

A powerful mental stimulant which aids memory and concentration, restores vitality and invigorates.  Rosemary oil may help overcome mental and physical fatigue, by stimulating circulation and supporting the central nervous system. It provides support in stressful situations. Its fragrance is often used in the meditation process.  It helps with headaches, migraines, neuralgia, mental fatigue and nervous exhaustion.

The antiseptic action of Rosemary oil is especially suitable for intestinal infections and diarrhea; it also eases colitis, dyspepsia, flatulence, hepatic disorders and jaundice. >Rubbing a rosemary vapor balm on the chest relieves lung and sinus congestion.  Cosmetically, it encourages dry, mature skin to produce its own oil and also treats acne for those with dry skin.

Rosemary oil can relieve pain such as rheumatism, arthritis, muscular pain and gout. It can help for arteriosclerosis, palpitations, poor circulation and varicose veins.

The diuretic properties of Rosemary oil are useful with water retention during menstruation, and also with obesity and cellulite.

Origin of Rosemary oil:

Wild Rosemary (Rosemarinus officialis) - The popular rosemary plant is native to the Mediterranean region, however, it has been cultivated throughout the world.  In ancient times, it was a part of almost all feasts or festivals. Greek and Roman students often wore garlands of rosemary around their necks to support their learning effort.  Rosemary flowers were associated with love and marriage.  In the middle centuries, people burned rosemary in hospitals to purify the air and prevent the spread of infection. Philipus Aureolus Paracelsus, a 16th century German physician, graded rosemary as his most essential component in his medicine.

Rosemary's name is derived from the Latin 'ros maris' , which means "dew of the sea." While native to the Mediterranean region, the main oil producing countries are France, Spain and Tunisia. The plant is now cultivated worldwide in California, Russia, England, France, Spain, Portugal, the middle east, Yugoslavia, Morocco and China. Bushy and branched evergreen grows 6 feet high.  Leaves are stiff, leathery, like pine needles, and opposite.  Flowers are light blue and bloom from March to May

Rosemary is a shrub like herb growing to 90cm high. Evergreen pointed, narrow leaves and small pale blue flowers distinguish this plant. It flowers in late spring and early summer. There are variegated silver and gold striped varieties but the green leaved variety is the only one used for medicinal purposes.  

The plant was considered sacred by the Romans and was used as a decoration for statues and paintings of the gods. The Greeks also decorated statues with rosemary wreaths. The Egyptians used the plant for incense in ritual cleansing and healing and there is evidence that it was used from the earliest recorded times.

Rosemary was said to have rejuvenating properties and was used in "Hungary water", a popular toilet water named after queen Elizabeth of Hungary. Many legends and folk tales have built up around this plant and ornaments made from rosemary were used on festive occasions as signs of love and faithfulness.

Extraction:

The higher quality oil is produced by steam distillation of the leaves and the flowering tops of the plant. In Spain a lesser quality oil is produced from the whole plant. 60-70 pounds of plant material yields a pound of essential oil.

Chemical composition:

Pinene, camphene, cineol, borneols, camaphos, resisn, saponin.

Blends well with:

Cedarwood, Geranium, Lavender, Lemongrass, Peppermint