ALL ABOUT ROSEMARY OIL

IN ESSENCE...

• Rosemary receives its name from the Latin term “Dew of the Sea,” as it is native to the sea cliffs of the Mediterranean region
• Rosemary belongs to an aromatic family of herbs that includes Basil, Lavender, Myrtle, and Sage.
• Rosemary was considered sacred by ancient Greeks, Egyptians, Hebrews, and Romans, who used it for protection, as incense, and as a reminder of the life and death cycle, among other uses.
• Rosemary Essential Oil of the most superior quality is obtained from the flowering tops of the plant.
• Rosemary Essential Oil is best known for its stimulating, soothing, and rejuvenating properties.

HISTORY OF ROSEMARY OIL

Rosemary is a fragrant herb that is native to the Mediterranean and receives its name from the Latin words “ros” (dew) and “marinus” (sea), which means “dew of the Sea.” It also grows in England, Mexico, the USA, and northern Africa, namely in Morocco. Known for its distinctive fragrance that is characterized by an energizing, evergreen, citrus-like, herbaceous scent, Rosemary Essential Oil is derived from the aromatic herb Rosmarinus Officinalis, a plant belonging to the Mint family, which includes Basil, Lavender, Myrtle, and Sage. Its appearance is also similar to Lavender with flat pine needles that have a light trace of silver.

Historically, Rosemary was considered sacred by ancient Greeks, Egyptians, Hebrews, and Romans, and it was used for numerous purposes. The Greeks wore Rosemary garlands around their heads while studying and both the Greeks and the Romans used Rosemary in almost all festivals and religious ceremonies, including weddings, as a reminder of life and death. In the Mediterranean, Rosemary leaves and Rosemary Oil were popularly used for culinary preparation purposes, while in Egypt the plant, as well as its extracts, were used for incense. In the Middle Ages, Rosemary was believed to be able to ward off evil spirits. Rosemary was also an ingredient in “Four Thieves Vinegar,” a concoction that was infused with herbs and spices and used by grave robbers for protection. A symbol of remembrance, Rosemary was also tossed into graves as a promise that loved ones who passed away would not be forgotten.

It has been used throughout the civilizations in cosmetics for its cleansing, soothing, and antioxidant properties. Rosemary had even become a favorite alternative herbal medicine for the German-Swiss physician, philosopher, and botanist Paracelsus. People of the 16^th century used Rosemary as incense or as massage balms.

BENEFITS OF ROSEMARY OIL

Rosemary Essential Oil’s chemical composition consists of the following main constituents: α -Pinene, Camphor, 1,8-Cineol, Camphene, Limonene, and Linalool.

Used in aromatherapy, Rosemary Oil helps promote relaxation and its scent can improve mood. It also has an invigorating effect that can help reduce feelings of fatigue. Inhaling Rosemary Oil can help promote deeper breathing, which is especially beneficial during meditation and spiritual practices. 

Diluted and used topically, Rosemary Essential Oil can enhance the appearance of hair, making it look and feel healthy. It may also help alleviate minor discomforts. Used in a massage, Rosemary Oil can promote a sense of well-being and comfort. In hair care, Rosemary Essential Oil can contribute to the appearance of fuller, more vibrant-looking hair and moisturize the scalp, helping to manage dryness and flakiness. Traditionally, a combination of Rosemary Oil with Olive Oil in a hot oil hair treatment has been used to enhance the look and strength of hair. This oil is also a beneficial additive in skin care products, supporting the maintenance of balanced skin. Suitable for all skin types, this oil can be added to soaps, face washes, face masks, toners, and creams to achieve firm, hydrated skin with a healthy glow. 

Rosemary Essential Oil’s refreshing and energizing aroma can be diluted with water and used in natural homemade room fresheners to eliminate unpleasant odors from the environment as well as from objects. When added to recipes for homemade scented candles, it can work the same way to freshen the scent of a room. 

CULTIVATING AND HARVESTING QUALITY ROSEMARY OIL

Rosemary is a perennial bush that often grows on the sea cliffs of Spain, France, Greece, and Italy. The leaves of the aromatic Rosemary bush have a high oil concentration, and it is part of an aromatic family of herbs, which also includes Lavender, Basil, Mint, and Oregano to name a few.

Rosemary is a hardy plant that can withstand frost, but it also loves the sun and thrives in dry climates where the temperature is between 20ᵒ-25ᵒ Celsius (68ᵒ-77ᵒ Fahrenheit) and does not drop below -17ᵒ Celsius (0ᵒ Fahrenheit). Though Rosemary can grow in a small pot inside a home, when grown outside, the Rosemary bush can reach a height of approximately 5 ft. Due to its adaptability to various ecological conditions, Rosemary plants can vary in appearance in terms of their colors, the sizes of their flowers, and the aromas of their essential oils. The Rosemary plant requires adequate water drainage, as it will not grow well if it is over irrigated or in soils with a high clay content, thus it can grow in the earth that ranges in soil type from sandy to clay loam soil as long as it has a pH range of 5,5 to 8,0.

The upper side of Rosemary leaves are dark and the undersides are pale and covered in thick hairs. The tips of the leaves begin to sprout small, tubular pale- to deep-blue flowers, which continue to bloom in the summer. Rosemary Essential Oil of the most superior quality is obtained from the flowering tops of the plant, although oils can also be obtained from the stems and leaves before the plant begins to flower. Rosemary fields are usually harvested once or twice a year, depending on the geographical region of cultivation. Harvesting is most often done mechanically, which allows more frequent cutting due to higher yields from rapid regrowth.

Before distillation, the leaves are dried either naturally by the heat of the sun or by using driers. Drying the leaves in the sun results in poor quality leaves for producing oils. The ideal drying method involves the use of a forced air-flow drier, which results in better quality leaves. After the product is dried, the leaves are further processed to have the stems removed. They are sieved to remove dirt.

HOW IS ROSEMARY OIL EXTRACTED?

Rosemary Essential Oil is most commonly extracted through the steam distillation of the plant’s flowering tops and leaves. After distillation, the oil has a watery viscosity and can be colorless or pale yellow. It's powerful and refreshing smell is herbaceous and similar to mint with an undertone that is characterized as woody and balsamic.

USES OF ROSEMARY OIL

The uses of Rosemary Essential Oil are abundant, ranging from odorous to cosmetic. Its many forms include oils, gels, lotions, soaps, shampoos, and sprays, to name a few suggestions for homemade products.

Used in aromatherapy, the woody, evergreen scent of Rosemary can promote both relaxation and focus. While studying, diffuse Rosemary Essential Oil in the room for a maximum of 30 minutes.

Diluted with a carrier oil and used topically, Rosemary Essential Oil can contribute to a feeling of rejuvenation and well-being. For a relaxing massage, dilute Rosemary Oil in a carrier oil such as Fractionated Coconut Oil and gently massage into the skin. This can help create a soothing experience. For a massage oil blend, combine Rosemary Oil with Peppermint Oil, and dilute the mixture in Coconut Oil. 

Rosemary Essential Oil can also be used as a natural ingredient in homemade cleaning sprays. A mixture of Rosemary Oil, distilled white vinegar, and water makes an effective surface cleaner, suitable for wiping down countertops and other surfaces. 

A GUIDE TO ROSEMARY OIL VARIETIES & THEIR BENEFITS

CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR ROSEMARY OIL

As per NAHA guidelines, New Directions Aromatics (NDA) does not recommend the ingestion of essential oils. It is imperative to consult a medical practitioner before using Rosemary Essential Oil for therapeutic purposes. Pregnant and nursing women and those taking prescription drugs are especially advised not to use Rosemary Essential Oil without the medical advice of a physician. The oil may have a negative effect on the fetus and potentially lead to miscarriage. Rosemary Essential Oil should always be stored in an area that is inaccessible to children, especially those under the age of 7. Those with high blood pressure should avoid using this oil, as it may further elevate blood pressure.

When applied topically, Rosemary Essential Oil should be used in dilution – a carrier oil such as Almond, Coconut, Jojoba, Olive, or Hemp is recommended – and in small amounts, as using the oil directly or in high concentrations can potentially cause skin irritation. A skin test is recommended prior to use. This can be done by diluting the essential oil in a carrier oil and applying a small amount to a small area of skin that is not sensitive. Rosemary Oil must never be used near the eyes, inner nose, and ears, or on any other particularly sensitive areas of skin.