Rosemary essential oil

Latin name: Rosmarinus officinalis (Labiatae family)

Description: Rosemary is a shrub like herb growing to 90cm high. Evergreen pointed, narrow leaves approx 2.5cm in length and small pale blue flowers distinguish this plant.

Flowering in late spring / early summer. There are variegated silver and gold striped varieties but the green leaved variety is the only one used for medicinal purposes.

Other members of the rosemary family include clary sage, basil, thyme, marjoram, mint, patchouli, myrtle and hyssop.

The name is derived from the latin 'ros maris' meaning dew of the sea based on its growth close to the sea and the appearance of the blossoms from a distance. The essential oil is colorless or pale yellow.

History / Traditions: The plant was considered sacred by the Romans, being 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 times.

Philosopher healers such as Dioscorides, Theophanus and Conrad Gesner all recognized the beneficial effects of Rosemary in the treatment of liver, heart, brain and eye problems.

During the plagues of the middle ages Rosemary was burnt to drive away evil spirits and protect against infection.

Rosemary was said to have rejuvinating properties an powers 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. About 66 pounds of plant material yields about a pound of essential oil.

Distribution: Naive 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.

Properties of Oil: A strong, fresh, clear woody aroma. Poor quality oils have a strong camphoraceous note. Analgesic, antidepressant, antirheumatic, antieptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, astringent, carminative, cleansing, diuretic, fungicidal, hepatic, restorative, stimulant, tonic.

Aromatherapy Uses: The oil has a positive effect on the digestive system, helpful for indigestion, colitis and constipation. It is also good or hepatic disorders being a liver and gall-bladder tonic.

The circulatory system also benefits from the oil. The oil an normalize blood pressure and help combat hardening of the arteries.

Rosemary is good for rheumatic and muscular pain, especially tired and over worked muscles. It has a warming effect on cold limbs and is helpful in the winter for rheumatism aggravated by cold.

Rosemary has a stimulating effect on the nerves and is beneficial for all nervous disorders including hysteria, and paralysis.

The other benefits of rosemary include a positive effect on menstrual cramps, an excellent skin tonic property, a stimulant for the scalp encouraging hair growth and providing treatment for dandruff and greasy hair.

The emotional benefits of Rosemary include its ability to clear the mind and the emotions promoting mental clarity, it also provides an uplifting boost to confidence.

Safety data: Non-toxic and non-irritant (in dilution) non-sensitizing, Rosemary should not be used during pregnancy or by epileptics. The oil should be used with caution if suffering from high blood pressure, hypertension or insomnia. Skin irritation may occur with sensitive individuals.

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

Related pages: Distance Learning Diploma course in Aromatherapy - http://www.kevala.co.uk/courses/aromatherapy.php