Rosemary

Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis

Botanical Name: Rosmarinus officinalis

Description of the plant: A member of the Lamiaceae family, it is a bushy shrub growing up to two metres in height, with long, silvery green needle shaped leaves. Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean region. Rosemary is cultivated now world wide. It is an aromatic shrub, has scaly bark and dense, leathery needlelike leaves. Tiny pale blue blossoms abound from December through spring. Small blue to mauve flowers appear in spring and summer.

Extraction Method:Steam extraction of the herb

History: Rosemary was used in Roman burial rites, and that practice continued well into the middle ages when it was customary to lay branches of rosemary on the coffin at funerals. Because it grows in proximity to the sea, it’s name means Dew of the Sea. Its leaves were traditionally burned in hospitals to purify the air.

Source: Flowering tips of the herb.

Production method: steam distillation

Color: Pale Yellow

Consistency: Thin

Note: Top-Middle

Aroma Strength: Medium-Strong

Aromatic Scent:Clean, sharp and piercing with a herby minty slightly woody under tone, characteristic of the fresh herb, camphorous and herbaceous aroma.

Chemical ingredients: Cineole: Naturallly ocurring components in Rosemary oil:14.89% alpha.-pinene, 8.04% camphene, 9.97% beta pinene, 1.8% myrcene, 0.32%1-phellandrene, 1% alpha.-terpinene, 26.1% 1,8- cineole,1.64% gamma.-terpinene, 0.76% alpha.- terpinolene,1.29% linalool, 0.07% fenchol, 13.59% l- camphor, 6.13% borneol, 1.33% terpinen-4-ol, 2.92% alpha.-terpineol, 0.08% myrtenol, 2.25% bornyl acetate, 0.05% alpha.-copaene, 5.38% beta.-caryophyllene, 0.02% trans-.alpha.-bergamotene, 0.77% alpha.- humulene, 0.02% beta.-farnesene, 0.01% alpha.- amorphene, 0.13% beta.-bisabolene, 0.03% beta.- cubebene, 0.08% delta.-cadineneUses: stimulates the adrenal glands, circulatory system, liver, gallbladder, promotes nerve health, improves the functioning of the heart and nervous system. Tones and tightens the skin, regulates oil secretion, fights infection, joint pain, muscle spasms, and eases digestive orders.

Qualities: One of the most stimulating of all the oils. An ideal ‘pick-me-up’ aids memory and clear thinking. Rosemary is an ideal choice for an early morning bath as it will invigorate the body and protect the psyche. The dried herb was burnt during the middle ages to drive away evil spirits and witches and also to protect against the plague.

Try a few drops on a vaporizer to combat fatigue and clear a stuffy atmosphere helps to kill air born bacteria as well. A useful hair tonic its stimulating actions will help to strengthen hair growth and condition the scalp. Try adding a few drops of Rosemary to shampoo to discourage hair lice. Add to massage oil for a stimulating massage and muscle rub. Rosemary is Ideal for active sports.

Blends well with: Rosemary blends well with most oils, but particularly with Basil, Cedarwood, Frankincense, Ginger, Grapefruit, Orange, Peppermint, Lavender, Geranium, Lemon, Sandal wood, Citronella, Pine and Elemi.

Cautions: Generally non-toxic and non-sensitizing. Not suitable for people with epilepsy or high blood pressure. Avoid in pregnancy since it is an emmenagogue. Might antidote homeopathic remedies.