Rosemary Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Rosmarinus officinalis
Common Method Of Extraction: Steam distilled
Parts Used: Leaves, tops, flowers
Note Classification: Middle
Aroma: Strong, fresh, minty-herbaceous scent, and a woody-balsamic undertone
Largest Producing Countries: Spain, France, and Tunisia

Traditional Use: Used extensively in soaps, detergents, cosmetics, household sprays and perfumes and as a masking agent.  Employed in most major food categories, as well as drinks.

Properties: Analgesic, antidepressant, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitussive, antitoxic, aphrodisiac, astringent, carminative, cephalic, cholagogue, choleretic, cicatrisant, cordial, cytophylactic, decongestant, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, fungicidal, hepatic, hypertensor, nervine, parasiticide, pectoral, restorative, rubefacient, stimulant, stomachic, sudorific, tonic, and vulnerary.

Benefits: Acne, amenorrhea, arouses memory, arteriosclerosis, arthritis, asthma, baldness, bronchitis, chlorosis, cholecystitis, cirrhosis, colds, colitis, constipation, coughs, dandruff, debility, dermatitis, diarrhea, dysmenorrhea, dyspepsia, eczema, enhances circulation, epilepsy, fainting, flatulence, flu, fluid retention, general weakness, gout, greasy hair, hangovers, headache, hepatic disorders, hypercholesterolaemia, hypotension, hysteria, increases the secretion of bile, insect repellant, jaundice, leucorrhea, lice, mental fatigue, migraine, muscle pain and spasms, nervous disorders, neuralgia, palpitations, pediculosis, rheumatism, scabies, sinus problems, sore muscles, stimulating (mind, body, adrenals, and memory), tonic (heart, liver, and gallbladder), varicose veins, whooping cough, and wounds.

Blends Well With: Basil, bergamot, black pepper, cedarwood, cinnamon, citronella, clary sage, elemi, eucalyptus (all), frankincense, geranium, grapefruit, labdanum, lavandin, lavender, lemon, litsea cubeba, mandarin, marjoram, niaouli, olibanum, oregano, peppermint, petitgrain, pine, ravensara, tea tree, and thyme linalol.

Of Interest: To the ancient Greeks and Romans the plant was sacred, symbolic of loyalty, death, and remembrance, as well as scholarly learning.  At weddings and important occasions, wherever solemn vows were made, garlands and headdresses of rosemary were worn, as an emblem of trust and constancy.  The tragic Ophelia said, “There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance”.  The plant was also thought to bring good luck, and to impart protection against magic and witchcraft.  “Seethe much Rosemary,” advised William Langham (1597), “and bathe therein to make thee lusty, lively, joyful, likeing and youngly”.  Rosemary was dedicated by the Ancient Greeks to the solar deity of Apollo, the god of medicine, music, poetry, and prophecy.

Safety Data: Non-toxic, non-irritant (in dilution only), non-sensitizing. Avoid during pregnancy. Not to be used by epileptics. Contraindicated in cases of high blood pressure.