Rosemary oil is extracted from Rosmarinus officinalis (also known as Rosmarinus coronarium) of the Labiatae family and is also known as incensier.
This crisp and clean smelling essential oil is great for stimulating the brain, improving memory and mental clarity, while helping with a variety of congested respiratory tract problems, stiff muscles, coldness as well as boosting the liver and gall bladder. It is also used for improving hair and scalp health.
Oil properties
Rosemary oil has a clear, powerful refreshing herbal smell, is clear in color and watery in viscosity.
Origin of rosemary oil
It is a shrubby evergreen bush that grows up to 1.5 meters (4 feet) high with green-gray needle-shaped leaves and pale blue/lilac flowers that bees just love and is originally from Asia, but is now cultivated in France, Tunisia and Yugoslavia.
The name is derived from the Latin 'Rosmarinus' or 'sea dew', as it is rather fond of water. The Egyptians, Hebrews, Greeks and Romans considered the herb as sacred and even in the Middle Ages it was used to ward off evils spirits and used as a protection against the plague. It was burnt in French hospitals during epidemics.
Extraction
Rosemary oil is extracted from the fresh flowering tops by steam distillation. It yields 1.0 - 2.0 %.
Precautions
Rosemary oil should not be used during pregnancy and is unsuitable for people with epilepsy or high blood pressure. For more information on epilepsy and essential oil please.
Therapeutic properties
The therapeutic properties of rosemary oil are analgesic, antidepressant, astringent, carminative, cephalic, cholagogue, cordial, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, hepatic, hypertensive, nervine, rubefacient, stimulant, sudorific and tonic.
