Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Plant Family Lamiaceae/Labiatae
Synonyms
Salvia rosmarinus
Origin
Salvia rosmarinus, commonly known as rosemary, is a shrub with fragrant, evergreen, needle-like leaves and white, pink, purple, or blue flowers, native to the Mediterranean region. Until 2017, it was known by the scientific name Rosmarinus officinalis, now a synonym.
It is a member of the mint family Lamiaceae, which includes many other medicinal and culinary herbs. The name “rosemary” derives from Latin ros marinus (“dew of the sea”)
A native of the Mediterranean countries, rosemary has been used as a medicine and a sacred herb for thousands of years. As a medicinal herb it is used primarily as a tonic for nervous debility, depression and headaches. It is also one the classic culinary herbs.
Extraction Method
Rosemary is steam-distilled from flowers and leaves of the herb. It is produced mainly in France, Spain, Croatia, Tunisia and Morocco. It is necessary up to 50 kg of fresh Rosemary needle-like leaves to obtain 1 kg of essential oil.
Nature of the Oil
Rosemary oil is an almost colourless or pale yellow liquid with a strong, fresh, camphoraceous and herbaceous smell.
Perfumery Note – Middle. The aroma lasts 2-3 days.
Main Constituents (Camphor CT):

Properties
Analgesic, antimicrobial, antidiarrhoeal, antioxidant, antirheumatic, antineuralic, bechic, cardiotonic, carminative, cephalic, cholagogue, cicatrisant, cytophylactic, diuretic, emmenagoguic, fungicidal, hypertensive, parasiticidal, rubefacient, stimulant of the adrenal cortex, sudorific, vulnerary.
Therapeutic Properties
Rosemary is a very versatile warming and tonifying oil which has the effect of stimulating and unblocking various systems in the body. It may be used in massage blends and compresses, steam inhalations, in the bath and for room fragrancing.
The primary action of rosemary is on the circulatory system; it stim- ulates a weak heart and is useful for treating low blood pressure and cold extremities. Rosemary can also help to clear the blood vessels in cases of arteriosclerosis. Use in the bath or as a massage blend.
Rosemary increases the circulation of blood to the brain and nervous system and can help to improve memory, concentration and mental alertness, so it is a very good oil to use in a burner in any room where people are trying to concentrate. It can also be used to treat general debility, lethargy, vertigo and paralysis. It is an important remedy in the treatment of headaches and is helpful for many people who suffer with migraines. The moving qualities of rosemary make it a good digestive tonic promoting the flow of bile, helping to unblock an obstructed gall bladder and clearing gallstones. It is also used to treat hepatitis and jaundice.
Aromatherapeutic Uses
Skin and hair care (oily), dandruff, to promote growth of healthy hair, headlice, insect repellent, scabies, respiratory ailments, muscular aches and pains, rheumatism, poor circulation, painful menstruation, colds and ’flu, headaches, mental fatigue, depression, nervous exhausion and other stress-related disorders.
Psychological Profile
Rosemary is an energizing oil suitable if you are cold, debilitated, weak and nervous. This may be the result of prolonged grief or of a past emotional shock that was never fully resolved, inhibiting you from freely expressing love. You may have retreated into intellectual activity as a way of avoiding emotional or physical contact and close relationships. Using rosemary will help you to regain contact with your body and unblock your emotions, enabling you to feel stronger, more ‘in your body’, and better able to form close emotional relationships again.
Blends Well With
many oils, especially basil, cedarwood, citrus essences, coriander, elemi, frankinsense, lavender, lemongrass, olibanum, peppermint, petitgrain, pine.
Our safety advice
The maximum doses recommended above for the camphor and alpha-pinene CT oils are based on camphor contents of 27.3% and 20.7%, respectively, and dermal and oral limits of 4.5% and 2 mg/kg/day (see Camphor profile, Chapter 14). The verbenone chemotype limits are based on 14. 9% camphor and 2.9% isopinocamphone, with limits of 0.24% and 0.1 mg/day for isopinocamphone.
Cautions
Avoid during pregnancy . There is a remote chance that the oil may trigger an epileptic attack in prone subjects. Rosemary essence may irritate sensitive skin, so use in low to medium concentrations.

References
1. C. Wildwood “The Encyclopedia of Aromatherapy”, Vermont, Healing Arts Press, 1996
2. R. Tisserand, R. Young, E. M Williamson “Essential Oil Safety. A Guide for Health Care Professionals”, Churchill Livingstone ELSEVIER, 2014
3. S. Curtis “Essential Oils”, AURUM, London, 1996
4. R. Balz “The Healing Power of Essential Oils”, LOTUS LIGHT SHANGRI-LA, Twin Lakes, 1996
5. Л.ГДудченко, Г.П.Потебня, Н.А.Кривенко «Ароматерапия и аромамасаж», «Максимум», Киев, 1999