Rosemary essential oil: all its properties and uses

Rosemary produces a pleasant essential oil known for its properties for the skin, hair, respiratory tract and nervous system, among other. It can be used both internally and externally in different situations, although some precautions and contraindications should be taken into account.

Now there are different types of essential oil, each with its specific properties. In this article we will see what the rosemary plant is like, its traditional use, what are the main varieties of rosemary and types of essential oil, and how to use them in each case.

The plant and its traditional use

The rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus and formerly Rosmarinus officinalis) is a very aromatic plant Shrub with evergreen leaves that can measure up to two meters in height. The leaves are deep green on top and whitish on the velvety underside.

grows on arid, rocky and calcareous places, and can bloom throughout the year if the climate is warm, its flowers are generally pale purple, but we will find them on occasion intense blue, pink or white. Bees suck on their flowers.

the plant is native to the Mediterranean area, but is found mostly in southern Europe, northern Africa, and southwestern Asia. In the Iberian Peninsula it is more frequent in the southern half and in the east, from sea level to a height of 1,200 m.

rosemary was highly appreciated in ancient times. Its use as medicine was not frequent, but was used mainly in religious and purification rites (it replaced incense), in public acts or intimate celebrations. It was a symbol of love, fidelity, prosperity and immortality.

He rosemary essential oil It is generally obtained from flowering stems. According to the sources consulted, it could have been extracted for the first time in the 12th century, probably by the Arabs. Arnaud de Villeneuve made the essence of rosemary in an alcoholic solution around 1330.

Furthermore, it is the main ingredient of the famous water of the queen of hungarycreated around the year 1370. Legend has it that the queen received from an angel or a monk the formula of a rejuvenating liquor at the age of 72 years. Later it became a perfume.

Types of rosemary essential oil

There are 3 different chemotypes, although we find more than 150 types of rosemary. The three used in aromatherapy are:

Rosmarinus officinalis cineoliferum or rosemary chemotype 1.8-cineole.Rosmarinus officinalis verbenoniferum L. or rosemary verbenone chemotype.Rosmarinus officinalis camphoriferum or rosemary chemotype camphor.

Rosemary and its different essential oils are, in fact, the perfect example to illustrate what chemotype means. We speak of a chemotype when the same plant, botanically defined, manifests notable biochemical variations. There is also talk of “chemical race”.

Is rosemary’s chemotype important?

Yes, it is important to look at the chemotype. Generally, the variations marked by the chemotype have a genetic component and strongly depend on the biotope. So we see how the rosemary that grows in Spain synthesizes a camphor chemotyped essential oil; in Morocco, it is 1,8-cineole that marks its identity; and in France, it is the ketone verbenone that sets it apart from its other Mediterranean brethren.

These biochemical variations have a therapeutic repercussion and toxicological. That is why we insist on the importance of knowing the chemotype of essential oils when choosing and using them.

Health properties

Therapeutically speaking, the three chemotypes are great protectors against the effects of aging. Thanks to its extraordinary antioxidant properties, any of these three essential oils should be taken into account for prepare simple and effective anti-aging treatments.

The anti-aging effect can be used not only in skin care, but also in that of joints and muscles and to favor the memory. Rosemary 1,8-cineole is the most interesting of the three for memory and concentration difficulties.

They are also essential oils related to respiratory systembeing the rosemary chemotype 1.8-cineole the most specific when it comes to treating respiratory pathologies.

To mention more specific properties, camphor rosemary is a good venous decongestant.

Finally, rosemary verbenone is the most suitable for take care of the liver.

When to use rosemary essential oil

Rosemary essential oil will be very useful in the following situations:

For the pain of contractures and joints

In this case we will use the essential oil of rosemary camphor chemotype.

Dilute 2 drops with a dessert spoon’s worth of arnica oil and apply to the affected area. Reapply after about twenty minutes for a faster and more lasting effect. Repeat the application about three more times throughout the day. day.

For hair: a good anti-loss

To prevent or help stop hair loss, we will use the essential oil of rosemary chemotype 1.8-cineole.

Add 1 drop to your dose of shampoo. Let sit for a couple of minutes and rinse with water.

Once a week you can do a hair mask with 2 drops diluted with a tablespoon of black cumin vegetable oil.

For the skin of the body: an anti-aging oil

The most suitable rosemary essential oil is verbenone chemotype.

Use a 100 ml dark colored glass bottle. Add 10 ml of rosemary verbenone essential oil and complete with 40 ml of jojoba oil, 20 ml of black cumin vegetable oil and 20 ml of argan vegetable oil. Add 8 vitamin E drops

Apply this oil on the skin after showering.

For a liver cleanse

The essential oil of rosemary verbenone chemotype It is the ideal companion to accompany a “detox” diet.

are taken 2 drops with a little black cumin vegetable oil twice a day for 15 days.

For concentration and memory

During study time, if you have difficulty concentrating or a poor memory, it may be useful to use rosemary essential oil. We will use the essential oil of rosemary chemotype 1.8-cineole olfactory way.

If you have an ionizing diffuser (with water): add 15 drops into the container.In case of using a nebulization diffuser (without water): Put the amount of essential oil necessary for the operation of the device (depends on the models).

Start the diffuser while you are studying or when you need to concentrate.

For the people with memory problems We can also resort to one of these two options:

Use the essential oil in diffusion for half an hour, two to three times a day. Smell the bottle directly throughout the day (5 to 8 times a day).

For lack of confidence: it gives you courage

If you like the smell of rosemary and want to boost your self-confidence, prepare a roll on with rosemary verbenone essential oil:

In a roll on of 5 ml put 15 drops of essential oil of rosemary verbenone.Complete with jojoba oil.Apply as if it were a perfume, on the wrists, behind the ears and optionally on the solar plexus.Repeat throughout the day.

It can be especially useful in times of stress, when confidence is lost.

In colds with nasal congestion and when there is mucus

He rosemary verbenone and the cineol rosemary They are the most interesting to use in case of colds and when there is stuck mucus.

For this we will deposit a couple of drops of one or another essential oil on a handkerchief paper and inhale. We repeat 4 to 5 times throughout the day.

We can also apply a massage in the neck area with 3 drops of one or the other essential oil diluted with 6 drops of vegetable oil. We can perform this massage about 3 times a day.

Precautions and contraindications

Any of the rosemary essential oil chemotypes contains camphor, a potentially neurotoxic and abortifacient ketone. Therefore, the use of this essential oil should avoid during pregnancy and in children under 6 years old.

Moderate use is also recommended in case of suffering from arterial hypertension.