Rosemary essential oil
Considered sacred by ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans and Hebrews rosmarinus officinalis is much more than an aromatic herb that tastes good: it's also one of the most powerful herbs and essential oils on the planet. Native to the Mediterranean, the wooded evergreen has been used in folk medicine for thousands of years to soothe digestive uses, improve memory, relieve muscle aches and pains. Rosemary oil is one of the most popular essential oil for its wide array of health benefits: there is great variability in the chemical composition of EOs obtained, such variability depends on several factors including climatic, seasons, geographical location, soil structure and texture, part of the plant and the method used to obtain the EOs. Rosemary essential oil is of immense medicinal importance for its powerful antimutagenic, antiphlogistic, antioxidant, chemo-preventive and antibacterial properties, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, expectorant, mucolytic and anti-diabetic, used also to stimulate hair growth, recently proved to be a pest control product. Rosemary extracts are used in aromatherapy to treat conditions related to anxiety and increase alertness. Today many medicinal preparations contain rosemary oil and it has become a popular ingredient in skin and hair care products for its antiseptic properties. It has been the object of several studies: recently, Burnham Institute for Medical Research (publications by the Journal of Neurochemistry and Nature Review Neuroscience), confirmed that carnosic acid contained in rosemary can protect the brain from stroke and neurodegeration, showing a considerable antioxidant/free radical-scavenging activity; Northumbria University study (publications by British Psycological Society) proved that the aroma of rosemary essential oil can enhance cognitive functioning in healthy adults, here extending to the ability to remember events and to complete tasks in the future; a third one says of inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus cocktail (used in synergy with oregano essential oil); and more, another one explain the antihypotensive effect of rosemary essential oil and its relationship with the improvement in patients' quality of life. There are three major chemotypes of Rosemary available on the market today and each one has a different chemical breakdown. Rosmarinus officinalis ct. cineole is the rosemary most commonly available: it contains around 30% oxides (1,8-cineole), 30% monoterpenes (pinene, camphene, myrcene, limonene, cymene), 25% ketones (campher, carvone, thujone, octanone), as well as some alcohols, esters and sesquiterpenes. Rosmarinus officinalis ct. camphor contains a much higher percentage camphor and a lower percentage cineole. Rosmarinus officinalis ct. verbenone main chemical constituents are bornyl acetate (esters), alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, camphene, myrcene, limonene, alpha-terpinene, terpanolene, camphor, but mostly verbenone (15-37%). These are the top benefits, usually known: - as a hair thickener, applied over the scalp, mixed with some olive oil or combined with castile soap and coconut milk, or with a small amount of shampoo, rosemary essential oil helps stimulate hair growth and increase microcirculation. It is widely used for hair care in shampoos and lotions. - used in aromatherapy, it improves memory and boosts mental activity. Diffuse for 1 hours a day, or mix 3 drops of rosemary oil with ½ tsp of coconut oil and rub on upper neck. - liver detoxification and reducing cortisol levels: it helps with gastrointestinal complaints and enhances body's bile flow. It is an appetite stimulant: rosemary leaves are often added to meat dishes because it is particularly helpful in digesting process. - it alleviates pain: mix two drops of rosemary oil with ½ tsp of peppermint oil and 1 tbs of coconut oil and rub on sore muscles and painful joints; it has proved useful also in treating headaches. - it does have antimicrobial and antiseptic qualities that make it used as a disinfectant for mouth wash (mixed with distilled water) and in skin care. It is also known to clear the respiratory tract after inhalation in aromatherapy (it is the best effective practice). Steam bath are also good, add up to 3 drops of essential oil in 16 oz. of boiled water and inhale deeply for a few minutes. (you can also add a single drop of oil, together with carrier oils, to the hands, rub together and cup over the mouth and nose). - it is also a natural insecticide: you can make an all-natural insect repellent by mixing 10 drops each of rosemary, peppermint, thyme and clove oil in a spray bottle filled with water; it will also stop fungus ruining your beautiful plants. Remember to shake the bottle before using it. - finally it an amazing oil to have on hand for kitchen cleanings thanks to its antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic and antiviral properties: mix a half cup distilled white vinegar, half cup water and 12 drops of rosemary oil. Use into a spray bottle throughout your kitchen as a cleaning spray. Erbe Matte rosemary essential oil contains α-pinene (it a monoterpene: it tends to be excellent general tonics and stimulant and is highly repellant to insects. Pinene has also been used as anti-cancer agent in Traditional Chinese medicine, also for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, expectorant and bronchodilator properties), 1.8-cineole, verbenone (for this reason it smells good, too!), (E)-caryophyllene and borneol. The high level of alpha pinene (and 1.8-cineole as well) would give this oil refreshing respiratory qualities, for a decongestant action on the mucous membranes of the respiratory system, stimulating the immune system and being an antiseptic. Chemotype pinene is immuno-stimulating and chemotype cineol is expectorating, both are mucolytic and it would be logical to use both in cases of respiratory infection as they have synergistic actions. Notes: Use essential oils only in diluted form on the skin and never internally. Do not use on children and pregnant, breastfeeding, or nursing women, or if you have epilepsy or high pressure; never use essential oil pure on your skin (it is important to mix with a carrier oil first). Keep out of eyes, ears, or nose. Please always test for skin sensitivity prior to widespread use. Essential oils should be also used cautiously or avoided in patients with known allergy to the mother-plant. Use essential oils with care and only under the proper guidance of an expert: consult your doctor and a qualified aromatherapist before using any essential oil, especially if you have a medical condition, or are taking any prescription medications. They don't replace emergency care in a serious situation. References: www.iss.it (Istituto Superiore di Sanità) Lawless J. Encyclopedia of Essential Oils International Journal of Herbal Medicine US National Library of Medicine - National Institutes of Health Botanical.com website, a Modern Herbal by Maude Grieve Aromatherapy: an A-Z, Patricia David, 1999 UK, Vermilion Herbs and Healing Plants of Britain and Europe, Dieter Podlech, 1996 UK, Collins Nature Guides |
