Characteristics of Rosemary

Rosemary, or Rosmarinus officinalis, is a perennial evergreen herb belonging to the Lamiaceae family. It appears as a highly branched shrub with woody stems, dense aromatic foliage and a height that reaches up to 2 meters.
There are many wild species of rosemary that can be found in nature in soils with good drainage and neutral pH. The flowers grow in clusters and are purple or white, depending on the plant variety. It blooms from April to August and the strong aroma of its flowers attracts beneficial insects such as butterflies and bees for honey production.
Rosemary essential oil is produced from the leaves and flowers of the herb by steam distillation. The flowers are harvested at the peak of flowering, shortly after the first rays of the sun, when the essential oils are at high concentration. To obtain 5 ml of rosemary essential oil, 500 g of flowers are needed.

History of Rosemary

Its name, Rosmary, comes from the Latin ros marinus, which means “rose of the sea”. It was first distilled in the 13th century and was believed to bring good luck and ward off negative energy and harmful reptiles. For this reason, it was planted in house hedges and around healing centers. The Egyptians placed sprigs of fresh rosemary in the tombs of the Pharaohs, while in Asian countries it was an essential herb for strengthening the heart and treating arrhythmias.
It is one of the most widely used medicinal plants, whose burning, since ancient times, was used to cleanse spaces from disease. Together with thyme and eucalyptus, our ancestors considered it a room disinfectant. From antiquity to today, rosemary has been observed to enhance memory and clarity, and as a revitalizing herb, it was believed to be ruled by the sun.
Traditional farmers planted rosemary among seasonal vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower) for crop safety and to repel harmful insects.

Ingredients

Rosemary essential oil from the flowering tops and young shoots of the plant, obtained by steam distillation.

Chemical composition of rosemary essential oil

- 1% volatile oil containing cineole, borneol, verbenol, 10–20% camphor, linalool and camphene.
- Triterpenic acids, rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid. Carnosic acid protects the brain from neurodegeneration and enhances brain functions.
- Rosmanicine. The breakdown of rosmanicine in the body stimulates the muscles of the digestive tract and the gallbladder.
- Pigments, mainly diosmin, a substance that improves circulation and strengthens fragile vessels.
- Tannins, bitter principles and resin.

Uses

- For promoting hair growth and treating hair loss.
Add a few drops of rosemary essential oil to bay oil and massage into the roots. Leave the oil to act for 4-5 minutes before rinsing and repeat 2 times a week.*
- A few inhalations of rosemary essential oil help maintain acetylcholine, a substance that stimulates mental alertness and preserves good memory.
- To improve circulation and treat cold extremities, put a few drops of rosemary essential oil in sesame oil and massage the feet and hands.*
- It can be used diluted in arnica and chamomile oil to relieve muscle stiffness and spasms (cramps).*
* Contact our pharmacist for the preparation of the above therapeutic blends.
- Combines well with cypress, basil, lemon, mint, juniper and sage essential oils.

Chinese medicine

Chinese medicine classifies rosemary under the Wood element and uses it to strengthen the heart and support weak concentration. The essential oil is considered one of the best remedies for joint pain of a cold and spasmodic nature; massage on specific acupuncture points helps bile flow and improves digestion.
It moves the vital energy – Qi and strengthens the mind – Shen. It warms the spirit and boosts self-confidence.