Rosemary essential oil, Rosmarinus officinalis, steam distilled from the aromatic leaves of the herb, has a strong, minty, herbaceous scent. From ancient times rosemary has been regarded as a token of remembrance. The name is derived from the Latin word Rosmarinus, which means “dew of the sea." The plant, considered sacred by the Romans, was used as a decoration for statues and paintings of the gods. In ancient Greece, statues were decorated with rosemary wreaths and students wore rosemary in their hair while studying--they believed it strengthened their memory. Rosemary is a member of the mint (Lamiacae) family, an aromatic family of herbs that includes lavender, basil, myrtle, mint, oregano, and sage.
Rosemary essential oil has antiseptic, astringent, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. It helps balance oily or problem skin and is a beneficial additive to skincare products meant to soothe dry or oily skin, eczema, inflammation, and acne. Also known for its stimulating, soothing, and pain-relieving properties, the topical use of rosemary oil has been found to improve blood circulation. A rosemary salve or massage oil can help alleviate aches and pains from sore muscles and joints.
In hair care, rosemary is a good tonic for thinning hair and dandruff. Rosemary encourages the growth of strong healthy hair by improving blood flow to the scalp and stimulating hair follicles. It also moisturizes a dry scalp to relieve dandruff, helps increase manageability, and brings out highlights of dark hair.
Aromatherapy Properties: The chemical makeup of Rosemary essential oil gives it restorative properties that can be both energizing and relaxing. The fresh, herbal scent is associated with feelings of contentment which can help reduce stress levels, nervous tension, and fatigue. The aroma promotes mental relaxation as it helps eliminate negative moods and clear the mind. Rosemary has also demonstrated the ability to reduce cortisol levels. Increased cortisol levels can contribute to insomnia and cause mood swings.
Rosemary also helps boost mental alertness, encourage clarity and insight, restore vitality, increase creativity, enhance concentration, and improve memory. Some report that it also helps decrease tension headaches.
The anti-inflammatory properties may relieve swollen sinuses and the eucalyptol and camphor present in rosemary oil can help relieve respiratory symptoms like chest and nasal congestion due to colds and allergies.
Note: The ingredient called Rosemary Oil Extract is not an essential oil. Please see Natural Additives.
Pregnancy and Children: We do not provide information on the safety of essential oils during Pregnancy or for use in Children because the available information is very ambiguous and often contradictory. If you’re interested in using essential oils during pregnancy or with young children please do your own research and consult your doctor, midwife, or health care professional before use.
Precautions: If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, have a medical condition, or have any medical concerns regarding yourself or your family consult a qualified, licensed health professional prior to use. For external use only. Keep away from eyes and mucous membranes. Keep out of reach of children.
