Rosemary is renowned for being stimulating and strengthening. It can instantly uplift the body and clear the mind. It is decongesting, clearing and great for toning skin.
Aroma
Rosemary is a herbaceous essential oil with a refreshing, woody and balsamic scent. It has a penetrating minty-camphorous undertone.
The plant
Rosemary is a woody plant with dark green straight leaves and blue-lilac flowers. It originates from Asia but is now also abundant in the Mediterranean region.
Rosemary is named after the Latin ‘Rosmarinus’, which means sea dew, due to its water-loving nature.
The extraction
Rosemary essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the fresh flowering tops.
History
Rosemary was revered by the Ancient Greeks and Romans, who saw it as a symbol of regeneration as well as a source of comfort to the living and peace to the dead. Like other revered plants, it was used to ward of holy spirits and became integral to spiritual and religious ceremonies.
Interesting fact
Historically, rosemary has been burnt in French hospitals during epidemics, for its antiseptic properties. The Queen of Hungary, Donna Isabella, used rosemary as an ingredient in her face wash to restore her youthful looks.
Chemical constituents
Borneol (Alcohol), Cuminic (Aldehyde), Bornyl acetate (Ester), Camphor, Cineole (ketones), Caryophyllene (Sesquiterpene), Camphene, Pinene (Terpenes).
Blending
Rosemary essential oil blends well with spice oils, as well as cedarwood, grapefruit, ginger, lemongrass, frankincense, lavender, basil, thyme, lime, peppermint, orange, and citronella.