Rosemary is a small evergreen shrub indigenous to the Mediterranean. One of
the best known herbs, rosemary has been used medicinally since ancient times. In
some cultures, rosemary was burned to clear the air and evidence shows that it
was also apparently used in some embalming procedures.
Rosemary is distilled from the leaves of Rosmarinus officinalis.
Traditional Herbal Uses
The ancient Greeks believed rosemary to be a potent treatment for digestive
problems and many cultures embraced the idea of rosemary as a powerful mental
stimulant. Medieval herbalists recommended rosemary for lethargy, palsy and
"diseases of the brain".
Modern herbalists embrace rosemary's alleged healing properties as well. Herbal
books recommend warm compresses of rosemary for gall bladder and liver problems.
Rosemary is among the most popular scents in handmade cosmetics. In skin care,
rosemary is believed to be an excellent herb for hair and scalp problems. It's
commonly added to natural shampoos and some herbalists believe it can stimulate
hair growth. It's also added as a dandruff preventative.
In Chinese medicine, rosemary promotes the circulation of Qi and invigorates
the blood.
Aromatherapy Uses
Rosemary has long been associated with everlasting love and some cultures
prized it as a sacred herb. It's not uncommon for brides to tuck a sprig or two
of rosemary into their bouquets.
Esoteric aromatherapists believe rosemary to be a powerful psychic protector.
Rosemary is associated with the third eye (brow chakra). Aromatherapists will
diffuse rosemary into the air to promote mental clarity, deepen concentration
and increase retention during periods of learning. A study cited in the
Aromatherapy Database found that mice exposed to rosemary showed increased
loco-motor activity.
Blending With Other Essential Oils
Rosemary has a definite "medicinal" scent but the smell is more subtle than
that of, say, eucalyptus. It blends extremely well with citrus oils and works
equally well with herbaceous scents like basil or thyme. And a 50-50 blend of
rosemary and lavender gives you a classic fragrance for linens.
Rosemary is considered a middle-note.
Safety & Warnings
Rosemary is generally considered safe though many essential oil experts warn
against its use by pregnant women and those with epilepsy or high blood
pressure.
The use of essential oils (extracts or essences) from flowers, herbs, and
trees to promote health and well-being.
A system of caring for the body with botanical oils such as rose, lemon,
lavender (used to soothe cuts, bruises and insect bites), and peppermint.
These essential oils can be added to a bath, massaged through the skin,
inhaled directly, used with teas, or scented in a room. This therapy is
intended to relieve pain, care for the skin, and alleviate tension and
fatigue.
The use of fragrant, natural, botanical essential oils from plants, leaves,
bark, roots, seeds, resins and flowers as a healing art. Aromatherapy
refreshes and relaxes the skin while soothing the mind by helping to induce
a sense of well-being. Each individual essence is used to produce a
specific beneficial effect. Used in massage and facials.
The use of essential oils from aromatic plants to restore and enhance
health and beauty as defined by the American Aromatherapy Association.
Aromatherapy uses as its basic ingredients essential oils, which represent
the highest herbal energy. Essential oils are highly concentrated, volatile
extracts retrieved from aromatic herbs, flowers, seeds and trees; they
contain hormone-like properties, vitamins, minerals and natural
antiseptics.
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