Rosemary

Botanical Name

Rosmarinus officinalis

The proper botanical name for Rosemary is now Salvia rosmarinus, however, you may still often see Rosmarinus officinalis until all literature is updated.

Plant Family

Lamiaceae

Country of Origin

Worldwide: France, Spain, Tunisia, California, Russia, Middle East, England, Portugal, Yugoslavia, Morocco, China, etc.

Rosemary Essential Oil Uses

Cognitive support and brain health. Source: Dorene Petersen, Presentation: Clinical Use of Aromatherapy for Brain Health: 7 Essential Oils. August 9, 2017, New Brunswick, NJ. Alliance of International Aromatherapists 2017 Conference. AIA 2017 Conference Proceedings page 221-222.

Aching muscles, analgesic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, arthritis, astringent, carminative, cephalic, cholagogue, choleretic, cicatrisant, cordial, cytophylactic, dandruff, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, dull skin, emmenagogue, exhaustion, fungicidal, gout, hair care, hepatic, hypertensive, muscle cramping, nervine, neuralgia, parasiticide, poor circulation, restorative, rheumatism, rubefacient, stimulant (circulatory, adrenal cortex, hepatobiliary), stomachic, sudorific, tonic (nervous, general), vulnerary.

Source: Julia Lawless, The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Updated Edition) (London: Harper Thorsons, 2014), 173-174.

Common Method of Extraction

Steam Distilled

Plant Part Typically Used

Leaves and Flowers/Buds

Color

Clear

Consistency

Thin

Perfumery Note

Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma

Medium – Strong

Aromatic Description

Rosemary Essential Oil smells fresh, herbaceous, sweet and slightly medicinal.

Possible Substitute Oils

Sage (1,8-cineole CT), Spike Lavender, Lavandin, Myrtle, Niaouli (viridiflorol CT), Spanish Sage, Spike Lavender, Spruce (black), Spruce (blue), Sage (camphor CT), Spanish Sage, Balsam Fir, Silver Fir

Blends Well With

Basil, Bay Laurel, Bergamot and other Citrus oils, Black Pepper, Blue Cypress, Cajeput, Camphor, Cassia, Cedarwood, Cinnamon and most spice oils, Citronella, Clary Sage, Clove, Coriander, Eucalyptus, Elemi, Frankincense, Geranium, Ginger, Grapefruit, Labdanum, Lavandin, Lavender, Lemongrass, Lime, Mandarin,  Marjoram, Melaleuca (tea tree), Melissa, Myrtle, Orange, Oregano, Palmarosa, Patchouli, Peppermint, Petitgrain, Pine, Ravensara, Sage, Tangerine, Thyme, Vetiver.

Source: Dr. Scott A. Johnson, Evidence-Based Essential Oil Therapy The Ultimate Guide to the Therapeutic And Clinical Application of Essential Oils (First Edition) (Scott A. Johnson Professional Writing Serices, LLC), 218-224.

GRAS status

YES

Major Constituents of Rosemary 1,8-Cineole Chemotype

• 1,8-Cineole
• Camphor
• a-Pinene
• B-Pinene
• B-Caryophyllene
• a-Caryphyllene

See Essential Oil Safety for more complete list of typical constituents.

Source: J.C. Chalchat, R.P. Garry, A. Michet, et al. Essential Oils of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.). The Chemical Composition of Oils of Various Origins (Morocco, Spain, France). (Journal of Essential Oil Research 5, 1993), 613-618. Private Communication: Badoux, 2003. Sources cited in Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 407-408.

Recommended Dilution Range

2%-20%; neat for some conditions

Rosemary Essential Oil Safety Information

Tisserand and Young warn that Rosemary Oil is potentially neurotoxic, depending on the level of camphor present in the oil. They also warn not to use on or near the face of infants and children. They recommend dermal maximum s of 16.5% for Rosemary Camphor and 6.5% for Rosemary Verbenone. Reading Tisserand and Young’s full profile is recommended. [Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 407-409.]

General Safety Information

Do not take essential oils internally nor apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin without advanced essential oil knowledge or consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Read, Birkat Natural’s, Guide to Diluting Essential Oils, for general dilution information. If you are currently experiencing pregnancy, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, have any other medical problem, or are otherwise under the care of a physician, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and be sure to first read the recommended dilution ratios for children. Consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children, the elderly, if you have medical issues or are taking medications. Carefully read Birkat Natural’s Essential Oil Safety Information page, before using any essential oil. For in-depth information on oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.

The FDA has not evaluated the statements on this website. No claims are made by Birkat Adonai Farm, LLC as to the medicinal value of any products from Birkat Adonai Farm, LLC. The information presented here is for educating our customers about the traditional uses of essential oils and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You are responsible for understanding the safe application of these products. If you have any questions, please call or email us for further information.