Rosemary essential oil properties

Benefits of rosemary essential oil

Characteristics and properties of rosemary essential oil

The essential oil of rosemary is one of the most commonly used oils in aromatherapy. In southern Europe or North Africa, where rosemary grows abundantly, this oil can be found in most local natural products, markets, pharmacies, etc.

Rosemary oil is very powerful because of the amount of components this oil contains. These components make it a good ally of health to use in curing physical problems, but at the same time, it can also turn it into a dangerous when not used properly.

Best rosemary essential oil comes from Spain or North Africa. The hotter and drier the climate, the more intense the aroma.

Components of essential oil of rosemary

The main components of the essential oil of rosemary are:

• Alpha-pinene: With 35% of the essential oil. Alpha-pinene is the main component of essential oil of rosemary. Among its main properties are the following: expectorant, antispasmodic, anti-flu, anti-bacterial, anti-acne, irritating, allergenic, insecticide, etc. Plants that are rich in this oil are: celery, lemon, turmeric, rosemary or many types of pines.
• Camphor: Up to 15%. With analgesic, antispasmodic, expectorant, rubefacient, emetic, irritant, antiseptic, antipruritic, etc. The camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora) is the plant that contains a highest amount of this component. Very abundant in other plants such as sage, rosemary or lavender,
• 1,8-cineol (eucalyptol): About 12%. Though its common name is taken from the eucalyptus whose leaves are rich in this component, it is much more abundant in the essential oil of lemon and boldo leaves. Other rich plants are: sweet bay, mint, rosemary, sage, etc. It has expectorant, antitussive, anti-ulcer, anti-rheumatic, anti sinusitis, antibacterial, anesthetic, etc.
• Camphene: About 11%. With expectorant, antioxidant, insecticide properties. It abounds in plants such as sage, ginger, rosemary, cumin or labdanum.

Other components with lower proportions: p-cymene, borneol, bornyl acetate, alpha-humulene, alpha-terpineol, b-caryophyllene, etc.

What is rosemary essential oil like?

The scent of rosemary is similar to Eucalyptus because both contain a substance called eucalyptol.

Intense, camphor-like, fresh, herbal and eucalyptus-like tones.

Properties of rosemary essential oil

• Tonic and energizer
• Cardiac stimulant
• liver and bile.

Main uses of essential oil of rosemary

Rosemary essential oil is mainly used for the following abnormalities:

• Pain: rosemary essential oil is useful for treating pain. Relieves muscle aches, backache, migraine, arthritis, etc.
• Jaundice
• Mind stimulator.
• Circulatory: Can be used to improve poor circulation,
• Skin problems: The essential oil of rosemary is used for making creams for skin care. especially creams for oily skin, acne, etc.
• Hair Care: One of its main applications is their ability to treat hair problems. It is used by adding a few drops in the shampoo or using it in friction or lotions to prevent dandruff, seborrhea or hairloss.
  You can prepare a seborrhea lotion based on rosemary essential oil, lavender essential oil and essential oil sunflower. It can also be used as a lotion to combat head lice.

How to apply the essential oil of rosemary?

The essential oil of rosemary, as we shall see later, should only be used in external use. The pure essential oil of rosemary is toxic. Do not eat nor use pure essentil oil in external use on the skin.

Before applying, it must be diluted with a carrier oil, such as olive oil or almond. Once diluted, there are different ways to apply it.

Toxicity of rosemary essential oil

Rosemary essential oil, used externally, can cause skin redness or headache. Used in high doses is toxic and can cause muscle spasms. It is considered neurotoxic and convulsive.

Rosemary essential oil should not be ingested. When taken in large quantities, it can even cause death. Taken diluted, ingestion of essential oil of rosemary is equally dangerous and can damage the kidneys, stomach or intestines.

The essential oil of rosemary, both in external and internal use, should not be applied to small children.

The essential oil of rosemary, both external and internal use, should NOT be used in lactating or pregnant women.

Contraindications of essential oil of rosemary

Rosemary essential oil is not indicated for some people. For example, rosemary is not recommended for people with hypertension and in people with epilepsy. (See Contraindications rosemary in the listing below)

More information on other essential oils and rosemary

Written by Editorial Botanical-online team in charge of content writing

12 May, 2023