rosemary - rosmarinus officinalis

Rosemary Essential Oil comes in lots of different "flavors".  What I mean by that is, depending on where it's grown (climate, altitude, weather, soil, etc), the chemical composition of the oil will differ. 

Robert Tisserand's Essential Oil Safety lists seven unique constituent types of Rosmarinus officinalis:  CT Borneol,
CT Bornyl acetate, CT Camphor, CT 1,8 Cineole,
CT β-Myrcene, CT α-Pinene, and CT Verbenone.  While there are a few differences in the overall chemical composition, the main variation in each of these types is the quantity of each chemical.  All of the chemotypes contain Camphor, Camphene, 1,8 Cineole, Verbenone, and α-Pinene.  This has an impact on safe use of the oil as we'll see later in this blog.  It also means that the therapeutic properties of each type will be similar.

Rosemary can relieve inflammation, pain, muscle spasms, gas, and cramping.   Its antimicrobial properties combined with its respiratory benefits of being both decongestant and expectorant make it a good oil to use in a diffuser blend for ages 10 and up during a cold or the flu.  Added to a skin/hair care regimen, Rosemary's astringent and antioxidant properties can help with reducing acne and excess oil in the hair and skin.  As a circulatory stimulant, it can increase blood flow, thus increasing alertness, cognition, and attention span.  Finally, Rosemary can help protect the liver with its antioxidant properties.  

While Rosemary has GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe) status, there are some precautions that need to be taken before using it.   
First, if you have a seizure disorder, do not use Rosemary Essential Oil.  The camphor in it may be neurotoxic, and this oil has been known to set off seizures.
Second, 1,8 Cineole is a chemical that can cause breathing and the central nervous system of children to slow down.  Do not use Rosemary Essential Oil on or near the faces of children under the age of 10.  
Third,  the amount to use topically has limits depending on the chemical composition. 
For example, the maximum dilution for use on the skin is 16.5%  for Rosemary ct Camphor,
22% for Rosemary ct α-Pinene, and
6.5 %   for Rosemary ct Verbenone.

When used properly, Rosemary is a great oil (I love it in my nO MG blend when I have a migraine), but it's important that you know which oil you have, and that you follow the safety precautions.

To learn more about Rosemary Essential Oil, check out its Materia Aromatica in the Membership section of my website.