Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis, is native to the countries surrounding the Mediterranean. Its Latin name Rosmarinus translates as ‘dew of the sea’. It now grows abundantly across the globe and is recognisable by its dark green needle-like leaves and pretty purple flowers. The essential oil is steam distilled from the fresh flowering tops and produces a strong, fresh, camphoraceous aroma. But what is Rosemary Essential Oil used for?
The History of Rosemary
For centuries it has been used as a medicinal, sacred and culinary herb. Traces of Rosemary have been found in Egyptian tombs, and the ancient Greeks and Romans burnt it or placed sprigs of it around doors to ward off evil spirits. During the 1600’s many people used it, including physicians, believing it would deter the plague. Rosemary also has a long traditional connection to the mind and remembrance and it is quoted in literature and often cited to help improve memory and concentration. Recent scientific studies have shown that it can be helpful for memory, particularly relating to Dementia.
Benefits and Uses
An invigorating essential oil, Rosemary’s piercing and tenacious aroma is uplifting, which can help with mental fatigue and lethargy and can also be used to relieve muscular aches and pains and boost local circulation. Because of its clearing aroma, it can be a supportive decongestant for coughs and colds and is a great essential oil to use as the season changes and we approach Autumn. In Aromatherapy, it is contra-indicated for use with people with epilepsy and is best avoided for use late in the evening as it is rather stimulating.
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It blends well with other essential oils with a strong ‘green’ aroma and spicy and citrus essential oils. Here are some blends for you to try at home:
Refreshing/Concentration Diffuser Blend
Add the following essential oils to the water in your Aroma Spa Diffuser:
2 drops of Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis
3 drops of May Chang, Litsea cubeba
2 drops of Cardamom, Ellettaria cardamomum
Perfect for when you need a mental boost and to gain clarity.
Muscular Aches and Pains Massage Oil
Add the following essential oils to 20ml of blending oil:
3 drops of Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis
5 drops of Lavender, Lavandula angustifolia
2 drops of French (Sweet) Marjoram, Origanum marjorana
Massage into areas of the body that are feeling achy – DO NOT use on the face
Change of Season Bug Busting Diffuser Blend
Add the following to the water in your Aroma Spa Diffuser:
2 drops of Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis
2 drops of Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus globulus
4 drops of Lemon, Citrus limonum
Use as the weather changes to offer protection against seasonal colds.
I hope you enjoy using your Rosemary essential oil, do let us know how you are using yours.
About Jo Kellett
Our essential oil expert, Jo Kellett TIDHA MIFPA CIMI, graduated from the Tisserand Institute of Holistic Aromatherapy in 1996. She returned to the college in 1999 as Essential Oil Therapeutics Tutor, where she taught until the college closed. Jo runs a successful private Aromatherapy practice in Brighton, specialising in Women’s health. Jo is also an internationally published author and has lectured on the subject of Aromatherapy both in the UK and abroad.
For more information on Jo Kellett, check out her website or Instagram
