What is Rosemary Oil?
Salvia rosmarinus, or rosemary, is an herb in the mint family Lamiaceae. Until 2017, the plant’s scientific name was Rosmarinus officinalis and you may see this used as an alternate designation. Rosemary is a fragrant evergreen perennial with pink, purple, or blue flowers. It is native to Asia and the Mediterranean. However, it is a very hearty species and can grow in many different climates due to its drought-resistance.
The first written reference to rosemary appears on cuneiform tablets from 5000 BC. Egyptians used rosemary oil for embalming and burial rites. The Ancient Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder wrote about rosemary in The Natural History and PedaniusDioscorides, an Ancient Greek pharmacologist, documented the medicinal uses of this herb in De Materia Medica. Throughout the Middle Ages, individuals would place rosemary under their pillows to prevent nightmares or visits from evil spirits. Homes would also burn the herb to ward off the Black Plague. During medieval times, rosemary was believed to cure indigestion, headaches, joint pain, and other ailments.
To extract rosemary oil, we use steam distillation. This process involves placing Salvia rosmarinus leaves and flowers in a vat then injecting steam from below. The heat vaporizes the scent compounds in the plant. We then condense this vapor and purify the essential oil.
Complementary Scents
The herbal scent of rosemary creates a lovely contrast with citrus oils such as lime, lemon, grapefruit, and orange. Additionally, its evergreen notes pair well with juniper berry essential oil. For a more herbaceous blend, try rosemary with oregano or eucalyptus.
Primary Benefits
Rosemary is one of the best essential oils for hair. It can nourish your scalp and hair follicles to encourage growth. To enjoy this benefit, simply massage diluted rosemary oil into your scalp and throughout your hair. Leave it in for 30 minutes, then wash it out. You can also add this essential oil to your shampoo or conditioner to get shiny, silky hair.
This oil is associated with clearing negative energy and has been used for this purpose since ancient times. Whether you diffuse it or dilute it to create an anointing oil, it is a great choice to promote spiritual purity. Additionally, its scent can help you focus during meditation. You can also combine this oil with witch hazel and water to create a room spray for this purpose. If you would like, you can add other spiritually significant oils such as frankincense, clary sage, or juniper berry to create your own unique scents.
Rosemary essential oil is excellent for household cleaning. It is a fantastic deodorizer and can help remove sticky or greasy stains from surfaces. Combining it with lemon oil or other natural cleansers, such as baking soda or vinegar, can make cleaning with rosemary oil even easier and more effective.
How to Use Rosemary Essential Oil
To diffuse rosemary oil, follow the instructions for your specific diffuser and be sure to add only the recommended amount. Using too much oil can create an overwhelming scent. Additionally, you should limit diffusion time to a few hours per sitting to avoid overexposure or possible damage to your diffuser.
Before using this or any other pure essential oil topically, it is necessary to dilute it with a carrier oil such as olive, jojoba, or coconut oil. We recommend using three drops of essential oil for every one teaspoon of carrier oil. Test on a small area before applying elsewhere.
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