Rosemary, an aromatic perennial, originates from the Mediterranean region and is etymologically derived from the Latin terms "ros" (dew) and "marinus" (sea), collectively interpreted as "dew of the sea." Esteemed for its robust and invigorating fragrance, which boasts notes of evergreen, citrus, and herbaceous undertones, rosemary essential oil is meticulously extracted from Rosmarinus Officinalis. This plant is a member of the Lamiaceae family, encompassing other aromatic herbs such as Basil, Oregano, Lavender, Myrtle, and Sage. Visually, it bears resemblance to lavender, featuring needle-like leaves with a subtle silvery shimmer.
Flying Wild use Rosemary Essential Oil in Arnica 8% Deep
Tissue Massage Balm, Arnica & Calendula Deep Tissue Massage Balm, Cooling Massage Balm, and our much loved Foot Rescue Balm.
History of Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary, revered by ancient civilizations such as the Greeks, Egyptians, Hebrews, and Romans, held multifaceted roles across various rituals and practices. This esteemed herb adorned the heads of Greek scholars during academic pursuits, symbolizing mental acuity, and featured prominently in both Greek and Roman cultural and religious festivities, including nuptials, symbolizing the cyclic nature of life and death. In Mediterranean culinary arts, both rosemary leaves and its essential oil were integral in food preparation, enhancing flavors with its distinctive aroma. Meanwhile, in Egypt, rosemary and its derivatives were employed in the production of incense. During the Medieval period, rosemary was considered a potent talisman against supernatural forces. As a token of eternal memory, it was customary to place rosemary in burial sites, ensuring that the departed remained commemorated.
Benefits of Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary Oil helps promote relaxation and its scent can
improve mood. It also has an invigorating effect that can help reduce feelings of fatigue. Inhaling rosemary oil can help promote deeper breathing, which is especially beneficial during meditation and spiritual practices.
When administered topically in a diluted form, rosemary essential oil is capable of enhancing the aesthetic qualities of hair, imparting a healthy sheen and texture. It is also noted for its ability to mitigate minor discomforts. During therapeutic massages, the application of rosemary oil can foster an overall feeling of well-being and comfort. In the realm of hair care, the use of rosemary essential oil contributes significantly to creating a fuller and more dynamically vibrant hair appearance while simultaneously hydrating the scalp to combat dryness and flakiness effectively. Historically, rosemary oil combined with Olive Oil in a heated treatment has been recognized for improving hair's visual appeal and structural strength. Furthermore, rosemary oil serves as an wonderful ingredient in many skincare formulations, supporting the maintenance of skin balance. Compatible with all skin types, this essential oil can be incorporated into a variety of products such as soaps, facial cleansers, masks, toners, and creams to cultivate firm, moisturised skin that radiates health.
Rosemary Essential Oil's refreshing and energizing aroma can
be diluted with water and used in natural homemade room fresheners to eliminate unpleasant odors from the environment as well as from objects. When added to recipes for homemade scented candles, it can work the same way to freshen the
scent of a room.
- promotes relaxation and improves mood
- enhances strength and shine of hair
- balances and stimulates the skin
- stimulates concentration and improves mental clarity
- supports digestion
- provides a soothing effect on muscles and joints
- supports clear breathing
- stimulates circulation
Cultivation and Harvesting
Rosemary, a robust perennial shrub native to the Mediterranean basin, exemplifies resilience and adaptability. This herb belongs to a distinguished family of aromatic plants, including Lavender, Basil, Mint, and Oregano, known for their high essential oil content. The structure of rosemary is uniquely designed for essential oil accumulation, with leaves featuring a dense, dark upper surface and a lighter underside that bears thick protective hairs.
During the warmer months, rosemary is adorned with small, tubular flowers ranging from pale to deep blue, signifying its reproductive phase. The extraction of Rosemary Essential Oil is meticulously performed on the flowering tops and leaves to ensure the highest quality.
Commercial cultivation spans diverse geographical regions, dictating the harvesting frequency. Mechanical harvesting methods are preferred for their efficiency and ability to promote rapid regrowth, thereby optimizing yield rates. Typically, rosemary fields are harvested one to two times annually, allowing sustainable management of this valuable aromatic resource.
How Rosemary Essential Oil is Extracted
Rosemary Essential Oil is most commonly extracted through
the steam distillation of the plant's flowering tops and leaves. After
distillation, the oil has a watery viscosity and can be colourless or pale yellow. It's powerful and refreshing smell is herbaceous and similar to mint with an undertone that is characterized as woody and balsamic.
Some Suggested Uses
For a scalp / hair massage blend – blend a couple of drops of rosemary with some organic lavender essential oil in a carrier oil such as jojoba or castor oil.
For respiratory support - diffuse or inhale on its own or blended, we like it blended with some lavender, eucalyptus, and lemon essential oils.
To assist with studying, focusing, memorising – diffuse or inhale
a few drops or perhaps with some lemon essential oil. To inhale just apply a drop to a tissue and breathe in.
For muscular aches and pains – dilute in a carrier oil and massage affected areas.
I hope you enjoyed reading about rosemary essential oil as much as I have enjoyed the writing.
Thank you very much for choosing Flying Wild.
Arno
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