A pleasant essential oil is obtained from rosemary, known for its properties for the skin, hair, respiratory tract and nervous systemamong others. It can be used both internally and externally in different situations, although it is advisable to take into account some precautions and contraindications.

Now, there are different types of essential oileach with its specific properties. In this article we will see what the rosemary plant is like, its traditional use, what are the main varieties of rosemary and types of essential oil, and how to use them in each case.

The plant and its traditional use

The rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus and formerly Rosmarinus officinalis) is a very aromatic plant evergreen shrub that can measure up to two meters in height. The leaves are deep green on top and whitish on the velvety underside.

grows in arid, rocky and calcareous placesand it can bloom throughout the year if the climate is warm, its flowers are generally pale violet, but we will occasionally find them in intense blue, pink or white. Bees drink from its flowers.

The plant is native to the Mediterranean areabut it is found mainly in southern Europe, northern Africa and southwest Asia. In the Iberian Peninsula it is more common in the southern half and in the east, from sea level to a height of 1,200 m.

The rosemary was highly appreciated in ancient times. Its use as medicine was not frequent, but was mainly used in religious and purification rites (it replaced incense), in public events or intimate celebrations. It was a symbol of love, fidelity, prosperity and immortality.

He rosemary essential oil It is generally obtained from flowering stems. According to the sources consulted, it could have been extracted for the first time in the 12th century, probably by the Arabs. Arnaud de Villeneuve produced the essence of rosemary in an alcoholic solution back in 1330.

Furthermore, it is the main ingredient of the famous water of the queen of Hungarycreated around the year 1370. Legend has it that the queen received from an angel or a monk the formula for a rejuvenating liquor at the age of 72 years. It later became a perfume.

Types of rosemary essential oil

There are 3 different chemotypes, although we find more than 150 types of rosemary. The three used in aromatherapy are:

• Rosmarinus officinalis cineoliferum or 1,8-cineole chemotype rosemary.
• Rosmarinus officinalis verbenoniferum L. or rosemary chemotype verbenone.
• Rosmarinus officinalis camphoriferum or camphor chemotype rosemary.

Rosemary and its different essential oils are, in fact, the perfect example to illustrate what chemotype means. We speak of chemotype when the same plant, botanically defined, manifests notable biochemical variations. There is also talk of «chemical race.»

Is the chemotype of rosemary important?

Yes, it is important to look at the chemotype. Generally, the variations marked by the chemotype have a genetic component and depend strongly on the biotope. So we see how the rosemary that grows in Spain synthesizes a camphor chemotyped essential oil; in Morocco, it is 1,8-cineole that marks its identity; and in France, it is the ketone verbenone that distinguishes it from its other Mediterranean brethren.

These biochemical variations have a therapeutic impact and toxicological. That is why we insist on the importance of knowing the chemotype of essential oils when choosing and using them.

Health properties

Therapeutically speaking, the three chemotypes are great protectors against the effects of aging. Thanks to their extraordinary antioxidant properties, any of these three essential oils should be taken into account for prepare simple and effective anti-aging treatments.

The anti-aging effect can not only be used in skin care, but also in joints and muscles and to promote the memory. Rosemary 1,8-cineole is the most interesting of the three for memory and difficulties concentrating.

They are also essential oils related to respiratory systemwith 1.8-cineole chemotype rosemary being the most specific when it comes to treating respiratory pathologies.

To mention more specific properties, camphor rosemary is a good venous decongestant.

Finally, rosemary verbenone is the most suitable for take care of the liver.

When to use rosemary essential oil

Rosemary essential oil will be very useful in the following situations:

For contracture and joint pain

In this case we will use the essential oil of rosemary camphor chemotype.

1. Dilute 2 drops with a dessert spoon’s worth of arnica oil and apply to the affected area.
2. Reapply again after about twenty minutes for a faster and longer-lasting effect.
3. Repeat the application about three more times throughout the day.

For hair: a good anti-loss

To prevent or help stop hair loss, we will use the essential oil of rosemary 1.8-cineole chemotype.

1. Add 1 drop to your shampoo dose.
2. Let it sit for a couple of minutes and rinse with water.

Once a week you can do one hair mask of rosemary with 2 drops diluted with a tablespoon of black cumin vegetable oil.

For the skin of the body: an anti-aging oil

The most suitable rosemary essential oil is verbenone chemotype.

1. Use a 100 ml dark-colored glass bottle.
2. Add 10 ml of rosemary verbenone essential oil and complete with 40 ml of jojoba oil, 20 ml of black cumin vegetable oil and 20 ml of argan vegetable oil.
3. Add 8 drops of vitamin E.

Apply this oil on your skin after showering.

For a liver cleanse

The essential oil of rosemary chemotype verbenone It is the ideal companion to accompany a «detox» diet.

They are taken 2 drops with a little black cumin vegetable oil twice a day for 15 days.

For concentration and memory

During study time, if you have difficulty concentrating or have a bad memory, it may be useful to use rosemary essential oil. We will use the essential oil of rosemary 1.8-cineole chemotype by olfactory route.

• If you have an ionizing diffuser (with water): Add 15 drops to the container.
• If using a mist diffuser (without water): Put the amount of essential oil necessary for the operation of the device (depends on the models).

Start the diffuser while you are studying or when you need to concentrate.

For the people with memory problems We can also resort to one of these two options:

• Use the essential oil in diffusion, half an hour two to three times a day.
• Smell directly from the bottle throughout the day (5 to 8 times per day).

For lack of confidence: it gives you courage

If you like the smell of rosemary and want to strengthen your self-confidence, prepare a roll-on with rosemary verbenone essential oil:

1. In a roll-on of 5 ml put 15 drops of rosemary verbenone essential oil.
2. Complete with jojoba oil.
3. Apply as if it were a perfume, on the wrists, behind the ears and optionally on the solar plexus.
4. Repeat throughout the day.

It can be especially useful in times of stress, when confidence is lost.

In colds with nasal congestion and when there is mucus

He rosemary verbenone and the cineol rosemary They are the most interesting to use in case of colds and when there is stuck mucus.

For this we will deposit a couple of drops of one or another essential oil on a tissue of paper and inhale. We repeat 4 to 5 times throughout the day.

We can also apply a massage in the neck area with 3 drops of one or another essential oil diluted with 6 drops of vegetable oil. We can do this massage about 3 times a day.

Precautions and contraindications

Any of the chemotypes of rosemary essential oil contains camphora potentially neurotoxic and abortive ketone. Therefore, the use of this essential oil should Avoid during pregnancy and in children under 6 years old.

Moderate use is also recommended if you suffer from high blood pressure.