Rosemary, Chemotypes, Folklore and More
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
This stimulating, uplifting, and aromatic evergreen shrub with countless linear silvery leaves and delicate blue flowers has been used for centuries for culinary and medicinal purposes. Rosemary, a native of the Mediterranean, has a history of intriguing folklore.
Rosemary essential oil results from the steam distillation of the fresh flowering tops; it possesses a robust, vigorous, and balsamic aroma. Because of its chemical constituents, the essential oil may be helpful for the following situations skin and hair problems, varicose veins, muscular pain, stimulation of the scalp, poor circulation, headaches, mental fatigue, nervous exhaustion, and respiratory issues.
The essential oil from the species Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) offers three chemotypes (ct.), which you will find on the market. A chemotype occurs when a plant adapts to specific environments to survive. This is a reflection of genetic variability that provides evolutionary flexibility, resilience, and adaptability in plant species. A chemotype has the same genus and species of the plant, but the plant's chemical constituents are different.
For example, the Rosmarinus offcinalis chemotypes listed below will have the same properties as the plant, with a change in one or two chemical constituents making them the most distinct. Consequently, the essential oil chemotype is named after the most distinct constituents.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis ct. camphor/borneol): this essential oil chemotype contains more camphor. A good choice for muscle aches and pains, the circulatory system, muscular blood flow, and clears the mind.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis ct. 1,8-cineole): this essential oil chemotypes contains more 1,8-cineol. It is a fine choice regarding its primary effect on respiratory issues and reduces mucus. It also is suggested to help strengthen the nervous system by supporting mental functions. It refreshes the mind and creates alertness. This chemotype is the most common one on the market and the one we currently offer.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis ct. verbenone): this essential oil chemotype contains more verbenone. It helps improve the function of the liver, cell regenerator for the skin, and anti-spasmodic properties. In addition, it is less “stimulating” than the other two chemotypes making it suitable for use in the evening.
(Note: the above statements are not clinically proven)
Folklore:
In ancient times Rosemary had a reputation for strengthening memory. It was given the name “Incensier” in France because of its use to replace the more costly types of incense in religious ceremonies. At weddings, the adornment of Rosemary represented a symbol of love and loyalty. People threw Rosemary branches into graves to remember the dead. Ancient Greek students braided Rosemary into their hair to help them with their studies. And Rosemary was frequently grown in kitchen gardens and represented the dominant influence of the house mistress. “Where Rosemary flourished, the woman ruled.”
Rosemary quotes from the Past and Present:
Sir Thomas More (1478-1535), a statesman and philosopher, wrote:
“As for rosemary, I let it run all over my garden walls, not only because my bees love it but because it is the herb sacred to remembrance and to friendship, whence a sprig of it hath a dumb language that maketh it the chosen emblem or our funeral wakes and in our burial grounds.”
Anne Crane, a devoted client, and friend, writes:
“I love Rosemary! If I walk by any rosemary plant, I can’t help but touch its beautiful needle leaves and then smell my hand for minutes on end. Better yet, rosemary oil in a diffuser lasts for hours! As an educator in the medical coding field, I have difficulty remembering policies, guidelines, and anatomy within my specialties. The necessity to be able to focus for hours and reach those recesses of my brain is paramount. Rosemary essential oil is my go-to oil. Diffusing it in my office helps energize me so that I can tackle what I feel at the time might be impossible. The scent of Rosemary brings clarity to my mind. It instantly takes away stress, so my mind can open up, and I can remember all those details. I must be Frogworks Rosemary Oil VIP - her oil is of the best quality, and I always have more than a few bottles on hand. Thank you, rosemary plants, for your beauty, scent, and flavor - what a wonderful plant you are!”