Rosemary oil

Rosemary oil comes from Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), a member of the Calendula family.

Rosemary oil is extracted from the top shoots of the plant and is produced by steam distillation. The rosemary shoots yield around 1-2% oil.

Although rosemary oil has long been used medicinally, there is no scientific evidence that it can be used to treat disease.

In this article you can read about the properties and uses of rosemary oil, but also about the precautions you should take when using it.

Properties of rosemary oil

Undocumented properties

Properties studied with lack of evidence

• Herpes: A German study has indicated that rosemary oil may be used to treat herpes (HSV – herpes simplex virus). However, the study was based on the effect of rosemary oil on monkey kidney cells and was conducted in vitro, and is therefore in no way scientific proof that the oil can be used to treat herpes.

• Antibacterial properties: There are many studies on the antibacterial properties of rosemary oil, but the results are contradictory. In short, there is no scientific evidence that rosemary oil has an antibacterial effect.

• Memory: Rosemary and rosemary oil have long been used to improve and sharpen memory. Although this effect has not been scientifically proven, there are already studies that have found that rosemary oil has a positive effect on memory.

Documented properties

In a 2013 study, a group of researchers concluded that rosemary oil has “a positive stimulating effect” and that the results of their experiments were proof that the oil can “alter brainwave activity, autonomic nervous system responses and our mood”. There are other studies with similar results and conclusions.

There are several studies that have proven that rosemary oil can be used to extend the shelf life of food. This means that rosemary oil can be used as a natural alternative to certain preservatives in certain foods. For example, one study has shown that rosemary oil can extend the shelf life of cooked turkey meat by 7 days and up to 11 days in combination with chitosan. In addition, the oil can also extend the shelf life of meat.

Rosemary oil extract can also be used to extend the shelf life of oils that are rich in omega 3 and therefore have a natural tendency to go rancid relatively quickly.

Uses of rosemary oil

Although some rosemary oils can be ingested, rosemary oil is generally intended for external use. Always read the instructions on the packaging before use.

Hair

Some people believe that rosemary and rosemary oil can be used for the following:

• Stimulating hair follicles (to make hair grow or grow faster)
• Treatment of dandruff
• Treatment of lice

However, there are no scientific studies to confirm the above effects.

Aromatherapy

In aromatherapy, rosemary oil is mainly used for inhalation, diffusion in the air, hot baths and in massage oil. Some therapists also mix it into shampoos, creams and the like. In addition, rosemary oil is also a popular fragrance in incense sticks.

Rosemary oil is suitable for blending with the following oils:

Other uses

Rosemary oil is also used in:

• Perfumes
• Air fresheners
• Cleaning products

Varieties

There are several varieties of rosemary oil, all of which have their individual uses and possibly also specific properties. In principle, rosemary oil can be made from several types of rosemary, but the following 3 are particularly popular:

• Rosmarinus officinalis var. camphor
• Rosmarinus officinalis var. cineol
• Rosmarinus officinalis var. verbenone

Most rosemary oils are derived from either Rosmarinus officinalis or one of the above varieties. In addition, there are also rosemary oils that are a mixture of the above and/or Rosmarinus officinalis.

Precautions to be taken

Rosemary oil should not be used by

• Pregnant women
• Epileptics
• People with high blood pressure

Rosemary oil should also only be used diluted, i.e. mixed with a base oil for external use and an edible oil or other liquid for internal use.