The Rosemary tree for oil extraction.
The Rosemary tree for oil extraction.
The name sounds like that of a beautiful lady, but I am afraid, it does not look like one.The meaning of the name iseven more romantic. Here, “Ros” means “Dew” and “Marinus” means “Sea”. So, the name Rosemary stands for “Dew of the Sea”. Isn’t that great! Now coming to the business, Rosemary Essential Oil is obtained from this Rosemary plant. Rosemary is a woody, evergreen herb with needle like leaves. It is believed to have originated in Europe, but some say that it is originally from Asia. This plant is also called Anthos sometimes.
Scientific Name: The botanical name for Rosemary is Rosmarinus Officinalis. It is from the family Laminaceae. There is another species of Rosemary bearing scientific name Rosmarinus Eriocalyx, which is native to Africa, but it is not that much used commercially.
Extraction: Rosemary Essential Oil is extracted through steam distillation of fresh flowering buds. The yield is around 1% to 2%.
Physical Properties: Here are they;
? Colour: Clear, transparent.
? Texture: Watery viscous
? Aroma: Strong, clear herbal aroma.
? State: It is liquid at room temperature.
Chemical Composition: The compounds present in Rosemary Essential Oil are Alpha Pinene, Beta Pinene, Beta Myrcene, Betulinic Acid, Borneol, Bornyl Acetate, Caffeic Acid, Ursolic Acid, Camphor, Camphene, Carnosic Acid, Carnosol, 1,8-Cineole, Limonene, Linalool, Rosmarinic Acid, Rosmaridiphenol, Rosmanol, Verbenol and Verbenone. It also contains good amounts of iron, calcium and Vitamin B6.
Medicinal Properties & Health Benefits: Rosemary Essential Oil is no less than any other essential oil, when it comes to medicinal properties & health benefits. See for yourself;
? Cephalic: Its capability to improve functioning of brain, keeping it healthy and enhancing memory were recognized long – long back. That’s why; it is associated with remembering your beloved ones.
? Anti Rheumatic: It is yet another old application of rosemary. There are instances in history when it was used to cure rheumatic arthritis and gout.
? Anti Oxidant: The compound Carnosic Acid & Carnosol present in Rosemary Essential Oil effectively remove free radicals, thereby giving protection from cerebral strokes, Alzheimer’s disease, certain types of cancer, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis etc.
? Anti Inflammatory: It sedates inflammation, internal & external.
? Analgesic: It gives relief from migraine, headache, muscle pain, inflammation in cold etc. due to its analgesic properties.
? Anti Depressant: It elevates mood, sedates anxiety and grief and acts as an anti depressant.
Rosemary essential oil can be used to treat depression effectively.
Rosemary essential oil can be used to treat depression effectively.
? Astringent: It contracts muscles & tissues. This property makes our gums & teeth strong and our muscles toned. It also tones up sagging skin.
? Carminative: This property of Rosemary Essential Oil relieves flatulence, improves appetite and aids digestion.
? Cholagogue: It stimulates and facilitates secretions of bile from liver as well as other secretions from endocrinal glands.
? Cordial: It has a warming effect on body, due to stimulation of circulation.
? Digestive: It is a known remedy for curing indigestion.
? Diuretic: This property of Rosemary Essential Oil helps remove toxins from body through increased urination, both in frequency and quantity. This also aids in weight loss.
? Emmenagogue: This is due to its Cholagogue property. It facilitates menstruations in case of obstructed and irregular periods and makes them regular.
? Hepatic: It is good for health of liver.
? Hypertensive: It increases blood pressure. So, those who are suffering from hypotension or low blood pressure can be given this essential oil.
? Nervine: It relieves stress on nerves and also repair damaged nerves, thereby keeping the whole nervous system healthy.
? Rubefacient: It gives the face & skin a reddish glow from within, as it stimulates blood circulation.
? Stimulant: It stimulates blood circulation, secretion of hormones & enzymes and also stimulates internal organs. This refreshes the body.
? Sudorific: Like its diuretic properties, it increases sweating (perspiration), making way for removal of toxins & extra fat from the body.
? Tonic: A tonic is a substance that improves overall health. Rosemary Essential Oil is one such tonic.
? Other Medicinal Uses: It also helps in treating colitis, dyspepsia, infections, migraine, palpitations, varicose veins etc. as well as cellulite, obesity and eczema.
