ROSEMARY the Herb, Essential Oil, and Hydrosol

Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis is a popular herb in cooking, traditional healing, and aromatherapy – so very many uses. The parts of the herb that we use are the above ground part and the root. The characteristic of its flavor is refreshing, piney and pungent. In addition to being a condiment in food preparations, rosemary tea can serve as liver tonic, a mouthwash to rid bad breath, and for headaches. The herb can even be prepared as a decoction to use as a hair wash to address scalp problems, i.e., baldness, dandruff. AVOID rosemary in cases of high blood pressure and during pregnancy.

The Herb. The active components (carnosic and rosmarinic acids) in rosemary have powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic properties. This represents a three-pronged attack against many different diseases and pathogens that could threaten the immune system or damage the integrity of the body.

The health benefits of rosemary come from the presence of vitamin A, with its free radical-antioxidant properties. Rosemary also promotes healthy skin, strengthens vision, fights infection, and gives us great protection from lung and mouth cancers. Rosemary contains substances that are useful for stimulating the immune system, increasing circulation, and improving digestion. It also contains anti-inflammatory compounds that may make it useful for reducing the severity of asthma attacks.

The Essential Oil. When a distiller brews herbal plant material with water in a large cooker, the steam fills the pot and, as it rises, it causes the glands of the plants to burst and release the oils and essence of the plant into the steam. The oil rises through a condenser and collects in a separate vessel. This is what we know as an essential oil.

Essential oil “Chemotypes (CT)” are the naturally occurring chemical variants of an essential oil. Essential oils are complex mixes of chemicals that give each oil its unique aroma and healing properties. Essential Oil Chemotypes are important to consider when selecting an oil for aromatherapy or topical use, as the different chemotypes can have different effects on the body.

Rosemary Camphor [CT1] contains more of a constituent called camphor, and would therefore be more suitable for muscular aches and pains. Rosemary 1,8 Cineole [CT2] contains more 1,8-cineole, making it a better choice for respiratory conditions. Rosemary Verbenone [CT3] contains more verbenone, and as a result it would be better for skin conditions.

Rosemary has been used for centuries as a memory aid, and studies in aromatherapy using rosemary have corroborated some of these claims. One study found significant improvements in cognitive performance within 20minutes of inhaling rosemary essential oil.

The Hydrosol. Hydrosols are products from the same steam distilled plant materials that yields essential oils. Yet hydrosols are a separate area of study from essential oils, as hydrosol chemistry is different from the chemistry of essential oils. When essential oils are used to heal, their aroma plays a big part in that healing process. An essential oil and hydrosol distilled from the same plant may offer different therapeutic properties, unique methods of application, and different dosage requirements, safety issues and aromas.

Although these plants (and subsequent essential oils) are made up of different chemical components, they are not all chemotypes; and although they are extracted from the same species, they are not extracted from the same plant genus.

Essential oils extracted from the same plant species may look the same but are chemically different. Not all herbs’ essential oils have chemotypes. It is important to correctly identify both the plant species and the chemotype (CT) of an essential oil before using it for healing purposes. The Rosemary species produces at least three different genus’ that are used in aromatherapy.

Rosemary Camphor CT1 Rosmarinus officinalis hydrosol is a good mental and physical stimulant and mild diuretic; it can be useful while fasting to aid in detoxification, as it stimulates the liver and gallbladder, which would promote the release of bile and aid in the digestion of rich, fatty foods.

Rosemary CT2/1,8 Cineole Rosmarinus officinalis hydrosol is useful as a mucolytic – as it dissolves thick mucus, helps to loosen and clear mucus from respiratory passages and as such is used to help relieve breathing difficulties. Unfortunately, this chemotype is harder to source and has a much shorter shelf life than the other two.

Rosemary CT3 Verbenone Rosmarinus officinalis hydrosol is highly useful and safe for all ages, and an excellent source for treating the respiratory system and conditions of congestion and mucus. Combined with Inula (upcoming article) this hydrosol loosens phlegm in the lungs and sinus. Sniffling a few drops in the nostrils every morning in the winter keeps airways clean and moist (which can combat the congestion associated with central heating). Used topically as a hot compress for ear infections, rosemary verbenone speeds drainage of pus and disinfects. [DO NOT PUT HYDROSOL DIRECTLY IN THE EAR CANAL.]

Hydrosols are safer to use on open wounds, with children and the elderly. They can be used in creams, lotions, body sprays, and room sprays. The hydrosol will impart both fragrance and therapeutic benefits to your products. [Source: Hydrosols: The Next Aromatherapy, by Suzann Catty p.124-126]

In addition, rosemary has been shown to increase the blood flow to the head and brain, improving concentration. Rosemary has been linked to lower levels of cirrhosis and a faster healing time of the liver, which is one of the slowest organs to heal. It also reduces plasma liver enzymes, which may cause type-2 diabetes. It also lowers DHT (dihydrotestosterone) hormone, which helps improve prostate health and enhance hair growth (when combined with Cedar).

AVOID ROSEMARY in cases of high blood pressure and during pregnancy.

This information is to help balance your body’s natural healing energies, and is not intended as diagnosis, treatment, or cure. Check with your Dr before changing your health regimen. Email: theherbalist1750@gmail.com; phone: 347-407-4312; ENERGETIC( NO-PAIN) PRANIC FACE LIFT: https://tinyurl.com/y3aldpzv. To view my upcoming book: booklaunch.io/Zakiyyah/theenergeticsofherbs