How Essential Oil is Extracted from the Raw Material
Rosemary Essential Oil, extracted from the aromatic herb Rosmarinus Officinalis, has been cherished for centuries for its diverse therapeutic properties and earthy aroma. Revered in ancient civilizations such as the Greeks, Romans, Egyptians and Hebrews, Rosemary holds a significant place in both culinary and medicinal practices. This fragrant oil is extracted through steam distillation of the leaves where water is heated to produce steam to pass through the plant matter. This steam carries heat energy, which is used to gently extract the volatile compounds from the plant material without causing them to degrade or lose their aromatic properties. The resulting Essential Oil is pure and concentrated, retaining the characteristic aroma and therapeutic properties of the plant. There are three main types of Rosemary plant and the superior one for aromatherapy use is the ‘Eucalyptol Chemotype’, which we sustainably source from Tunisian farms.
Key Characteristics and Benefits of Rosemary
One of the most notable characteristics of Rosemary Essential Oil is its invigorating scent, which stimulates the mind and is renowned for its ability to enhance our focus and concentration. Because of this, Rosemary has earned the title of the “Herb of Remembrance” in folklore and literature and is often used as a memory stimulator. Diffusing Rosemary Essential Oil in workspaces or study environments can encourage focus making it a valuable tool for students particularly during revision and exam periods. Used in massage, blended with other Essential Oils and diluted in a carrier oil, Rosemary can ease sore, tight muscles, and soothe symptoms of those unavoidable Winter chills as it can also be a wonderfully clearing oil.
DIY Tips and Recipes
Rosemary also boasts naturally occurring antibacterial properties, which make it a valuable addition to natural cleaning products. Try blending in a 250ml bottle; 5 drops of Rosemary, 3 lemon and 1 Peppermint with 50ml white vinegar and 200ml distilled water for a natural and freshly scented cleaning solution. Make sure you test any DIY blends on a small area of the surface you wish to clean prior to use. Another use for Rosemary is to infuse your laundry with its scent. Just add a few drops of the Essential Oil to wool tumble-dryer balls before popping them in your dryer. It’s important to note that while Rosemary Essential Oil can add a beautifully natural scent to your laundry, it may not provide the same strength of fragrance as synthetic laundry detergents or fabric softeners. However, it’s a definite preference if you like natural alternatives and it can be a refreshing and eco-friendly option as a few drops from our glass bottles are a planet-friendly alternative to big plastic bottles of synthetic laundry chemicals. Additionally, the naturally antibacterial properties of Rosemary can help freshen your laundry naturally.
You can also use Rosemary Essential Oil effectively to look after your skin and hair as well as your home. When added to skincare products such as our base body lotion, Rosemary oil can help soothe irritation, and rejuvenate the complexion, leaving skin radiant and refreshed. Its stimulating properties promote circulation to the scalp when used in massage, and when added to an unscented base hair care product such as our base conditioner and shampoo, it can revitalize dull hair, and leave you with a true sense of freshness.
Blending Ideas
Rosemary Essential Oil blends perfectly with a variety of other Essential Oils, here are some of our favourites:
Lavender: Lavender Essential Oil is renowned for its calming and soothing properties, and we love our High Altitude French Lavender as the cooler growing temperature of this Lavender results in a richer aroma than others grown in warmer climes. When combined with Rosemary, Lavender creates a balancing and relaxing blend that promotes a feeling of calm and emotional equilibrium. This combination is ideal for aromatherapy before bedtime or during times of tension and anxiety.
Peppermint: Peppermint Essential Oil is invigorating and refreshing, with cooling properties that complement the stimulating nature of Rosemary. We love our English Peppermint which is smoother, fuller and more rounded oil than the standard product grown in the US. Together, Rosemary and Peppermint create a revitalizing blend that boosts energy, enhances mental clarity, and provides relief from fatigue. This combination is perfect for mornings or when an energy boost is needed or if you want to feel energised before physical activity.
Lemon: Lemon Essential Oil is uplifting and cleansing, with a bright citrus aroma that complements the herbaceous scent of Rosemary. When combined, they create a refreshing blend that uplifts the mood and is perfect for creating an invigorating atmosphere during your Spring cleaning!
Eucalyptus: Eucalyptus Essential Oil is also known for its invigorating aroma. When paired with Rosemary, it creates a powerful blend that helps clear and cleanse. This combination is ideal for diffusing during Winter chills season.
Cedarwood: Cedarwood Essential Oil has a warm and woody aroma that complements the earthy scent of Rosemary. Together, they create a grounding and comforting blend that promotes relaxation, balance, and can also enhance mental focus. This combination is great for meditation or yoga.
Frankincense: Frankincense Essential Oil can be simultaneously calming and uplifting, with a rich and resinous aroma. When combined with Rosemary it creates a harmonious blend that promotes feelings of balance and soothes feelings of worry so it can be a lovely blend to use in massage when you’re feeling tense or apprehensive.
Bergamot: Bergamot Essential Oil has a citrusy and floral aroma that complements the herbaceous notes in Rosemary. Together, they create a refreshing and uplifting blend that promotes positivity and relieves tension. This combination is perfect for diffusing when you need a mood boost.
When blending Essential Oils, it’s essential to consider your personal preferences – it will never be a great experience to use an oil you personally don’t like, so take some time finding what works for you. You also need to be aware of the desired effects, and any potential sensitivities or contraindications you may have. Experiment with different combinations and ratios to create blends that resonate with you and support your well-being.
Our Focus Essential Blend
To save you time, we have created our beautiful Focus blend of Essential Oils which is a stimulating and awakening synergy of oils specially formulated to help awaken the mind, boost concentration, and support focus. It contains notes of Rosemary, Basil and Peppermint amongst others and can be added to a diffuser or oil burner to create the perfect atmosphere for focus and study. This blend is also naturally antibacterial so could also be used in your home cleaning recipes to create a cleansed, refreshed atmosphere in your home.
As always, our blend ideas, hacks and tips feature on our inspiring socials pages so be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date with all our news and products!
