AD: Essential Oils Monographs ** Natural Beauty ** Rosemary

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Hi Y'all,

 

I gave you some info on Rosemary earlier .. a study reported in the

Journal of Ethnopharmacology. Rosemary, Cineole chemotype (Rosmarinus

officinalis) is a mighty beneficial essential oil. Mighty fine as a

stimulating jump starter in the morning. Not something you would want

to sniff afore bed unless you had a boring book you wanted to finish.

Very anti-microbial and I often use it in a cocktail with one of the

Origanums.

 

Below is but a small portion of the information found in just ONE of

the Essential Oils Monographs .. courtesy of Martin Watt, author ..

and Butch Owen, publisher and ex-sole distributor for North and South

America .. and I have but 4 copies of this left. It is still on sale.

 

They can be seen at http://www.AV-AT.com/monographs.html

 

Keep in mind that some of the below is discussing the Rosemary plant,

not the essential oil.

 

First, contrary to many popular rumors .. rosemary EO does NOT induce

epileptic seizures. There is no sound evidence to support this

theory. But we find in the historical texts that it was used to STOP

epileptic seizures so we might logically conclude that someone left

out a word or transposed somewhere over the years. Nor does it

increase BP .. that is pure hogwash!

 

MSDS - Like most EO, MSDS data gives an extremely ridiculous flash

point of 104 F .. does this mean that folks in Arizona shouldn't use

it or other EO that have even lower so-called flash points in the

summer? No! Considering the fact that much of it is produced in

countries along the Mediterranean Rim where summer temps can get up to

120 F, or in Jordan, up to 140 F by 10 AM, I'd not worry too much

about flash point. ;-P

 

CONTRAINDICATIONS: Its sometimes stated that rosemary oil should be

avoided during pregnancy. There's no sound evidence to support this,

or for that matter, for any other EO. If folks want to be cautious

and CYA, they can advise caution during the first trimester.

 

HISTORICAL USES: It was mentioned in most of the ancient herbals of

Greece and Rome. The Ancient Egyptians are thought to have either

grown or imported rosemary as it has been found in the wrappings of

mummies, perhaps a symbolic offering or simply because they knew of

its preservative properties. The ancient Greeks attributed a mind

stimulating effect to rosemary, an action which the oil and herbal

extract are still used for today.

 

Students used to entwine it in their hair for its reputed brain

stimulating effects. BUT - today studies in universities have shown

that it DOES increase memory!

 

Rosemary sprigs were used as an insect deterrent in clothes chests.

 

The Romans used infusions of rosemary for stimulating the heart and

circulation. Interesting is that they also used it for treating

depression. Additional uses were treating coughs and lung ailments.

 

Rosemary (fresh and dried) has been widely used in cooking and as food

flavorings. Before refrigeration, foods containing rosemary kept

longer due to its acknowledged anti-oxidant and antimicrobial properties.

 

The Historical Data above is courtesy of Martin Watt.

 

As I said, Rosemary is a powerful stimulant. It increases circulation

and studies have shown that it increases memory .. just sniff it. I

keep a bottle by my bedside. I get up, take a sniff or two .. and

then I can find the coffee pot. A regular jump-start it is.

 

There's one Scottish study showing it helped to promote the growth of

hair. I'm guessing that this was effective only for those who

suffered hair loss due to circulation problems.

 

It has been proven effective in parasiticidal applications for

pediculi capitis and ascarus scabei.

 

In lotions for facial acne, its believed to be beneficial action.

 

Medicinal actions: Tonic, astringent, diaphoretic, stimulant. Oil of

rosemary has the carminative properties of other volatile oils and is

an excellent stomachic and nervine, curing many cases of the headache.

 

The oil is also used externally as a rubefacient and is added to

linaments as a fragrant stimulant. A Modern Herbal. M. Grieve. 1931.

 

SOME REFERENCED MEDICINAL ACTIVITY

 

1,8-cineole was detected in the blood of mice following inhalation and

oral administration. An increase in brain locomotor activity occurred

regardless of whether the oil was given orally or in the air. Kovar

K. et al. 1987. Planta Medica. 53.4. 315-318.

 

Studies have been conducted on some plants with the view to planting

them in sanatoria parks for " therapeutic (aerostimulating) effects " .

Among them were Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), lavender (Lavandula

angustifolia, and Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis). The study shows the

potential therapeutic effects of being around fresh aromatic plants.

 

Rosemary oil internally and externally; carminative, rubefacient. Merk

index 11th edition 1989.

 

Actions: Carminative, spasmolytic, sedative, diuretic, mild analgesic,

paraciticide. Indications: flatulent dyspepsia associated with

psychogenic tension, headaches, migraine. Topically for myalgia,

sciatica, intercostal neuralgia. Specific indications: depressive

states with general debility. NOTE: These actions are for oral use

of the herbal tincture and oil. The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia 1983.

 

An anti parasitic canine deodorant was prepared by mixing rosemary EO

(30 drops) with dearomatized petrol 7.5ml, CuSo4 0.5mg. and H2O

1000ml. The composition was effective in protecting against flea, lice

and ticks, without provoking allergies and irritation. Havot Alain.

1984. Demande Fr 2, 541, 898. (ClA61K35/78). Appl. 83/3, 651 1983.

 

The effect of dietary uptake of an extract of Rosmarinus officinalis

on DMBA-induced mammary tumourigenesis and on the in vivo formation of

mammary DMBA-DNA adducts were evaluated. These studies suggest that

use of rosemary extract and its individual antioxiditive constituents

as chemopreventative agents for mammary tumourigenesis warrant further

investigation. Singletary. K. et al. 1991. Cancer Lett. 60(2).169-75.

 

Antitumour pharmaceuticals contain adriamycin and medicinal plant

extracts with antioxidant activity. Medicinal plant extracts enhance

the effectiveness of adriamycin and reduce its cardiotoxicity. Mice

treated i.p. with adriamycin (5mg/kg) and rosemary extract

(1or10mg/kg) had a higher survival rate compared to those treated with

adriamycin alone. Hara Kenji. 1985. Jpn. Kokai Tokyo Koho JP60, 178,

818 (85,178, 818).

 

The anti-inflammatory effect of rosemary extracts may be due to the

rosmarinic acid, ursolic acid and apigenin, all of which display this

action. Mascolo N. et al. 1987. Phytother. Res. 1. 1. 2.

 

Antibacterial: Rosemary oil was found to be very active in inhibiting

the growth of S. aureus, E. coli, S. pullorum, M. lueus and others.

Baratta M. Et al. 1998. Flav. and Fragr. J. 13. 235-244.

 

Rosemary EO was tested against a range of filamentus fungi and

bacteria including: C. albicans, Sa. cerevisiae, Ps. aeruginosa,

Ps. putida, Ps. flurescens, S. aureus, Mi. luteus, Mi.

lysodeikticus, Proteus vulgariws, Mycobacterium smegmatis, Shigella

sonnei, E. coli, A. niger. Aspergillus fumigatus, Cladosporium

herbarum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes.

 

0.01 ml of the oil was placed in the middle of a petrie dish and the

plates inoculated with the organisms. C. albicans was not inhibited.

S. cerevisiae was slightly inhibited. P. aeruginosa was 75%

inhibited. M. luteus was markedly inhibited. Most of the other

bacteria were slightly inhibited. Rosemary EO produced 100% inhibition

of sporulation of T. mentagrophytes, the main agent of dermatomycosis

in man. A. fumigatus the causative agent of respiratory diseases was

also inhibited. Jorge V. et al. 1995. Microbios 82. 171-172.

 

Rosemary oil powerfully inhibited the growth of gram+ Streptococcus

pyogens and Strept. faecalis and moderate activity against gram- E.

coli and Salmonella typhimurium. Boatto G. et al. 1994.

Fitoterapia Vol. LXI. No.3. 279-280.

 

Rosemary oil has anti-microbial actions. Dean S. & Ritchie G. 1987.

Int. J. of Food Microbiology 5, 165 -180.

 

I'll add that these studies are also courtesy of Martin Watt. And I

have one great study from a Balkan University showing the

effectiveness of Sage, Oregano and Rosemary in the production of

organic crops - for use as a natural pesticide.

 

In experiments using a variety of vaporized EOs, it was found that

rosemary produced a significant inhibition of a number of pathogenic

bacteria. Bardeau F. 1976. Chir. Dent. Fr. Sept. 29. 46 (319):53.

 

By adding rosemary EO to the soil, it increased the numbers of

bacteria. This seemed to stimulate soil respiration by shifting the

balance from fungi to favor bacteria. Vokou D. et al. 1984. Soil

Biol. Biochem. 16, 5, 509-13. Note: Not a medical use, but included

here as it increases knowledge on the antibacterial effects of

rosemary oil.

 

Antifungal:

In tests on 2 samples of rosemary oil, a good antifungal action was

detected against Candida, Cryptococcus and Mycobacterium, but not such

good activity against the other organisms tested. It was suggested

that the high anti-fungal activity would be useful for treating AIDS

patients with Cryptococcal meningitis and pneumonia and systemic

Mycobacterium. Soliman F. et al. 1994. Flav. Fragrance J. 9. 29-33.

 

I'll add that Rosemary is a common ingredient in many so-called AIDS

Cocktails. Doesn't cure but allows victims to live a more normal life

style. I had a customer who used to mix his own.

 

Anti viral: Combination of natural active substances for the

treatment of herpes. The Richtofit gel (active ingredients, rosmarinic

acid and glycerrhizin) for the control of herpes is described. Hangay

Gy. et al. 1994. Olaj, Szappan, Kozmet. (Spec. issue) 30-2.

 

Rosmarinic acid was stated to be antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidant

and anti-inflammatory. This report specifically looks at the

antioxidant effects of Rosemary, but it also reports on the rosmarinic

acid content of a number of other plants. The yield of rosmarinic acid

from dry rosemary is 2.5%. It is notable that a number of other plants

commonly used in herbal medicine contain even higher amounts of this

substance than does rosemary. Lamaison J. et al. 1990. Fitoterapia.

Vol. LXII. No. 2. NOTE: Such actions explain some of the

preservative properties attributed to Rosemary particularly in cooking

and food flavoring.

 

Inhibition of experimentally induced microvascular injury by

rosmarinic acid. In rabbits rosmarinic acid completely prevented the

development of the pulmonary edema and multiple organ inflammation in

this syndrome. Nuytinck J. et al. 1985. Agents Actions. 17(3-4), 373-4.

 

The strong anti oxidative activity of Rosmarinus officinalis and

Salvia officinalis is caused by phenolic diterpenes. Complement

dependent stimulation of prostacyclin biosynthesis: inhibition by

rosmarinic acid. Schwarz K., Ternes W: Z Lebensm. 1992. Unters Forsch:

195:2:95-8.

 

It has been suggested that rosmarinic acid may be useful as a

potential treatment for septic shock because it suppresses the

endotoxin-induced activation of complement, the formation of

prostacyclin both hypotensive phases, thrombocytopaenia, and the

concomitant release of thromboxane Ax. Tattje D. 1970. Pharm. Weekbl.

105. 1241.

 

SUGGESTED USES.

 

ROOM FRAGRANCE: When studying, it may help keep the mind alert. The

EO vapor may help reduce infectious airborne micro-organisms, but

ensure adequate room ventilation or eye irritation could occur. When

using the EO to enhance clarity of thought, try just one or two drops

first to avoid being overwhelmed. When using to help deodorize a

room, try combining with lemon to reduce the pungency of smell

particularly if there are young children or dogs in the house.

 

INHALATION: A few drops in some hot water and the vapors inhaled, is

ideal treatment for bronchial ailments, for coughs, colds, sinus

congestion and catarrh.

 

I'll add that one of my employees used to suffer chronic sinus

problems to the point of very bad headaches .. now she just takes a

few whiffs of Rosemary EO and pretty soon, it clears up .. temporarily

of course.

 

Rosemary acts as a cerebral stimulant, therefore it may be worth

trying for those cases of childhood over activity where brain

chemistry is suspected of being disturbed. Recent reports have

suggested that these children may be overactive because their brain is

craving for stimulatory chemicals. It may seem the opposite to

traditional treatment of using sedative type oils, but the theory of

providing stimulation to the brain is certainly worthy of consideration.

 

BATHS: A few drops in the bath water makes an excellent mental

stimulant. Its ideal for use following a restless or short sleep, it

refreshes and get you going.

 

MASSAGE: Rosemary is ideal for rheumatism or stiff joints (NOT

INFLAMMATORY ARTHRITIS). When combined with massage this oil is

wonderful for those people who always feel cold, or have very poor

peripheral circulation. It is excellent diluted as a chest rub or

inhalant for: bronchial conditions, coughs, colds, sinus congestion

and catarrh. It can act a wonderful 'a pick me up' if feeling 'down'

as the result of as a string of colds, flu and other debilitating

ailments. It may help lift mild depression or lethargy. It can be

used to alleviate the psychological debility caused by P.M.T, post

natal depression or menopausal depression.

 

For a muscle rub prior to active sport combine rosemary, juniper,

eucalyptus and cedarwood into a light cream or gel (1 drop of each oil

and 10 ml cream). For arthritis when combined with R. Chamomile or

Ginger 2:1, it appears to be helpful with a three times a day

application. After 14 days reassess and alter the combination it is

starts to become less effective.

 

Small amounts of rosemary oil may be helpful in acne, particularly as

a back-up if tea tree oil does not work. A few drops can be added to

any shampoo to provide a pleasant fragrance and it has an ancient

reputation for enhancing the quality of the hair.

 

MEDICAL: A very useful oil for diffusing in crowded areas such as

waiting rooms to freshen the air and perhaps reduce microbial flora.

An excellent reviver for patients suffering from impaired mental

function caused by drugs of various kinds. A sniff of the neat oil

may subdue emotionally induced nausea. A potential additive for

candidal infestations where Tea tree is not working too well. An oil

well worth considering for infected wounds. Perfect for keeping your

mind active on long night shifts. A drop or two on a handkerchief or

tissue will be enough; sniff from it occasionally.

 

Rosemary oil blends well with Basil, Bergamot, Cedarwood, Citronella,

Eucalyptus, Juniper, Hyssop, Lavender, Lavandin, Marjoram, Mints,

Origanum, Pine needle, Olibanum, Petitgrain, Sage, Tea Tree.

 

Plant rosemary in your garden and use the leaves regularly in food.

It contains some of the most powerful natural antioxidant chemicals

known. The best sources of these very important compounds are always

from natural foodstuffs, rather than from popping pills.

 

So .. there it is .. an extract of just a bit of the information in

one of the reports in the Essential Oil Monograph series.

 

I also recommend you check out Natural Beauty .. How To Use Herbs and

Fruit for Skin and Body Care http://www.AV-AT.com/natbeauty.html

 

It too is on sale now.

 

Y'all keep smiling, Butch http://www.AV-AT.com

 

Bulk/Wholesale/Retail GC Tested EO, Rose Otto, Hydrosols, Martin

Watt's Publications .. and other nice things shipped from our store in

Downtown Friendsville, MD. Pop: 597