Descriptions of Plants: Rosemary

The Herb of Remembrance

Family: Lamiaceae

INCI: Rosmarinus officinalis

Parts Used: Leaves - glandular tissue

Life Cycle: Perennial

Our Uses: ?😍?

Aroma: Uplifting, refreshing, herbal and green with undertones of wood and pepper.

Good For: Tonic, regenerative, balancing, humectant

High in: Antioxidants, antiseptic and antibacterial properties, hydrocarbons and esters which are calming and stimulating.

As its Latin name suggests, Rosemary is native to the dry and rocky regions of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, where “ros” translates to “dew” and “marinus” to “of the sea”. Its use in both cosmetic and ritual use dates back to ~5000 BCE, popular among the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans where it was used in healing creams alongside myrrh, thyme, marjoram, chamomile, and cedar. Known as the plant of remembrance, bouquets of rosemary have been found in the tombs of the Egyptian pharaohs to perfume their journey to the underworld, an association that has permeated through to modern day where it is still traditionally used in bridal bouquets and a sprig is put in the cradle of a newly born child to protect against evil influences and forces.

As it pertains to skincare its phytochemistry has been widely studied for its incredibly rich antioxidant potential and its anti-inflammatory properties. In the volatile essential oil of rosemary, up to 150 different compounds have been found, with most of them being monoterpenes, but what is likely most fascinating about this plant is its antioxidant potential. Lamiaceae plants (Rosemary, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Peppermint, and Thyme, among others) seem to have a particular propensity towards an abundance of antioxidants, however Rosemary has superseded the others when observed for greater absorption power for UVA and UVB radiation, making it a fantastic plant for pre and post sun exposure to prevent sun damage (although never replacing the role of sunscreen).

It is also widely known as a premier natural antioxidant for both food and cosmetic products, perhaps as a consequence of the synergistic action of its most bioactive molecules to neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation (i.e. degradation), which are responsible for cell damage and certain diseases, as well as premature aging of the skin. For more than two decades, trials have been carried out using extracts and essential oils of rosemary as bactericidal and antifungal agents in cosmetic preparations. Studies have shown the antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity of α-pinene, 1,8 cineole, camphene, β-myrcene, camphor, and borneol, all of which are contained in rosemary oil, and its fungicidal effects have even been shown to combat various forms of Candida.

This is likely why it’s widely considered to be effective against acne, combating the bacteria and fungi that can cause topical acne. Rosemary has been shown to not only reduce the inflammation associated with acne but also to directly fight the bacterium that causes acne outbreaks.

We’ve been growing rosemary in our garden for years and are always impressed at its vibrant nature which, knowing all of the above, is not surprising considering how protective and healing of a plant that is its very nature. You’ll find it in more than 1 of our products, and very soon in something we can’t quite mention yet ☺️. We can’t wait to share the news!

Sources:

-González-Minero, Bravo-Diaz, Ayala-Gomez. (2020) Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Rosemary): An Ancient Plant with Uses in Personal Healthcare and Cosmetics.

-Al-Sereiti, Abu-Amer, Sen. (1999) Pharmacology of rosemary (Rosmarinus oificinalis Linn.) and its therapeutic potentials.

-de Macedo, Santos, Militão, Tundisi, Ataide, Souto, Mazzola. (2020) Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L., syn Salvia rosmarinus Spenn.) and Its Topical Applications.

-Pérez-Sáncheza, Barrajón-Catalána, Caturlab, Castilloce, Benavente-Garcíace, Alcarazde, Micola. (2014) Protective effects of citrus and rosemary extracts on UV-induced damage in skin cell model and human volunteers.

-The Herb Society of America. (2014) Rosemary