Commonly known as Rosemary, this is a woody, perennial herb with fragrant, evergreen, needle-like leaves and white, pink, purple or blue flowers, native to the Mediterranean region. A member of the mint family, rosemary is used as a decorative plant in gardens and has many culinary and medical uses. The leaves are used to flavour various foods, like stuffings and roast meats. Oil distilled from the leaves called rosemary oil is an important perfumery raw material and the herb is burnt as incense.

Cosmetic use

Rosemary oil has a clear, refreshing herbal smell. It is traditionally known to support circulation, especially to the scalp by strengthening and supporting weak capillaries and is beneficial for hair growth. Used in both hair and skin care cosmetics it also promotes a healthy complexion. Due to its rubefacient effect, oil of rosemary has a toning and binding effect on sagging skin. It relieves skin congestion thus improving its function. Rosemary oil is extensively included in anti-ageing skin creams. It is the preferred ingredient of shampoos and cleansers as it improves skin tone, relieving puffiness and swelling possibly due to its diuretic influence.

Apart from iron, calcium and pyridoxine, antioxidants – carnosic acid and rosmarinic – and camphor (constituting 20% of its dry weight) are the bioactive constituents of rosemary. Caffeic acid, betulinic acid, ursolic acid, rosmaridiphenol and rosmarinol are the other important constituents.

The oil is attributed with analgesic, astringent, diuretic, rubefacient, stimulant and tonic therapeutic properties in skincare.