This Or That: What’s The Difference Between Rosemary Essential Oils?
When you think of Rosemary, you might remember a warm day in the garden. The aroma of the tender herb, permeated the air as it was gently warmed by the sun. Or, you may think of homemade Rosemary bread–freshly buttered and delectably hot. Well, the goodness doesn’t stop there!
As you may have noticed, we offer not one, but three types of Rosemary essential oil. We started offering multiple Rosemarys by popular demand, but for those who aren’t sure what the difference is between the three, we wanted to highlight one of our favorite oils in this week’s “This or That.”
A Note on Chemotypes
Based on the environment and conditions in which it’s grown, some plants may produce varying natural components, thus resulting in oils with different therapeutic benefits and aromas. Plants that commonly produce oils with different components are often defined by their “chemotypes.” A chemotype is the most prevalent component in an oil. At EG we offer two Rosemary chemotypes–cineole and camphor.
Rosemary Moroccan ct. Cineole
Pronounced sin-ee-ole, this variety of Rosemary is high in, you guessed it, 1,8-cineole. One of the most beneficial components for aiding respiratory conditions, 1,8- cineole is the primary component in oils like Eucalyptus, Saro, Ravintsara and Laurel Leaf. This component is what gives these oils their well-recognized, cool, medicinal aroma. It also lends these potent properties to Rosemary Moroccan:
- 1,8- cineole’s anti-inflammatory, mucolytic and anti-bacterial properties makes Rosemary Moroccan essential oil worthy of any well-stocked medicine cabinet.[1]
- Not just a component known for supporting the respiratory system, 1,8- cineole in Rosemary essential oil has also been shown to boost memory and focus.[2]
- Aromatherapist, Robert Tisserand collected research showing that a 1% dilution of Rosemary essential oil (most likely 1,8-cineole) out-performed a 2% dilution of minoxidil of which, Rogaine is a common brand[3]
It's refreshing, vibrant aroma gives this oil the capability to be energy boosting as well.
Rosemary Spanish ct. Camphor
If Rosemary ct. cineole is high in cineole, can you guess what Rosemary ct. camphor is high in? Correct!
Essential oils high in camphor are great for relieving muscle aches, increasing circulation and also acting as a breathing aid with different respiratory issues. Like 1,8-cineole, camphor has been shown to help open airways and clear congestion.[4] Thus, Rosemary ct. camphor works wonderfully in sports massages, as it increases circulation, penetrating muscle aches and joint pain.
Rosemary Around The World Oil
Can’t decide which Rosemary essential oil is right for you? Pick up Rosemary Around The World Oil. This oil is a Mediterranean dream, containing Rosemary essential oil from:
- Corsica
- Italy
- Morocco
- Spain
- Tunisia
The benefit of each Around The World Oil is that they’re supercharged and ultra-potent versions of your favorite oils, making them more powerful than single oils. If up the ante in blending, opt for an Around The World Oil.
But don’t just take our word for it. Try Rosemary for yourself, and see why this is one unforgettable oil!
Sources:
- Juergens, U. “Anti-Inflammatory Properties of the Monoterpene 1.8-Cineole: Current Evidence for Co-Medication in Inflammatory Airway Diseases.”PubMed, Dec. 2014, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24831245.
- Tisserand, Robert. “Rosemary Boosts Brain Power!”Robert Tisserand, 1 Mar. 2011, roberttisserand.com/2012/03/rosemary-boosts-brain-power.
- Tisserand, Hana. “Rosemary Essential Oil Is a Promising Alternative for Hair Growth Promotion!” Tisserand Institute, 7 July 2020, tisserandinstitute.org/learn-more/rosemary-essential-oil-hair-growth-promotion.
- Hamidpour, Rafie. “Effect of Camphor Discovery for Treating Asthma.” Advances in Bioengineering & Biomedical Science Research, vol. 2, no. 1, 2019, pp. 1–4. Research Gate, www.researchgate.net/publication/330114408.
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This article was reviewed by our Lead Aromatherapist,
Bella Martinez is a Certified Aromatherapist, Natural Skincare Formulator and Edens Garden’s lead aromatherapist. An industry expert, Bella has spent years training and learning in the aromatherapy field, which she continues annually. Her passion is taking evidence-based aromatherapy and making it approachable for all.
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6 comments
Heather
Thanks for the clarification! So, if I wanted to make a cream for sore, achy muscles, would the Rosemary Spanish be my best bet?
Edens Garden
Hi Snow! We suggest Rosemary Moroccan or Rosemary Around The World oil.
Snow
This is very informative – may I know which rosemary essential oil works best for boosting hair growth?
Edens Garden
Hi Jeff! In our research, it looks as though Rosemary extracts and the herb have primarily been touted as being good for BPH and prostate. Each form of Rosemary has different effects. If Rosemary essential oil were to be beneficial however, we would suggest our Rosemary Around The World oil.
Jeff
Rosemary is often recommended for BPH/swollen prostate. Which Rosemary would be best for helping with BPH?
Edens Garden
October 8, 2021 at 2:31 pm
Hi Heather! Our Rosemary oils can be used interchangeably for sore muscles, but Spanish Rosemary is preferred.