Rosemary is one of the best-known plants of the Mediterranean. But not all rosemary essential oils are alike. Our bottle says "rosemary verbenone": here is what that means.
The plant
Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis, is a small shrub with narrow, highly fragrant leaves, dark green on top and whitish underneath. Its small pale blue flowers appear mostly in spring, sometimes as early as late winter.
One plant, several essential oils
Depending on where it grows, rosemary does not produce quite the same aromatic molecules. These are called chemotypes: types of rosemary that look alike, but whose essential oil is different. There are three main ones:
- cineole rosemary;
- camphor rosemary;
- verbenone rosemary, known in Corsica.
That is why the chemotype is always stated on a rosemary essential oil: these products are not interchangeable.
Rosemary in our products
- Organic rosemary verbenone essential oil, 5 ml.
- Rosemary soap, 100 g, enriched with Immortelle oil.
- Immortelle and Myrtle dry oil, whose formula also contains rosemary essential oil.
Using rosemary verbenone essential oil well
An essential oil is pure and highly concentrated: never apply it undiluted to the skin. Dilute 1 to 2 drops in a teaspoon of vegetable oil, such as our Immortelle oil, before applying to the chosen area. Do a skin test in the crook of the elbow 48 hours before first use. It can also be used in a diffuser: a few drops, in a well-ventilated room, away from children.
Label precautions: for external use only, avoid contact with eyes, keep out of reach of children, stop using if irritation occurs. All our guidance is gathered in our precautions for use.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use camphor rosemary instead of verbenone rosemary?
No. They are two different essential oils. Always follow the directions for the bottle you have.
Is kitchen rosemary the same plant?
Yes, it is the same species. But an essential oil is a concentrate: it is not used like the culinary herb.
To discover the other plants of the maquis: The plants of the Corsican maquis.
