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(originally published in the September 2013 edition of Natural Herbal Living magazine)

“Rosemary” is the common name given to the essential oil which is distilled from the leaves and twigs of the Rosmarinus officinalis. There are several chemotypes for this essential oil, each with their own therapeutic properties. Before I go over the different chemotypes for you, let me first explain what a chemotype is and why they can produce different therapeutic results.

A chemotype is a different chemical type of the same genus and species of a plant, which has the genetic ability to generate different chemical constituents due to the environment in which it resides. Rosmarinus officinalis is an example of a plant that can provide different therapeutic properties depending on both the growing conditions and the country it is growing in.

To distinguish different chemotypes, the shortened form of “chemotype” is written as “ct.,” and then the name of the chemotype is presented at the end of the name. For example, the “camphor” chemotype is written as “Rosemary ct. camphor,” or when using the Latin name it is shown as, Rosmarinus officinalis ct. camphor.

Rosmarinus officinalis ct. camphor

This chemotype is high in ketones. Rosemary ct. camphor is a good choice for muscle aches and pains, has diuretic properties, provides rheumatism relief, is a circulatory stimulant, anti-spasmodic, and breaks down mucous in the lungs.

Camphor chemotype is ideal for adding to massage blends.

Rosmarinus officinalis ct. 1,8-cineole

This chemotype is high in oxides. This makes a great pick for all respiratory issues due to its ability to reduce mucous; is antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral; increases cerebral blood flow; is anti-spasmodic; and decreases inflammation. Another perk about this chemotype is that it works well as a skin penetration enhancer.

1,8-coneole chemotype is the best of all three for respiratory issues. It would also be great added to your shampoo and massaged into the scalp to both restore vitality and increase blood flow to the brain.

Rosmarinus officinalis ct. verbenone

This chemotype is high in ketones as well as monoterpenes. Verbenone is an excellent cell regenerator for the skin, is anti-spasmodic, and is good at combating respiratory issues at the same time.

Verbenone chemotype is the best choice for skin. Since it is less “stimulating” than the other two types, verbenone is your chemotype of choice for night-time.

All three chemotypes can be labeled “Rosemary” - so if you are looking for a chemotype that provides a specific therapeutic property, be sure you check the label carefully to see if the chemotype is identified. If not, find the website of the brand you purchased, and see if you can find it there. Reputable companies always provide this information, as they realize the value of knowing the difference between chemotypes.

Although the therapeutic properties may be different, the aroma is the same: fresh, herbaceous, and camphoraceaous. If you use Rosemary in a blend, it should be used as a top-middle note.

1,8-cineole chemotype should be avoided on or around children under 6.

There is enough camphor in all three chemotypes to warn against internal use for the following: pregnant women, people with epilepsy, children under five, and those suffering from high blood pressure. I would use caution with topical use as well.