Looking for natural relief for muscular tension or sensitive joints? Rosemary camphor essential oil, derived from flowering twigs rich in active ingredients, is a must-have for well-being treatments. On Soin-et-Nature, you'll find a selection ofcertified organic oils, ideal for soothing, toning and relaxing, all easily integrated into your natural health routine.

What are the benefits of organic Rosemary Camphor?

Botanical name and characteristics:

Latin name: Rosmarinus officinalis camphoriferum
Botanical family: Lamiaceae
Producer organ: Flowering twigs
Main molecules: camphor (up to 20%), 1,8-cineole, borneone, alpha-pinene, camphene

Camphor rosemary is a subspecies of rosemary officinalis, characterized by its high camphor content, a molecule with analgesic, decongestant and neurotonic properties. This biochemical specificity makes it an essential oil in its own right, highly prized in aromatic medicine for muscle and joint care.

The camphor chemotype designates an essential oil derived from rosemary containing a majority of camphor (borneone), a ketone with powerful tonic and analgesic effects. This chemotype is often confused with other types of rosemary (cineole or verbenone), but its pharmacological properties make it an oil for specific use, particularly in the muscular, joint and circulatory fields.

What is the medicinal origin of Rosemary Camphor?

Used since Antiquity, rosemary has always had a symbolic and medicinal value. Present in Greek and Roman funeral rituals, it was also used at weddings, often in the form of wreaths. Its evergreen, fragrant branches embodied fidelity, memory and eternal life.

The Egyptians already placed twigs in certain tombs, while the Greeks associated it with memory, so much so that students wore rosemary wreaths during their exams. In imperial Rome, it was omnipresent in public ceremonies and funerals.

In the Middle Ages, rosemary was enshrined in monastic gardens and integrated into Christian pharmacopoeia. Hildegarde de Bingen cites it in her writings. It was recommended for digestive ailments, intellectual fatigue and general stimulation. It was also used in the famous eaux de jouvence, notablyEau de la reine de Hongrie, an alcoholate distilled in the 17th century and renowned for its anti-aging and toning properties.

Why choose Rosemary Camphor oil for aromatherapy?

Rosemary Camphor has a number of properties:

Analgesic and muscle relaxant properties

Rosemary camphor essential oil is recognized for its powerful antispasmodic and analgesic effects, particularly when used topically. It acts by modulating pain receptors (nociceptors), promoting local relief of muscular tension, tendonitis, cramps and contractures.

It is classically indicated :

Muscle friction for athletes (before or after exercise)
For back or neck pain
For rheumatism and arthritis

General stimulation of the central nervous system

Camphor is a cerebral and cardiac stimulant. It acts on the central nervous system, activating the cortex and improving cognitive functions. This property is found in traditional uses of rosemary to "revive the mind" or promote memory.

Anti-inflammatory and circulatory effects

Thanks to its high camphor and cineole content, rosemary camphor essential oil also has venous and lymphatic decongestant effects. It improves microcirculation and reduces venous stasis, making it an adjuvant in the local treatment of heavy legs, hematomas and edemas.

Digestive properties (internal tract)

Historically, rosemary was used for its cholagogue (bile-evacuating) and choleretic (bile-stimulating) properties. These actions are linked to the presence of flavonoids and phenolic acids, and apply particularly to :

Hepato-digestive disorders
Difficult digestion
bloating

How to use Rosemary Camphor as a natural skin care product?

Rosemary can be used in a variety of ways:

Oral use

Infusion: 2 to 4 g of dried leaves per cup of boiling water, 3 times a day.
Bath decoction: 50 g of leaves in 1 liter of water, to be added to bath water (35-38°C).

Cutaneous use

Massage or friction diluted in vegetable oil (5-10% max.)
As an ointment, poultice or liniment for localized pain

Historical galenic forms

Queen of Hungary water
Baume tranquille, alcoholate vulnéraire
Four Thieves Vinegar
Opodeldoch (Paracelsus)

What is the recognized efficacy of Rosemary Camphor?

Several health authorities have studied rosemary camphor essential oil

EMA (European Medicines Agency)

Traditional use of leaves and essential oil:

orally: minor digestive disorders
External use: moderate joint or muscle pain

Treatment duration: 2 weeks (oral), 4 weeks (cutaneous)

Commission E (Germany)

Approved for use against :

Digestive disorders (oral)
Rheumatism and peripheral circulation disorders (topical)

ESCOP

Clear recommendations:

Liver and biliary stimulation
Relief of rheumatism
Helps healing

What precautions should I take before using Rosemary Camphor oil?

For oral use by adults only, under therapeutic supervision.
Not for use by pregnant or breast-feeding women
Not recommended for children under 7 years of age.
Neurotoxic and abortifacient risk at high doses (ketone camphor).
Caution in case of history of epilepsy
Do not use on open wounds or mucous membranes
Dilution is imperative for cutaneous use.

Rosemary camphor is at the crossroads between historical medicinal plant and modern essential oil. Renowned for its analgesic, circulatory and digestive virtues, its flowering branches concentrate the spirit of a long-sacred plant, both therapeutic and symbolic. From ancient rites to contemporary clinical recommendations, Rosmarinus officinalis camphoriferum retains its place among natural pharmacopoeias, always surrounded by the Mediterranean aura that makes it more than just a simple shrub: a living memory of the medicine of the simple.

What does the Soin-et-Nature essential oil index contain?

The Soin-et-NatureEssential Oils Index groups together the major aromatherapy unit oils, classified by plant, with their exact botanical name. It provides quick access to the specific benefits of each essential oil, as well as an understanding of their therapeutic uses and precautions for use. Thanks to this index, the user benefits from a clear, structured overview of the essential oils most widely used in natural health.

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) essential oil has a purifying, purifying and antifungal action, and is used for skin infections, mycosis, acne and ENT pathologies.
To support circulatory comfort and soothe spasmodic coughs, Cypress essential oil (Cupressus sempervirens) has venous and respiratory decongestant properties.
To ward off insects and calm inflammatory reactions, Ceylon citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) essential oil acts as a natural repellent and relieves bites.
To relieve stress and stimulate breathing,Frankincense essential oil (Boswellia carterii) is prized for its relaxing and immune-boosting properties.
To soothe nervous tension and digestive disorders of nervous origin, Marjoram (Origanum majorana) essential oil is recommended for chronic stress, insomnia or spasms.
To relieve muscular and joint pain, Gaultheria (Gaultheria procumbens) essential oil is indicated for topical use, particularly for athletes and rheumatism sufferers.
For a tonic, digestive and refreshing action, Peppermint essential oil (Mentha piperita) is used against migraines, digestive disorders and nausea.
To heal, cleanse and soothe mucous membranes,Bitter Myrrh essential oil (Commiphora molmol) is suitable for oral and respiratory care.
To calm deep-seated anxiety and facilitate sleep, Himalayan Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi) essential oil acts as a powerful nervous regulator.
To balance the emotions and regenerate the skin, Neroli essential oil (Citrus aurantium ssp. amara) is invaluable in anti-aging care and sleep disorders.
Ravintsara essential oil (Cinnamomum camphora CT cineole) is ideal for preventing viral infections and boosting the body's defenses in winter.
To relax muscles and activate blood circulation, Rosemary Camphor essential oil (Rosmarinus officinalis CT camphor) is often used before or after physical exertion.
To revitalize mature skin and support emotional well-being, Damask Rose (Rosa damascena) essential oil offers toning and harmonizing properties.
To fight resistant infections and stimulate the body, Mountain Savory (Satureja montana) essential oil is indicated in cases of low immunity or acute infectious disorders.
To rebalance the skin and act on mild hormonal disorders,Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)essential oil is used in skin care, particularly in cases of acne or eczema.
To anesthetize and disinfect naturally, clove (Eugenia caryophyllus) essential oil is recommended for toothache and mouth infections.
Thyme à Thujanol (Thymus vulgaris CT thujanol) essential oil is well tolerated, even by sensitive individuals, for stimulating the body's defences.
To calm nervousness and promote healing, True Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil remains an essential family aromatherapy reference.
To relieve inflammatory pain and stimulate circulation, Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) essential oil is used for massage and cosmetics.
To relieve congestion of the circulatory and lymphatic systems, Pistachio Mastic (Pistacia lentiscus) essential oil is particularly recommended for varicose veins, heavy legs and edema.

Soin-et-Nature's Essential Oils Index is a reliable, comprehensive reference for information, selection and safe, appropriate use of essential oils. It is aimed at both healthcare professionals and individuals wishing to integrate aromatherapy into their natural health approach.