Camphor rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis camphoriferum) is a shrub of the Lamiaceae family native to the Mediterranean area. It is one of the "herbes de Provence".
Its stem, that can reach two metres in length, is covered with a greyish bark and divides into opposing branches. Its persistent leaves are longer than they are wide, with slightly rolled edges. Its blue tending towards purple flower spikes blossom from January to May.
Rosemary thrives in sunny scrubland and maquis. Three millennia ago, rosemary was cultivated between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers for its medicinal properties.
Main aromatic molecules: (1,8-cineole or eucalyptol), monoterpenes, monoterpenones (camphor).
Family: Lamiaceae.
Producing organs: twigs and flowering tops.
Yield: 400 g of essential oil per 100 kg of plants.
Equivalence: 1 ml → 34 drops (dosage calculated for a calibrated dropper European Pharmacopoeia).
