Notice:
Ingesting essential oils or using them sublingually significantly increases the amount of the therapeutic oil directly into your blood stream compared to inhaling or applying the oil to your skin. Therefor use a TINY amount of the essential oil. One or two drops at a time when you first start this protocol. Increase the number of drops if you feel comfortable, at your own risk.
Safety information
Essential oils are potent agents and must be treated carefully. Used improperly they can hurt you.
The information below is based upon the book: Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young. This is a 775 reference book with over 2000 research articles relating to essential oil safety.
See: http://roberttisserand.com/essential-oil-safety-2nd-edition/
Furthermore, I consulted my Neurologist, who uses essential oils in their practice. They confirmed the calculation of the safe dosage based upon the book’s guidelines for Rosemary Essential oil.
I have consulted a pharmacist at an Integrated health Pharmacy to confirm my calculation of the ‘drops’ per day’ safety limit, based upon this book.
I have contacted two Aroma therapist to discuss oral ingestion of oils, yet have not heard back from them yet.
Based upon Robert Tisserand’s book, small doses of oral Rosemary Essential oil are generally safe for the average person. You may not be the average person, so you need to take caution.
Toxicity Risk
Rosemary Essential oil contains a compound called camphor.
Camphor is found in many essential oils.
In high doses, Camphor is neurotoxic and toxic to the liver and kidneys.
Consequently consumption of Rosemary essential oil must be limited to a safe dose.
The Verbenone variety of rosemary essential oil is NOT RECOMMENDED for oral or Sublingual applications. The Verbenone variety is unique in all seven varieties of the rosemary herb as it contains an element named ISOPINOCAMPONE that is TOXIC at low levels.
Safe Dosage
Tisserand’s book reports that there are seven varieties of Rosemary essential oil.
It is recommended that you purchase the oil from a source that labels the variety. Many suppliers only label 'Rosemary Essential Oil', and do not designate the variety. This is important because the camphor content of each variety varies. Natural products, such as plants and flowers, by nature, do not have the same quantity of an element due to soil conditions, weather conditions, etc. This is the beauty of nature as it creates variety.
From the Tisserand book, approximate camphor content of the varieties of rosemary essential oil are:
- 1,8 Cineole CT: 7.4 to 14.9%
- Verbenone CT (Eygyptian): 11.3 to 14.9%
- Borneol CT: 15.39%
- Bornyl acetate CT: 9.9 to 10.4%
- Camphor CT:17 to 27.3%
- Beta-Myrcene CT: 2.1 to 4.4 %
- Alpha Pinene CT: 6.7 to 20.7%
The Verbenone variety is NOT RECOMMENDED for oral or Sublingual applications. The Verbenone variety is unique in all seven varieties as it contains an element named ISOPINOCAMPONE that is TOXIC at low levels.
The most common varieties availabel on the market are Cineol and Verbenone.
- The calculations listed below of safe number of drops pertain to the Rosemary varieties: Cineole and Borneol (they are in the same range of camphor content)
- Use one-third less drops for the variety: Alpha Pinene
- Use on-half the drops for the variety Camphor CT
- The variety Beta Myrcene CT is identified as having a low level of Camphor, yet I am not comfortable stating a higher number of drops as safe.
The Verbenone variety is NOT RECOMMENDED for oral or Sublingual applications. The Verbenone variety is unique in all sevena varieties as it contains an element named ISOPINOCAMPONE that is TOXIC at low levels (Tisserand, Essential Oil Safety).
Safe Dosage:
The safe dosage maximum of camphor established by the Tisserand and Young book is 2mg/kg/day of Camphor. (page 409)
This means: 2 milligrams of camphor for every killgram of body weight, per day.
To determine an exact dosage of whole rosemary essential oil to determine the 2mg/kg/day limit, you need:
- The concentration of the camphor content in the Rosemary oil you intend to use.
- The exact volumn size of the drop from the container (bottle dropper) you are using.
Unless you are a pharmacy or research laboratory, it is difficult to determine the exact concentration of camphor in a drop of rosemary essential oil.
- You probably don't know the camphor content in the bottle of oil that you have.
- You don't know the exact size of the opening in your bottle dropper, so you don't know the exact volume of the drop of oil.
Consequently, I have concluded a most probable 'safe number of drops'.
This is lower than the Tisssserand book.
It is based upon the stand volume of a 'drop' used in pharmacy sciences. (12 drops per milliliter. One drop = 0.833ml)
The 2mg/kg/daymaximum is:
- 100 pound person: 8 drops per day
- 150 pound person = 12 drops per day,
- 200 pound person: 16 drops per day
This is not a exact process. The size of the d'drop' that comes out of your bottle may be different than the size of the 'drop' that comes out of another bottle. Follow your intuition. Listen to your body.
Safe dosage: short-term megadoses versus long-term moderate use.
There is little information on the internet about oral ingestion of essential oils.
There is almost no information about sublingual applications.
Therefore, I have no basis to suggest that long-term use of sublingual rosemary essential oil is safe.
It may not be. Long term use of sublingual rosemary essential oil may not be safe.
I started with approximately 5 drops five times a day (25 - 30 drops a day) for about 5 days. This created a break through for me. I began to feel nauseous so I reduced the dosage quickly.
Now I use 8- 12 drops a day.
So far after six weeks of use, (December 21, 2016) it has been safe for me and dramatically improved my life.
You must decide for yourself how long you will use the sublingual rosemary oil.
How to start:
- Locate a source of Rosemary oil that labels the variety of the oil.
- Do not use the Verbenone variety of rosemary oil for oral or sublingual application
- Do not use a source of oil that does not label the variety of the oil. It may contain Verbenone.
- Verify that is 100% pure Rosemary essential oil, not diluted with other substances or oils.
- Buy a bottle of oil that has a stopper in the top, called and orifice reducer, it allows the oil to come out in small drops.
- Smell it. Are you attracted to the smell? The smell and taste can be sharp and strong. Be prepared for a strong vapor and taste when you put a drop in your mouth. This will be similar, or more powerful, than menthol cough drop.
- Intuitively feel it. Are you drawn to it? If not – STOP!
- Into a spoon, drop ONE drop of the oil. This one drop is a test.
- Put in in your mouth.
-
What to do if you have an adverse reaction (burning sensation, irritation, nausea or discomfort)?
- Stop immediately.
- Spit out any fluid from your mouth.
- Reassess the situation.
- Reduce the number of drops in your next attempt.
- Dilute the oil in a teaspoon of water, then take.
- Use the oil less frequently.
If not, continue . . .
- Hold the oil in your mouth, swishing it for 1- 3-5 minutes or longer.
- Be in a meditative state, inviting and intending wellness.
- The saliva in your mouth will increase.
- Slow deep breathing of the aroma into your nostrils and lungs.
- After 1- 3-5 minutes either spit out the fluid or swallow it.
- Ground and center.
- After a few minutes drink three to six ounces of clear water.
- Notice your experience. What do you feel?
In future use, when comfortable, another way to administer the oil is by dropping it directly from the bottle into your mouth.
After your test
- One drop is a test.
- How did it feel?
- Did you have an uncomfortable reaction?
- Skin reactions, skin irritation, burning sensation, allergic reaction. Nausea, cramping?
- If so stop immediately
- Reassess the situation
- If the one drop felt fine, what did you experience?
- Test more oral drops if you choose.
- Stay within the safe dose limits for your body weight.
- I recommend doses of a couple drops a few times a day. Not, 10-12 drops at one time.
How much to use for how long?
There is no exact answer.
Your situation is unique. you have to decide for yourself how muchj to take, and when.
A. You may need only 1 or 2 drops a day, for a short time, or a long time.
B. you may start with one or two drops for a week, the increase to 3 or 4 drops for a week. Then jump to 8 to 10 drops for a few weeks, Then, scal down to 3 to 4 drops as you r base-ine dose for a long period.
My experience - support for a complex medica l condition.
- Over the first 3-4 days, I use too much sublingual oil. I used up to 40 drops per day. I got a swift surge of sensation, but after 3-4 days I began to feel nauseous and dizzy I quickly reduced my intake.
- I reduced to about 20 drops per day for a few days.
- Then I reduced to the lowest possible amount where I would feel the benefit.
- Now I take 8 to 12 drops a day.
- I weight 155 pounds. My maximum daily dose is 12 drops. Currently I use:
- 3 to 4 drops 30-45 minutes after waking in the morning.
- 3-4 drops after mid-day meal.
- 2 drops, 2 hours before bedtime.
- Sometimes I will swallow the fluid in my mouth, other times I will spit it out.
Is there a minimum dosage to feel the benefits?
- You may receive benefits by using only one sublingual drop of the oil.
- However, One or two drops may not be enough to achieve any benefit.
- When you consume any nutrient, it is absorbed and then distributed into your body. It becomes diluted within the various systems and tissues of your body.
- Therefore, you need to take enough for it to have an effect.
- Youhave to experiment yourself to determine how much to take to get an effect.
- If you are using a bottle with a small dropper hole you may need to use more drops, compared to using a larger bottle with a larger drioopper hole, and using fewer drops.
- Do you need a mega dose for a few days to break through and feel the effect? Only you can konw this.
Consume separately
I suggest that you take the rosemary at a separate time from other beverages, etc that may react to the rosemary.
For examples, I would not drink a cup of coffee, then take the rosemary.
Give your body and stomach a clear space for the rosemary to work.
If you received a sample bottle from me
If you received a sample bottle from me in December, 2016, the source of the oil was Eden Botanicals.
See: Eden Botanicals - Rosemary Essential Oil Cineole
Conflicting information on the internet:
Most information regarding Rosemary Essential Oil refers inhaling or applying the oi to your skin. There is conflicting information on the internet about the use and safety of oral ingestion of essential oils, including rosemary.. There is little information in the internet about sublingual applications of essential oils.
The information in this webpage is gathered from multiple sources.
The safety information of oral ingestion of rosemary essential oil is derived from the book:
Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.
This is a 775, reference book with over 2000 research articles relating to essential oil safety.
See: http://roberttisserand.com/essential-oil-safety-2nd-edition/
Personally, I experience daily improved and stable health from sublingual and oral ingestion of rosemary essential oil, within the safety dosage.
WARNING: you may expereince an adverse effect from sublingual rosemary essential oil. Educate yourself. Use at your own risk.
General Benefits
Rosemary oil has been extensively used and studied since ancient times for a variety of health benefits. Applications include:
- Antioxidant, free radical scavenger
- Antiseptic
- Stress and anxiety, reduces cortisol levels
- staph and strep bacteria
- digestive stimulant
- memory or mental fatigue
- respiratory and circulatory issues.
- Reduces cortisol levels
- Boosts immune system
- Aching muscles
- Arthritis
- Gout
- hair care
- muscle cramping
- neuralgia
- poor circulation
Cautions, Contra-indications, Side Effects:
Be informed! Educate yourself.
Consult:
An aromatherapist trained in oral ingestion of essential oils.
Your physician, your qualified Physician, Integrated Health Practitioner, your Pharmacist.
Partial list
Potential Side Effects
- Allergic reactions
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Intestinal gas (note: if you have this symptom search 'histamine intolerance')
- Muscle spasms
- Skin irritation
- Burning sensation in mouth.
From: University of Maryland Medical Center
Total daily intake should not exceed 4 to 6 grams of the dried herb.
Do not take rosemary oil orally.
Possible Interactions
Antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs (blood thinners) -- Rosemary may affect the blood's ability to clot. It could interfere with any blood-thinning drugs you are taking, including:
- Warfarin (Coumadin)
- Clopidogrel (Plavix)
- Aspirin
ACE inhibitors -- Rosemary may interfere with the action of ACE inhibitors taken for high blood pressure, including:
- Captopril (Capoten)
- Elaropril (Vasotec)
- Lisinopril (Zestril)
- Fosinopril (Monopril)
Diuretics (water pills) -- Rosemary can act as a diuretic, raising your risk of dehydration. It can increase the effects of diuretic drugs, including:
- Furosemide (Lasix)
- Hydrochlorothiazide
Lithium -- Because of its diuretic effects, rosemary might cause the body to lose too much water, and the amount of lithium in the body can build up to toxic levels.
Diabetes -- Rosemary may alter blood sugar levels and could interfere with drugs taken to control diabetes.
From WEBMD
There is conflicting information about the use of rosemary oil for: High blood pressure.
Skin and eye applications
- For topical skin applications dilute before using. A patch test should be performed before use for those with sensitive skin.
- Avoid to contact mucus membranes or eyes.
What to do if you have an adverse reaction?
- Stop immediately.
- Spit our any fluid from your mouth.
- Reassess the situation
- Reduce the number of drops in your next attempt
- Dilute the oil in a table spoon of water, then take.
- Use the oil less frequently.
IF YOU FEEL VIOLENTLY ILL, CALL 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
Therapeutic properties
Antifungal, antibacterial, antiseptic, antiparasitic stimulant, analgesic, antidepressant, astringent, carminative, cephalic, cholagogue, cordial, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, hepatic, hypertensive, nervine, rubefacient, sudorific and tonic.
Read More on therapeutic properties:
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Medicine: Aromatherapy
https://nccih.nih.gov/health/aromatherapy
http://reflexaromas.com/rosemary-rosmarinus-officinalis-essential-oil-profile-benefits-properties/
http://essentialoils.co.za/essential-oils/rosemary.htm
http://reflexaromas.com/rosemary-rosmarinus-officinalis-essential-oil-profile-benefits-properties/
http://articles.mercola.com/herbal-oils/rosemary-oil.aspx
http://www.edenbotanicals.com/products/essential-oils-pure-therapeutic-grade/essential-oils-q-r/rosemary-ct-cineol-organic.html
Sources of Rosemary essential oil:
There are many sources of organic Rosemary essential oil, here are two:
Mountainroseherbs
https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/rosemary-essential-oil/profile
Eden botanicals.
http://www.edenbotanicals.com/products/essential-oils-pure-therapeutic-grade/essential-oils-q-r/rosemary-ct-cineol-organic.html
References:
The National Institute of Health, Library of Medicine, PUBMED, lists several research articles relating to Rosemary Essential Oil, memory and Hippocampus.
Effect of botanical extracts containing carnosic acid or rosmarinic acid on learning and memory in SAMP8 mice.
Rosemary extract improves cognitive deficits in a rats model of repetitive mild traumatic brain injury associated with reduction of astrocytosis and neuronal degeneration in hippocampus.
The effect of rosemary extract on spatial memory, learning and antioxidant enzymes activities in the hippocampus of middle-aged rats.
Rosmarinus officinalis L. leaf extract improves memory impairment and affects acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase activities in rat brain.
There are many other sources of research information on rosemary essential oil.
Please keep a diary of your experience and send me your feedback
Based upon my profound experience and the improvement of my health, it is possible that other people may benefit as greatly. This could change their lives, lifting them out of prolonged suffering.
Would you please help this happen?
If you appreciate this knowledge, and benefits from using the rosemary essential oil, please send me an email to share your experience.
If you did not have a beneficial experience with the rosemary oil, please send me an email to share your experience.
I am evaluating further action to share this powerful wisdom. Your feedback will be helpful.
Please tell your friends about this website.
Blessings,

Daniel 'Danny' Lappin BA, CMP
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)



This webpage first posted December 12, 2016
Copyright (C) Daniel J. Lappin, 2016