Extracts of Rosemary are among the most potent anti-oxidant known for preserving fats and oils. Rosemary has a unique ability to "quench" almost every class of free-radical. Further, while most anti-oxidants need to be restored or replenished once they've absorbed an oxidative radical, rosemary changes form and is able to quench a different class of free-radical molecules.

Recent research has noted that when ingested, relatively small amounts of Rosemary extract can stop oxidation in all "oil" or "fat" components of our bodies. This organic extract can be added to your carrier oil "stock", or to blends including carrier oils. This extract is known to be more effective than Vitamin E for natural preservation of your oils.

The suggested dilution ration for effectively extending the shelf-life of your carrier oils and blends is only 0.2% (1/5th of one percent), which is 1 to 2 drops of the extract per fluid ounce of carrier oil.

This extract has a mild rosemary aroma, though at effective concentrations, should really go un-noticed in terms of aroma in your formulations. The extract is fairly viscous ~ the best way to work with it is to remove the orifice reducer from the bottle (if you purchase the 12ml size ~ larger sizes do not include an orifice reducer in the bottle) and use a glass eye dropper to measure drops into your formula (eye droppers are supplied with 30m and 60ml sizes ~ they are otherwise available for free by requesting one in the "comments" section of the checkout page). Cap your carrier oil or blend, and gently invert and swirl so that the Rosemary extract is thoroughly distributed throughout your oil or blend.

While carrier oils (also known as "fixed" oils) are most suceptable to oxidation, essential oils high in linalool are also potential targets, as are citrus oils and needle oils from the Pinaceae family. Adding 1 drop per ounce of Rosemary Antioxidant to your essential oils of these varieties is not a bad idea if you intend to keep them for more than a year. Other antioxidants that are known effective are a combination of vitamin C (as ascorbyl palmitate) and Vitamin E. BHT is also widely available on the internet, though some folks would prefer not introduce something totally synthetic to their oils.

To learn more about the use of all our essential oils, we encourage you to visit The Ananda Apothecary Forums, where you can post questions regarding specific applications of each oil. Questions in the forums are regularly answered by Ananda Apothecary staff, and other experienced aromatherapy practitioners.