Rosemary appears in many Dermagic products — and there’s a reason for that. Here’s the history, the science, and what this Mediterranean herb does for your pet’s skin and coat.
Why we keep coming back to rosemary
For many years, Dermagic has focused on bringing the best, most effective natural skincare solutions to the pet industry — which means using only the finest organic ingredients. One herb you’ll see appearing again and again is rosemary, and there’s a good reason for it.
A short history of a long-loved herb
Rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis) is an herb native to the Mediterranean. This woody, fragrant plant has been known for its healing properties for centuries. The name comes from the Latin ros (dew) and marinus (sea) — “dew of the sea”. Greek legend has it draped around Aphrodite’s neck as she rose from the sea. In Christian tradition, the Virgin Mary spread her blue cloak over a white-blossoming bush, turning the flowers blue, which is why the shrub is still sometimes called the “Rose of Mary”.
Queen Elisabeth of Poland used it to “renovate the vitality of paralysed limbs” and to improve gout. In Australia it’s worn on Remembrance Day to signify memory. Throughout Europe it was a remembrance of the dead because of its ability to improve cognition. Egyptians burned it as incense in cleansing rituals. During the plagues of the middle ages, it was used to drive away evil spirits and protect against infection.
It’s also, of course, the herb that turns an ordinary pork loin into something exquisite.
The science behind the herb
Modern research has confirmed much of what tradition already suspected. Rosemary has been shown to stimulate blood flow to the brain, reduce damage to the nervous system, and decrease the effects of ageing. It improves cognitive function, and scientists continue to study its effects on nerve cells.
Rosemary contains a long list of biologically active compounds, including powerful antioxidants — carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid, as well as camphor, caffeic acid, ursolic acid, betulinic acid and rosmanol.
What rosemary does for your pet
Rosemary’s stimulating effect on the nerves and hair follicles encourages hair growth — which makes it directly useful for treating hair loss, including the condition known as Alopecia X (“hair today, gone tomorrow” syndrome).
The warming effect helps with cold limbs and can ease arthritic pain aggravated by cold winters. The active acids revitalise skin and refresh ageing joints. Fleas and ticks dislike rosemary, which makes it a useful rinse for repelling them. And as a natural preservative, it extends the shelf life of our products — no synthetic preservatives required — while making them smell remarkable.
Where you’ll find it
Dermagic uses rosemary essential oil from Spain in several products, including the Rosemary Soap Bar, the Rosemary-Mint Conditioner Bar, and the Rosemary and Lavender Shampoo Bar. Each combines rosemary with other organic ingredients chosen for specific skin and coat needs.
In future posts we’ll look at some of the other ingredients we keep coming back to — shea butter, whole-leaf certified organic aloe, and more.
Until then, plant some rosemary in your herb garden this spring. It’s delicious in almost everything, and the scent when you brush past it is uplifting — almost spiritual. Revel in it.
“Where rosemary flourished, the woman ruled.” — Unknown
For specific guidance email info@dermagic.eu or call 01624 829575.