What Is Rosemary Oil?
You might be familiar with rosemary as a flavorful, aromatic cooking herb. Rosemary essential oil is a concentrated extract from the plant. It comes from the spiky leaves and tiny blue flowers of the evergreen bush Rosmarinus officinalis L.
Originally grown beside the Mediterranean Sea and south of the Himalayas, rosemary has deep roots as a folk remedy for migraine, pain, insomnia, emotional imbalances, and more. Today its science-proven benefits include helping boost memory and learning, coaxing hair growth, and easing pain.
Studies have found rosemary extracts have bioactive properties, which means they can help your body fight bacteria, funguses, and free radicals and calm swelling. The rosemary plant is hardy, too – it can grow where it's hot and dry and in many types of soil.
Are There Different Types of Rosemary Oil?
There are four main chemotypes – chemical traits that make them different from each other – of rosemary oil, according to Robert Tisserand. He's an international speaker and educator on the science, benefits, and safe uses of essential oils through his organization, the Tisserand Institute. They are:
Camphor
Cineole
Pinene
Verbenone
'The one used in hair growth trials is the cineole type, and this is also the one most commonly sold,' he says. 'If the label does not give the type, it will be the cineole type.'
Is Rosemary Oil Good for Hair Growth?
Yes. Studies have found rosemary oil can help spur hair regrowth as well as Rogaine, aka minoxidil, the drug famous for helping regrow hair. Rosemary oil also doesn't make your scalp as itchy as the over-the-counter med does. Many people appreciate having a natural alternative to a drug, too.
Rosemary oil can help your hair and scalp in other ways, too. Because it helps calm inflammation on your scalp, it can curb dandruff.
How do I use rosemary oil for my hair?
You'll be treating your scalp, not your actual hair, when you use rosemary oil to boost hair growth. You can safely apply rosemary oil once a day, Tisserand says. It usually takes two to three months to see results. To help your skin absorb the oil, massage your head with your fingertips for 30 seconds after every application.
How long should I leave on rosemary oil?
You can leave it in or wash your hair with shampoo two hours after application. 'If your hair is very oily, apply the shampoo before using any water,' Tisserand advises.
How do I prepare the rosemary oil for this treatment?
'It's important that the rosemary oil is diluted before use,' says Tisserand. 'This is mostly for safety reasons – to avoid irritation – but also because most of it will simply evaporate, and you want it to go into your scalp.' He advises using 5%-10% rosemary oil to 90%-95% of what you're going to use to dilute the essential oil with. (You can figure out how many essential oil drops to use per ounce of diluent using a chart like this one by the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy.)
Two good diluent choices are castor oil and fractionated coconut oil, in which certain fatty acids are removed to make coconut oil more stable and easily absorbed into your skin. Fractionated coconut oil also is less greasy than castor oil.
'If you want a non-greasy product, look for a non-fragranced gel,' Tisserand adds. 'Don't go for aloe vera gel, as this is 99% water. Go for aloe jelly, which has other ingredients that thicken it to gel consistency.'
Is castor oil or rosemary oil better for hair growth?
'There is a very longstanding tradition of using castor oil for hair growth, but so far there is no supporting evidence,' says Tisserand. 'Of course you can use both, since castor is a fatty oil and rosemary is an essential oil.'
What are the side effects of using rosemary oil for your hair?
Rosemary is linked to heavier menstrual flow and potential miscarriage. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you are advised against using rosemary oil. But it's OK to eat rosemary in plant form to enhance your food.
More Benefits of Rosemary Oil
Fend off bugs
Does rosemary oil work as a bug repellent? 'Indeed, it does,' says Tisserand. 'There are many different types of bugs, and rosemary is a good choice overall.' Repellent is a substance you apply to your skin to keep mosquitoes and other insects from biting you. An Indonesian study found rosemary oil diluted in a gel formula worked and lasted almost as long as store bought bug repellent that contained the chemical DEET.
Boost your brainpower
A U.K. study found exposure to rosemary essential oil was strongly related to cognitive tasks including subtraction and memory. Sometimes you might see rosemary oil suggested as a stress reliever. However, Tisserand says, 'Rosemary is one of the few oils that are stimulating rather than calming, so it's not an ideal choice for stress. Psychologically, rosemary oil is good for improving cognition, such as focus and memory.'
Ease body pain
Studies have found applying rosemary oil directly to your body can cut down frequency and intensity of musculoskeletal pain – that's pain in your joints and bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Rosemary oil is also sometimes used to treat arthritis and boost blood circulation.
Make you feel happier
One study found people who received massages with rosemary oil felt more refreshed, cheerful, and alert than a control group that had massages with oil that didn't have rosemary.
Fight acne
A study of people with acne reported using rosemary oil in a topical gel improved not only their acne but their skin health as well, with minimal side effects. The people used the gel twice a day for four weeks. This study suggests rosemary oil has promise as a natural, safe alternative to acne drugs.
Does Rosemary Oil Have Side Effects?
Like most substances, you should take rosemary oil in the recommended dosage for the purpose you're using it for. Some people are allergic to it, too. If taken in large doses, rosemary oil can cause:
Spasms
Vomiting
Fluid in your lungs, known as pulmonary edema
Coma
Rosemary also isn't recommended for people who have:
Crohn's disease
High blood pressure
Ulcers
Ulcerative colitis
You should never take rosemary essential oil by mouth, as it can be toxic. When you see recipes that contain rosemary oil, they're referring to oil that has been infused with rosemary, which is a different preparation. You can find these types for cooking in grocery and natural food stores and culinary specialty stores.
Can You Make Your Own Rosemary Oil?
'Making your own essential oil is not easy, and even if you do manage to do this, chances are you will only end up with a few drops,' says Tisserand.
Where Can I Buy It?
'Rosemary oil is very easy to find,' Tisserand says. 'There are dozens of essential oil sellers, and probably 95% will offer rosemary.' In this case, it's better to buy it online than in stores, he says, as the oil will be fresher. Google rosemary oil and look for specialty companies, not conglomerate sellers like Amazon.
What Should I Look for in Rosemary Oil?
Here are some things you may want to consider when buying rosemary oil:
Choose one with the fewest ingredients. Weed out brands that seem to have a lot of fillers, waters, and other cheap add-ins. Make sure the ingredients are clearly listed on the label.
A scent you enjoy. An essential oil can have desirable properties, but if you don't like how it smells, you probably won't use it.
Make sure it's been properly tested. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/ MS) testing should be done by batch to ensure purity and highest quality.
Check certifications. Look for products that are certified USDA organic. Other good certification guidelines include non-GMO, Leaping Bunny Cruelty Free, and PETA's Vegan & Cruelty Free.
Takeaways
Rosemary is more than a fragrant, flavorful herb. As an essential oil, it has properties that can help ease pain, help you focus and remember things better, and boost your mood.
It's also been proven to improve hair growth at least as well as commonly known over-the-counter products.
Rosemary oil should be diluted in oil or gel before using it on your skin.
While you can enjoy eating rosemary as an herb, doctors advise against taking essential oils internally.
Rosemary Oil FAQs
Who shouldn't use rosemary oil?
People who have Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, ulcers, or high blood pressure shouldn't use rosemary oil. Also, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid it.
Should you put rosemary oil on your skin?
Yes, but make sure it's diluted in the right proportion. Use a chart such as this one by the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy.
What does smelling rosemary oil do for you?
Rosemary aromatherapy is well known for improving focus, boosting memory, and lifting your mood. It can make your blood pressure higher too, as it helps alertness, so people with high blood pressure should avoid it.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Burger featuring ground turkey and whole-wheat pita keeps fat and cholesterol in check
If you crave burgers and want a healthful option, consider today's recipe for Mediterranean-Style Smash Turkey Burgers. Smash burgers are made by pressing a ball of ground meat onto a hot griddle or skillet and flattening it. We've made our nutritious burger with lean ground turkey breast and tasty Mediterranean spices and then added veggies. Grinding meat is a way to break down some of its tougher fibers and tissues. The meat is then more tender, easier to chew and has a uniform texture. You can grind any type of meat, but beef and turkey are the most commonly found options in grocery stores. The fat content in ground meat varies depending on the cut used. Meat fat is high in saturated fat. Saturated fat is the type of fat that can raise your LDL (bad) cholesterol and increase your risk for heart disease. Although turkey breasts are generally very lean, ground turkey may include extra fat from the thighs, drumsticks, neck and skin. To minimize saturated fat, it's wise to choose ground meat with a label that states it is 93% to 99% 'lean' or 'extra lean.' The mild taste of turkey is a perfect match for the savory Mediterranean flavors in today's dish. Garlic, herbs and spices enliven the burger patties, and the tzatziki yogurt sauce adds some tanginess to the meat. The fiber-rich veggies provide crunch and color. A sprinkling of feta cheese crumbles brings everything together. All you need is a serving of fresh summer fruit to create a delicious meal that minimizes many health risks. More: Traverse City named among Food & Wine's top small U.S. cities for food and drink Bethany Thayer is a registered dietitian nutritionist with Henry Ford Health. For more recipes and health information, visit For questions about today's recipe, email HenryFordLiveWell@ Makes: 4 / Prep time: 20 minutes / Total time: 40 minutes 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 pound ground turkey breast 2 cloves minced garlic 1 teaspoon dried oregano ¼ teaspoon black pepper ¼ teaspoon ground cumin More: A new Iron Chef Detroit has been crowned ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped, divided 4 whole-wheat, 6-inch, pitas (2 ounces each) Vegetable oil cooking spray 1 cup cucumbers, diced 1 cup tomatoes, diced ½ cup red bell pepper, diced ½ cup red onion diced 4 tablespoons tzatziki sauce 4 tablespoons feta cheese, crumbled In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, ground turkey, garlic, oregano, black pepper, cumin and 2 tablespoons parsley; mix well. Divide the meat into four equal-sized balls. Place each ball in the center of a pita and set aside. In a medium-sized bowl, combine cucumber, tomato, red bell pepper and red onion. Set aside. Heat a large pan over medium to medium-high heat. Spray the pan with vegetable oil cooking spray. Once the pan is hot, place the pita, meat side down, on the pan and smash the pita evenly using a spatula or burger press until it's as flat as possible. Cover the pan and allow to cook for about 3-5 minutes, until the meat is browned and fully cooked (internal temperature should be 165 degrees). Flip the pita, cooking on the other side for about 1 minute until golden brown. Remove from the pan and top with 1 tablespoon tzatziki sauce, one-fourth of the cucumber-tomato mixture, 1 tablespoon of feta cheese crumbles and 1 ½ teaspoons parsley. From Henry Ford Health 405 calories (24% from fat), 11 grams fat (8 grams sat. fat), 40 grams carbohydrates, 38 grams protein, 500 mg sodium, 73 mg cholesterol, 155 mg calcium, 6 grams fiber. Food exchanges: 2 carbohydrate, 2 vegetables, 5 lean protein. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Smash burger made with ground turkey keeps fat, cholesterol in check
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Climate change leads to spread of infection-causing fungi, scientists say
Climate change may be putting millions more people at risk from an infection-causing fungi, which is likely spreading due to warming global temperatures, scientists say. There will likely be an increased risk of infection due to harmful fungi in the coming years due to climate change, according to researchers from the University of Manchester. MORE: What to know about Fusarium graminearum, the biological pathogen allegedly smuggled into the US The scientists mapped the effects of rising temperatures on global distribution of three infection-causing fungi under different climate scenarios through 2100: Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus niger, according to the paper, which has been published on preprint platform Research Square and not yet been peer-reviewed. Aspergillus, a fungal mold that thrives in warm, damp climates, is already found worldwide -- including in the U.S. -- and can impact humans, animals, livestock and plants. But current emissions projections indicate that within 15 years a "significant spread" of certain fungal pathogens could occur in Europe and beyond, the researchers said. Under this scenario, the spread of A. flavus could increase by 16%, putting 1 million more people in Europe at risk of infection, according to the paper. MORE: USDA orders removal of climate change mentions from public websites Another fungus, A. fumigatus, could increase by 77.5% and potentially expose 9 million people in Europe, the researchers said. A. fumigatus affects the lungs and is one of the most common pathogens responsible for life-threatening infections in humans, according to the paper. Fungal spores transported through the air can cause infections in humans when inhaled -- especially for vulnerable populations and people with weakened immune systems and lung disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fungi are "incredibly adaptable organisms" that allow them to colonize new geographies and survive environment changes, the researchers said. The emergence and spread of the fungus Candida auris has also occurred as a result of warming temperatures, Van Rhijn said. "Changes in environmental factors, such as humidity and extreme weather events, will change habitats and drive fungal adaptation and spread," Norman van Rhijn, professor at the University of Manchester's School of Biological Sciences and lead author of the paper, said in a statement. MORE: Climate change could aggravate over half of known human pathogens, scientists say The trend is especially concerning due to a rise in antifungal resistance -- driven by the use of fungicides in agriculture to protect crops -- as well as a "severe lack" of treatment options for fungal infections, the researchers said. But fungi are relatively under researched compared to viruses and parasites, Van Rhijn said. Less than 10% of up to 3.8 million species have been described, the researchers said. "Raising awareness and developing effective interventions for fungal pathogens will be essential to mitigate the consequences of this," he said. Climate change leads to spread of infection-causing fungi, scientists say originally appeared on
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
We Think You Can Look Beyond Gesundheitswelt Chiemgau's (MUN:JTH) Lackluster Earnings
Shareholders appeared unconcerned with Gesundheitswelt Chiemgau AG's (MUN:JTH) lackluster earnings report last week. Our analysis suggests that while the profits are soft, the foundations of the business are strong. This technology could replace computers: discover the 20 stocks are working to make quantum computing a reality. Importantly, our data indicates that Gesundheitswelt Chiemgau's profit was reduced by €1.7m, due to unusual items, over the last year. While deductions due to unusual items are disappointing in the first instance, there is a silver lining. We looked at thousands of listed companies and found that unusual items are very often one-off in nature. And, after all, that's exactly what the accounting terminology implies. Gesundheitswelt Chiemgau took a rather significant hit from unusual items in the year to December 2024. As a result, we can surmise that the unusual items made its statutory profit significantly weaker than it would otherwise be. Note: we always recommend investors check balance sheet strength. Click here to be taken to our balance sheet analysis of Gesundheitswelt Chiemgau. As we discussed above, we think the significant unusual expense will make Gesundheitswelt Chiemgau's statutory profit lower than it would otherwise have been. Because of this, we think Gesundheitswelt Chiemgau's underlying earnings potential is as good as, or possibly even better, than the statutory profit makes it seem! On the other hand, its EPS actually shrunk in the last twelve months. At the end of the day, it's essential to consider more than just the factors above, if you want to understand the company properly. In light of this, if you'd like to do more analysis on the company, it's vital to be informed of the risks involved. Every company has risks, and we've spotted 5 warning signs for Gesundheitswelt Chiemgau (of which 1 shouldn't be ignored!) you should know about. Today we've zoomed in on a single data point to better understand the nature of Gesundheitswelt Chiemgau's profit. But there are plenty of other ways to inform your opinion of a company. Some people consider a high return on equity to be a good sign of a quality business. While it might take a little research on your behalf, you may find this free collection of companies boasting high return on equity, or this list of stocks with significant insider holdings to be useful. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
