rosemary plant

Use for Hair Growth, Improving Memory, Immunity, and Reducing Inflammation

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  1. BOTANICAL NAME Rosmarinus officinalis
  2.  
  3. PARTS USED Leaves
  4. EXTRACTION METHOD Steam distilled
  5. COLOR Colorless to pale yellow liquid
  6. NOTE CLASSIFICATION Middle
  7. AROMA Fresh, woody, herbaceous, invigorating and purifying
  1. Stimulate hair growth Rosemary essential oil has been shown to be as effective in promoting hair growth as minoxidil treatments, also known as Rogaine®, with less scalp itching as a side-effect. By increasing blood flow to the scalp, rosemary can improve hair health. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help reduce dandruff, rejuevante and repair.
  2. Boost alertness, memory, and concentration Research has demonstrated that inhaling rosemary can affect mental clarity and cognitive function, improving response time and performance.
  3. Immunity Helps fortify your body’s natural defenses and fight off outside invaders. A recent study concluded that rosemary essential oil may become the potential natural antimicrobial in the field of food and pharmaceutical industries replacing synthetic antimicrobials because of possible multiple resistances and side effects. Topical application has also shown strong antioxidant activity.
  4. Anti-inflammatory Rosemary has been studied for combating pain and inflammation, specifically for the treatment of dermatitis, a condition that causes swelling and irritation of the skin. Its study for reducing cellulite suggests it works topically on microcirculation and lymphatic drainage.

The History of Rosemary

Known for its distinctive evergreen, citrus-like, herbaceous scent, Rosemary Essential Oil is derived from the aromatic herb Rosmarinus officinalis, a plant belonging to the Mint family.

Historically, Rosemary was considered sacred by ancient Greeks, Egyptians, Hebrews, and Romans, and it was used for numerous purposes. The Greeks wore Rosemary garlands around their heads while studying, as it was believed to improve memory. There’s a meaningful quote in Shakespeare’s Hamlet: “There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance. Pray you, love, remember.”

In the Middle Ages, Rosemary was used to protect against the bubonic plague. Rosemary branches were commonly strewn across floors and left in doorways to keep the disease at bay. Rosemary was also an ingredient in the famous “Four Thieves Blend,” a mixture infused with herbs and spices, used by grave robbers to protect themselves against the plague. A symbol of remembrance, Rosemary was also tossed into graves as a promise that loved ones who passed away would not be forgotten.

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PRECAUTIONS Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes. If pregnant or lactating, consult your healthcare practitioner before using. If applying an essential oil to your skin always perform a small patch test before using.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

SCHOLARLY ARTICLES
  1. Andrade, Joana M et al. “Rosmarinus officinalis L.: an update review of its phytochemistry and biological activity.” Future science OA vol. 4,4 FSO283. 1 Feb. 2018, doi:10.4155/fsoa-2017-0124
  2. Becer, Eda et al. "Composition and antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer activities of Rosmarinus officinalis L. essential oil." South African Journal of Botany vol. 160 (2023):437-445. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2023.07.028
  3. de Macedo, Lucas Malvezzi et al. “Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L., syn Salvia rosmarinus Spenn.) and Its Topical Applications: A Review.” Plants (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 9,5 651. 21 May. 2020, doi:10.3390/plants9050651
  4. "Growth Market: How Rosemary Oil Can Help Your Hair." Cleveland Clinic March 31, 2023. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/rosemary-oil-for-hair/
  5. Jiang, Yang et al. “Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Rosemary.” Environmental toxicology and pharmacology vol. 32,1 (2011): 63-8. doi:10.1016/j.etap.2011.03.011
  6. Jimbo, Daiki et al. “Effect of aromatherapy on patients with Alzheimer's disease.” Psychogeriatrics : the official journal of the Japanese Psychogeriatric Society vol. 9,4 (2009): 173-9. doi:10.1111/j.1479-8301.2009.00299.x
  7. Moss, Mark, and Lorraine Oliver. “Plasma 1,8-cineole correlates with cognitive performance following exposure to rosemary essential oil aroma.” Therapeutic advances in psychopharmacology vol. 2,3 (2012): 103-13. doi:10.1177/2045125312436573
  8. Panahi, Yunes et al. “Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a randomized comparative trial.” Skinmed vol. 13,1 (2015): 15-21. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25842469/
  9. Sayorwan, Winai et al. “Effects of inhaled rosemary oil on subjective feelings and activities of the nervous system.” Scientia pharmaceutica vol. 81,2 (2013): 531-42. doi:10.3797/scipharm.1209-05