What is Rosemary oil?

Rosemary oil is an essential oil derived from the leaves of the Rosmarinus officinalis plant, which is native to the Mediterranean region. It has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times, and is commonly used today in aromatherapy.

How does it work?

Rosemary oil has been shown to have a range of therapeutic effects, including improving memory, reducing stress and anxiety, and relieving pain. Its active compounds, including rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid, and camphor, are believed to be responsible for these effects.

What are the active ingredients that are important for its medicinal properties?

The main active compounds in rosemary oil are rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid, and camphor.

What forms does it come in?

Rosemary oil is typically sold in small bottles for use in aromatherapy.

When was it first used for medicinal purposes?

Rosemary has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times.

What does Rosemary oil help with?

Rosemary oil is a strong-smelling oil made from the rosemary plant. It is steam-distilled from the leaves and flowering tops. People in the Mediterranean and Europe have used it for hundreds of years.

The strongest human evidence is for pattern hair loss, where it was tested against minoxidil 2%. Small human studies also looked at focus, memory and stress. Most other uses rest on tradition or lab work alone.

• Thinning hair and pattern hair loss
  Good evidence — clinical trials comparing scalp-applied rosemary oil with minoxidil 2%. In clinical trials in people with pattern hair loss, rosemary oil rubbed into the scalp did about as well as minoxidil 2%. People using rosemary reported less scalp itching. Daily use for at least 3 to 6 months was needed before results showed.
  Evidence grade B
• Feeling sharper and more focused
  Early evidence — small human studies of breathing in the scent. In these studies, people who breathed in rosemary oil were faster and more accurate on thinking tasks. Even a short sniff was enough in some tests. Many people notice a more alert feeling 20 to 30 minutes after they breathe it in.
  Evidence grade C
• Memory and mental speed, especially later in life
  Early evidence — several small scent-based studies, many in older adults. Several studies found better memory recall and quicker thinking after people breathed in rosemary oil. The effect was clearest in older adults. In lab work, its main compound 1,8-cineole raised acetylcholine, a brain chemical tied to attention and memory.
  Evidence grade C
• Stress and mild tension or worry
  Early evidence — small human trials measuring cortisol and self-reported tension. In small trials, people who breathed in rosemary oil had lower cortisol, a stress hormone. They also reported less tension and worry. The trials were small, so the size of the effect is not settled.
  Evidence grade C
• Flaky scalp and dandruff
  Not yet tested in people — no human trial on file; lab findings and tradition only. Rosemary oil holds compounds that warm the skin and draw blood to the scalp. In lab work, the oil also slowed the growth of microbes, which may help keep the scalp balanced. No human trial on file has tested it for flaking or mild seborrheic dermatitis.
  Evidence grade insufficient
• Itchy, irritated scalp
  Not yet tested in people — lab work on rosemary compounds; no human trial on file. Rosemary holds rosmarinic acid and other compounds that calmed swelling in lab studies. Some people use the oil alongside normal dandruff products, or on its own for mild scalp sensitivity. No human trial on file has measured scalp itch.
  Evidence grade insufficient
• Sore muscles and stiff, aching spots
  Not yet tested in people — long traditional use as a rub; no human trial on file. Rosemary oil has long been massaged into tense or aching muscles and joints as a warming rub. It holds camphor and borneol, which create a mild warming, distracting feeling on the skin. It is a common part of natural muscle rubs and sports blends.
  Evidence grade insufficient
• Cold hands and feet
  Not yet tested in people — tradition only; no human trial on file. Rubbing rosemary oil on the skin is a long-standing folk remedy for poor blood flow to the hands, feet and scalp. It is popular with people who run cold. No human study on file has measured blood flow or skin warmth.
  Evidence grade insufficient

What Rosemary oil has not been shown to do

• The hair trials looked at pattern hair loss only, so other kinds of hair loss were not tested.
• It has not been shown to work fast for hair; trials needed 3 to 6 months of daily use.
• No human trial on file has shown that it cuts dandruff flaking.
• No human trial on file has shown that it eases sore muscles or joint pain.
• No human study on file has shown that it warms cold hands and feet or improves blood flow.
• The stress studies were small and short, so it has not been shown to help with an anxiety disorder.

How to read this:

Grades here describe the human evidence for each use, not how strong the oil is. A means steady results across several human trials. B means at least one good human trial. C means small or mixed human studies. D means weak or clashing human results. Insufficient means no human study on file, just lab work, animal work or tradition. This page reports what studies found. It is not advice, and it does not replace care from your own doctor.

What does it help prevent?

Rosemary oil has not been shown to prevent any specific conditions or symptoms.

Which foods are rich in it?

Rosemary oil is not found in foods, but the Rosmarinus officinalis plant is commonly used as a culinary herb.

What are possible side effects?

Rosemary oil is generally considered safe when used as directed, but it can cause skin irritation in some people. It should not be ingested.

What’s the recommended daily dose?

The recommended daily dose of rosemary oil for aromatherapy is a few drops added to a diffuser or mixed with a carrier oil for topical use.

How many days does it take to work?

The effects of rosemary oil in aromatherapy can be felt immediately.

What time of day is best to take it?

Rosemary oil can be used at any time of day.

Is it best to take it with or without food?

Rosemary oil should not be ingested.