Rosemary - in Aromatherapy & Herbal Medicine

Rosemary; the herb of remembrance, is one of my favourite herbs to use in aromatherapy, herbal medicine and in the kitchen (a nice addition to roast lamb and potatoes).

Traditionally, the Rosemary plant has been associated with improving fatigue and convalescence, reducing muscle pain and neuralgia, increasing new hair growth, assisting with liver function, and reducing gout pain. We often associate this woody and aromatic herb with its ability to improve our memory and increase cognitive function.

In Naturopathic Medicine, we use Rosemary for digestive complaints, muscle relaxation, stimulating circulation, its antimicrobial properties, liver detoxification, its potent antioxidant capabilities and topically for hair loss.

In aromatherapy, we look to Rosemary essential oil as being one of the most invigorating and uplifting oils in our toolkits. I had it diffusing constantly throughout the crazy time that was 2020. It is used in cosmetics for many hair and beauty products.

In spiritual circles, Rosemary is often used for balancing our brow (third eye) chakra - associated with intuitive thought and aiding in balancing our two brain hemispheres (creative and logic).


Here are a few ways I like to use Rosemary

Study and Concentration:

Diffuse 4 drops Rosemary essential oil & 4 drops Basil. Alternatively, you can apply 1 drop of each oil to a tissue and breathe in gently as required.

Rejuvenating Skin Toner:

Fill an amber glass bottle ¾ full of distilled water and ¼ pure witch hazel. Next add 5 drops each of Rosemary, Frankincense and Lavender essential oil. Allow to synergise for a few hours. Apply after cleansing, before moisturiser.

Muscle Soreness:

Mix 5 drops each of Rosemary, Back Pepper and Lavender essential oils into30ml of fractionated coconut oil. Massage into sore muscles.

Stimulating Hair Mask:

Mixin a small bowl - 1 Tbsp of fractionated coconut oil, 1 tbsp of castor oil, 4 drops each of Rosemary and Lavender essential oils. Dampen your hair (I use a spray bottle) and massage the oil blend into your scalp. Cover your scalp with a shower cap for 30min – 2hours and then rinse out. Do this 2 x per week.

**The essential oils in our range are of the highest quality ingredients and manufactured to the highest standards. However, some essential oils may cause irritation to the skin, so always patch test first. **


Clinical trials of Rosemary Essential Oil & Herbal Supplements

In a clinical trial[1] at the University of Northumbria, Neuroscientists randomly divided 144 participants into 3 cubicles and asked them to complete a computerised assessment, used to assess cognitive function. Four drops of Rosemary essential oil were applied to an aromatherapy diffuser pad and left in room one. The second cubicle contained an aromatherapy diffuser pad to which four drops of Lavender essential oil was applied. The third cubicle had no aromatherapy intervention (control group).

At the conclusion of this study, it was noted that the ‘Rosemary Group’ showed a significant enhancement in overall memory quality and cognitive performance, as well as showing a significant increase in alertness in comparison to both the control and lavender group.

Another study[2] was conducted amongst 68 healthy adults to assess the efficacy of Rosemary herbal extract as a supplement for memory performance, depression, anxiety and sleep quality. Questionnaires were completed at the commencement of the trial, and then again at the one-month mark. Markers were measured using the Prospective and Retrospective Memory questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale as well as the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory.

The results showed that 500mg of Rosemary herbal extract taken orally, twice daily for the duration of one month improves memory by 14% when compared to the control group (who were given a placebo). Rosemary also outperformed its placebo counterpart in reduction of anxiety and depression symptoms, as well as improving sleep quality.

Blending

There is a myriad of ways to use Rosemary essential oil in aromatherapy. As a Middle Note it blends well with Basil, Cedarwood, Frankincense, Marjoram, May Chang and many other oils. 


Australian Body 100% Pure Essential Oil
- Rosmarinus Officinalis L.

Parts Steam Distilled: Leaves

Main Active Constituents: 1,8-Cineole, borneol, camphor, carvacrol, alpha-pinene, carnosol, rosmarinic acids, flavonoids


Article by Kelly Tschirpig

Alchemy Natural Health

BHSc - Naturopathy


Edited by Lidia Sindic 

Founder & Owner Australian Body 

Diploma in Personal Care Science

BA Design

Diploma in Business  


[1] Moss M, Cook J, Wesnes K, Duckett P. Aromas of rosemary and lavender essential oils differentially affect cognition and mood in healthy adults. Int J Neurosci 2003;113(1):15-38.

[2] Nematolahi P, Mehrabani M, Karami-Mohajeri S, Dabaghzadeh F. Effects of Rosmarinus officinalis L. on memory performance, anxiety, depression, and sleep quality in university students: A randomized clinical trial. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2018;30:24-28.