It has become very common to have hair and scalp issues like hair fall, dandruff, and premature greying. There are many products available in the market to deal with hair and scalp problems. But, few of these products are effective. Even if there are effective products many of these are heavy on your wallet.
Then what should you do to have a solution to hair and scalp problems and be under budget? Rosemary oil can be your amazing solution.
Rosemary
It is a perennial aromatic herb with medicinal and culinary properties. It has needle-like leaves and grows pink, purple, white, or blue flowers. It is native to the Mediterranean region. It can grow at any location if it is given proper care and an adaptive environment.
Plant
The botanical name of the rosemary is Salvia rosmarinus. But it is also known as Rosmarinus officinalis. It belongs to the Lamiaceae family of the Plantae kingdom. This family is also known as the mint, deadnettle, or sage family. This family includes herbs that have medicinal and culinary properties. This includes plants like rosemary, mint, basil, thyme, oregano, and catnip. There can be shrubs and sometimes vines in this family of plants.
This plant usually grows in sunny, sheltered place which has little moist soil. They don't grow well in wet soil. The main component of rosemary is caffeic acid and rosmarinic acid. These 2 are the major component of the medicinal property. Some properties of rosemary are as mentioned below:
- They are anti-oxidant
- They are anti-inflammatory
- They are anti-fungal
- They are resistant to pests
- They have stimulating properties
- They are neuroprotective activity
- They are aromatic
Due to the above-mentioned properties, rosemary is used in many fields, with different methods. Some of the methods are as mentioned below:
- They are used a lot in the food industry, be it fresh cooking or making a topping.
- They have medicinal properties which can be helpful in cases like stress, headache, memory enhancement, promote blood circulation, and many more.
- It has a very good aroma and thus use to prepare perfumes.
- Due to its smell and medicinal properties, it is used in body and hair care products.
Benefits of Rosemary
- Inhaling or consuming rosemary can improve the functioning of the brain and improve memory power. This is because it prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine, a chemical that helps the brain function.
- Rosemary oil is found effective in hair growth. It helps to repair and manage hair and scalp issues.
- Rosemary can be used as a natural pesticide to repel certain pests and insects.
- It is considered stress relieving in some minor studies. It reduces the Cortisol hormone and gives a response to stress. If Cortisol levels are high you may feel a lot of unease and stress.
- Rosemary has antibacterial properties and thus can be used as a preservative for food.
- The flowers and leaves are pleasing to the eye and thus, can be used as an ornamental plant.
How Can Rosemary Be Consumed?
Rosemary As A Whole Herb
In cooking the whole herb or the ground form of the herb is used. it is used a lot in roasting, as its aroma gives the food some smoky flavor and scent. Often the leaves are dried and crushed and used as a topping, like oregano.
Rosemary Extract
Extracts of rosemary are obtained from its leaves. It is available in powdered or liquid form. It is used for food preservation.
Rosemary Tea
Tea is made by boiling the leaves in water. It is said that it can help with fatigue, hair loss, inflammation, promoting the healthy growth of some bacteria, and many more.
Rosemary Oil
Rosemary oil is found to be very effective in many issues of the body. Let's learn more about rosemary oil. Rosemary is pale yellow, almost transparent oil. It has an earthy smell. It is fresh and often compared to smell like lavender and camphor. This can be seen as common property in the mint family to which rosemary belongs to.
Pure rosemary oil is an essential oil as it has been extracted from the plant. This extracted oil is then mixed with some carrier to use it. Rosemary oil can be absorbed into the bloodstream from the skin or its smell is inhaled.
Pure rosemary essential oil can be harmful and may cause irritation and rashes when applied to the skin. to avoid such a scenario it must be diluted in some carrier oil like jojoba oil, coconut oil, or any oil of your choice. The concentration may vary depending on age and other factors.
Rosemary essential oil can be beneficial to anyone from toddlers to adults, but the concentration of oil should be noticed. As per the Healthline article, the common concentrations of rosemary oil based on age are as mentioned below:
- Babies and toddlers: 0.3% (1 drop per tablespoon of carrier oil)
- Children: 1% (1 drop per teaspoon of carrier oil)
- Adults: 2 - 4 % ( 3 -6 drops per teaspoon of carrier oil
Some researches prove that rosemary oil has the following properties:
- Antioxidant: This is because of the presence of rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid, and carnosol. Antioxidants are important to the body as they prevent radical formation. Radicals are an open invitation to harmful diseases like cancer, diabetes, inflammation, and other chronic diseases.
- Anti-microbial (antibacterial and antifungal): This property is due to the presence of rosmarinic acid, rosmaridiphenol, carnosol, epirosmanol, carnosic acid, rosmanol and isorosmanol. Due to this property, it can help to protect food from bacteria and any hair disease caused by fungal or bacterial infection.
- Anti-inflammatory: This property is also known as antiphlogistic. This can result in pain relief in the body and reduction of inflammation caused by any reason.
- Expectorant: In history often time it is used when suffering from a cold. This is used to produce mucus to cure colds.
- Chemopreventive: It means to prevent or stop the growth of cancerous cells. Some studies suggest that some acids, such as Carnosic acid, promote the apoptosis (the process of cell death) of the cancerous cell.
- Some studies suggest that "Rosemary is believed to enhance dopaminergic, serotonergic, noradrenergic, and cholinergic functions within the brain, possibly explaining its antidepressant effects."
As per research conducted "The major constituents (> 5%) in the essential oil were found to be 1,8-cineol (38.5%), camphor (17.1%), α-pinene (12.3%), limonene (6.23%), camphene (6.00%), and linalool (5.70%), respectively."
The Components Of Rosemary Oil
Some of the major components of rosemary oil.:
- Carnosic acid: It is one of the major components of rosemary oil. This has antioxidant properties. It is very useful in safeguarding nerve endings and making sure to circulate blood so that they remain healthy. This acid also makes sure that no radical can damage the cells. It has no adverse effects on the cells and bloodstream.
- Rosmarinic acid: It is one of the major components of the plant. It has high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Research has shown that this plant has therapeutic properties. It can be used to relieve pain, protect against pests and infections, skin improvement, and many more functions.
- Carnosol: Research has shown that carnosol has anti-cancer properties in prostate, breast, skin, leukemia, and colon cancer with promising results. Carnosol is found in rosemary and many more plants of the same family.
- Hesperidin: It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is found useful in maintaining blood circulation and inflation. it is also found useful in treating high blood pressure, premenstrual syndrome, and many more health issues.
Some minor components of the rosemary oil:
- Eucalyptol: It is also known as 1,8-cineole. it has many health benefits for the skin, respiratory system, and immune system. apart from this it is also fragrant and has insect-repellent properties.
- Camphor: Camphor is often used for pain relief, cough, and nasal opening, and even used to reduce stress.
- α-pinene: It has antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. this contributes to the therapeutic use of rosemary oil.
Rosemary Oil And Hair Issues
Our hair can be facing many issues such as hair fall, damaged hair, premature aging, dandruff, and itchy scalp. These issues can be caused by many factors such as poor blood circulation, lack of nourishment to the scalp and cells, bacteria in hairs, and scalp dryness. Rosemary has many components that can effectively solve this problem by targeting its root causes.
Effect Of Rosemary On Hair
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Blood Circulation
Lack of blood supply in the hair follicles or roots can cause the hair to get damaged. In the worst-case scenario, the follicles become dormant or stunted leading to baldness. Massage rosemary oil on your scalp slowly, so it penetrates the scalp and regulates the blood circulation in the follicles. This will stimulate the dormant follicles to regrow hair. This will also improve the length and thickness of the hair.
- Dandruff And Itchy Scalp
Rosemary oil has antibacterial and antioxidant. This promotes the protection of the scalp from such issues and maintains healthy ph in the scalp. This leads to a healthy scalp and hair.
- Nerve Ending Stimulation
A few compounds are present in rosemary oil such as carnosic acid. These compounds can heal or repair damaged nerve endings. Damaged nerve endings can cause baldness and thus rosemary oil could be useful.
- The Thickness Of Hair
The rosemary oil is filled with essential nutrients and nourishment, which can help thicken the hair strands to make them voluminous.
- Gray Hair
The use of rosemary oil in hair for the long term can cause gray hair to have some color. Though it might take a lot longer period the result are not proven yet.
How To Use Rosemary Oil For Hair?
Rosemary essential oil is very harsh on the skin if applied directly. You can include rosemary oil in your hair care routine in many simple ways as mentioned below:
Mix With Carrier Oil
As the name suggests these are oils that carry essential oil. Carrier oils are neutral oils that do not interfere with the work of the essential oil. They are unscented or lightly scented. These carrier oils can be used by themselves as well.
Add a few drops of rosemary essential oil in your carrier oil and apply it as per your choice. Some carrier oils are jojoba oil, Almond oil, Rosehip oil, Avacado oil, Olive oil, blackseed oil, and many more. Some of the most famous carrier oil for hair are mentioned below:
- Coconut oil: It has skin-nourishing fatty acids and polyphenols. Thus it is applied directly to the skin and scalp in many Asian countries. This can act as a perfect carrier oil. They are also used in cooking.
- Argon oil: It has vitamins A and E, and monounsaturated fatty acids. It is often used to treat dry hair and thus makes the perfect carrier oil.
- Apricot kernel oil: It has high moisturizing properties. It is used to soften up skin, and calm itchy skin and scalp and thus can be used as a carrier oil. This is a slightly scented oil but does not affect the function of rosemary oil.
Mix In The Hair Care Product
If you find applying rosemary oil a little bothersome or don't have time to apply oil and leave for a while you can add a few drops to your other haircare products. This means that you can add a few drops of rosemary essential oil to your shampoo, hair mask, or any other products. Make sure that the product is neutral and doesn't form a bad reaction with rosemary oil (which is unlikely).
Add oil in only one product as excessive rosemary oil application could be harmful.
Use Rosemary Oil-Infused Products
The use of rosemary oil in haircare and skin care products is very popular nowadays. Thus many brands are infusing it into their products which are ready to use. There are many options of oils, shampoo, conditioner, and even mask infused with rosemary oil available in the market at a good price.
Rosemary Tea
Rosemary tea is a healthy option as it can have many other effects other than the hair and the plant has various benefits. This includes the health of the hair follicles, the functioning of brain cell, improve skin, and different bodily functions, and strengthening immune systems.
How Often Should You Use Rosemary Oil?
Excessive use of rosemary can cause damage and thus you need to be very careful with how you use it. Rosemary oil should be applied to your hair twice a week, and if you have very dry skin then you can use more. But an expert's opinion is advised if you have some problem with your scalp, as it may worsen the case.
How To Choose Rosemary Essential Oil?
There are many options available and only a few of them are authentic. As the market grew there are many who will sell you fake products. A false essential oil will ruin your hair more, thus it is important to choose good essential oil. Keep in mind the following points when you buy essential oil.
- Most pure essential oil is in dark-colored bottles. This is because the oil might degrade when exposed to direct sunlight.
- Pure essential oils don't feel greasy.
- There is no other artificial scent coming from the oil.
- Do a proper test on the oil, pure essential oil doesn't leave any residue on the paper after it dries.
How To Make Your Rosemary Oil?
Many high-end brands sell rosemary essential oils, but sometimes these products can be very expensive. In these cases producing rosemary oil from scratch can be a very tempting and affordable option. You can easily make rosemary oil at home with very limited tools.
All you need is rosemary herb, a carrier oil of your choice, a pot, a container, a bottle to store the oil, and a funnel with a filter.
- First, separate the leaves of rosemary from the stem and keep it aside.
- Take a pot or pan, and add the carrier oil of your choice to it. Add the rosemary leaves to the pot. Let this boil at low heat if the leaves become dull and lose their color and moisture.
- Take the pot off the stove, and let the mixture cool down.
- Once the mixture cools down, strain it in another container using a filter like cloth or a strainer.
- Now transfer this mixture to a bottle (preferably dark) using a funnel or directly pouring from the container.
Rosemary Oil Vs Other Hair Growth Therapies
If you have ever dived hair growth solutions then you must have heard of hair growth chemical treatments such as Minoxidil and Finasteride. Both of these drugs are FDA approved for treating hair loss. In 2015, research was conducted to measure if rosemary is effective enough as a drug. For these, the sample population suffering from hair problems was divided into 2 groups. One group used Minoxidil and the other used rosemary essential oil. This treatment was given for 6 months and results were noted.
It was found that both methods had similar results. It was even observed that those who used rosemary oil experienced a reduction in the itchy scalp which was one of the drawbacks of the Minoxidil.
Overall it was said that as rosemary oil is a natural alternative to all the chemical treatments available in the market for hair loss, it is a better option.
Summary
There are plenty of hair oils and hair products available that claim to make your hair grow instantly and enormously. However, a lot of them have no significant results or are very expensive. In such cases, rosemary can work like a blessing as not only does it work amazingly but it is inexpensive and even could be made from scratch at home. Rosemary is an herb of the mint or sage family. Just like other plants of the family, it is also filled with medicinal and culinary benefits. It is a plant native to the Mediterranean but can adapt and grow in a sunny area, where the soil is not wet.
Rosemary is a scented herb that is widely used in the food industry (as a topping, seasoning, or even a preservative), the beauty industry as it has many components that are good for skin and hair, and even medical industry as it has many uses such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, chemopreventive, expectorant, analgesic, and many more properties.
It has component such as carnosic acid, rosmarinic acid, carnosol and hesperidin. All of these have many medicinal properties which help the growth, nurturing, and protection of the hair and hair follicles. Rosemary essential oil can help in maintaining blood circulation in the scalp, stimulating dormant hair follicles, and prevent dandruff and an itchy scalp.
Rosemary can be used in many forms such as rosemary extract, rosemary tea, rosemary dried herb as a seasoning, and rosemary oil.
Concentrated rosemary essential oil can be harsh on the skin, it should be avoided in the area around the eyes. It can cause problems such as red skin, allergies, and many other issues. You can use rosemary oil in many ways such as using rosemary essential oil with a carrier oil and massaging it on your scalp, adding a few drops of it in your shampoo or other hair masks. You can also make your rosemary oil by boiling the rosemary herb with carrier oil and storing it in a container.
In a few pieces of research, rosemary is equally effective when compared to other chemical treatment that has been approved to be effective. Some drugs are Minoxidil and Finasteride. Both of these drugs are FDA approved. Yet when compared to a natural alternative, rosemary oil, they have given similar results, and thus more research is currently being conducted to see the potential of the oil to be the best effective alternative to these treatments.
References
- “Everything you need to know about rosemary” by Medical News Today
- “How to grow rosemary” by gardeners world
- “Rosemary” by Drug.com
- “Refined exposure assessment of extracts of rosemary (E 392) from its use as food additive” by Europe Food Safety Authority
- “How to use rosemary oil to strengthen and grow hair” by ELLE
- Hussain AI, Anwar F, Chatha SA, Jabbar A, Mahboob S, Nigam PS. Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil: antiproliferative, antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Braz J Microbiol. 2010 Oct;41(4):1070-8. doi: 10.1590/S1517-838220100004000027. Epub 2010 Dec 1. PMID: 24031588; PMCID: PMC3769777.
- Allegra, A., Tonacci, A., Pioggia, G., Musolino, C., & Gangemi, S. (2020). Anticancer Activity of Rosmarinus officinalis L.: Mechanisms of Action and Therapeutic Potentials. Nutrients, 12(6). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12061739
- Nieto G, Ros G, Castillo J. Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis, L.): A Review. Medicines. 2018; 5(3):98. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines5030098
- “Carnosic acid” by BrainPower
