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Author: Medical reviewer: Updated on February 7, 2020 By Melanie St. Ours mbg Contributor Melanie St. Ours is an author and clinical herbalist living in the Baltimore, Maryland area, who works with clients from all over the world through her private practice, Psyche & Soma. She specializes in both women's and mental health, and has been featured in Reader's Digest, Vice, and Parade. Medical review by Roxanna Namavar, D.O. Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine & Psychiatrist Roxanna Namavar, D.O. is an adult psychiatrist focusing on integrative health. She completed her residency training at the University of Virginia Health-System and currently has a private practice in New York City. Last updated on February 7, 2020 Rosemary's use in medicine and religious ritual dates back to antiquity, and we have evidence that the plant was highly valued in Egypt, Greece, and Rome—part of the lore was for the beautification of the skin and hair. Here, everything you need to know about the plant with regards to hair and skin. AdvertisementThis ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features. Rosemary in skin care.Rosemary's antioxidant and antibacterial properties1 make it especially well suited for skin care, especially for acne. Whole-plant extract has been shown not only to reduce the inflammation associated with acne2 but to directly fight the bacterium3 that causes acne outbreaks. In addition to the benefits of applying rosemary topically to acne-prone skin, consuming rosemary by mouth has been shown to afford the skin some protection from UV damage4 (still—don't skip your mineral sunscreen!). If you have acne-prone skin, a simple toner made from witch hazel, rosewater, and rosemary can soothe inflammation and stop breakouts. AdvertisementThis ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features. Rosemary Witch Hazel TonerIngredients
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Rosemary oil for hair and scalp.Both Western herbal traditions and modern scientific evidence show that rosemary is a valuable herb for people focusing on hair and scalp health. A 2015 randomized comparative trial found that rosemary essential oil was just as effective5 as minoxidil (brand name Rogaine) for reversing hair loss caused by androgens, which is the most common cause of lasting hair loss for healthy adult men and women. To attempt to get a similar benefit from rosemary essential oil that you'd get from minoxidil, replicate the concentration used in the 2015 study by making a 2% dilution of rosemary essential oil in a base of jojoba oil or aloe vera gel. Apply the mixture to your scalp every night, and stick with this regimen for at least six months—that's how long it took for study participants to achieve results. Of course, talk to your doctor before trying anything different from your routine. However, if the results don't work for you, you should know that not everybody agrees that rosemary oil is good for hair loss. Integrative dermatologist Cybele Fishman, M.D., said while she has not found it effective for hair loss, "it is an impressive antifungal." Regardless, regularly treating your scalp with an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and hydrating treatment (thanks to the aloe or jojoba base) is good practice. Or if your hair is on the drier side, and you're looking to clean the scalp regularly, you might consider an apple cider rinse, combined with rosemary. AdvertisementThis ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features. Hair & Scalp Treatment With RosemaryIngredients
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Rosemary & Apple Cider Vinegar Hair RinseIngredients
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Rosemary: Should you use the whole plant or essential oil?Essential oils are a vital part of herbal medicine. But remember, essential oils are just one of the many types of beneficial compounds produced by plants. Nature doesn't produce them in concentrated form, and healing traditions from around the world mostly relied on whole plants subjected to only minimal processing in the form of cooking, extracting in liquid, or drying. Many of these techniques extract the essential oils of a plant along with other beneficial compounds. When only the concentrated rosemary essential oil will do, use it. Otherwise, it's much more sustainable to use the whole plant. Besides, rosemary is easy to grow—and there's nothing more potent or satisfying than making remedies with herbs you've grown yourself! 5 SourcesWant to turn your passion for wellbeing into a fulfilling career? Become a Certified Health Coach! Learn more here. Can rosemary and aloe vera be used together?Rosemary oil helps trigger skin circulation whilst Aloe Vera contains antioxidants, Vitamin C and A and is deeply hydrating and healing, making it a great combination. Both Rosemary and Aloe Vera have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It has a cleansing and revitalizing effect.
What can I mix with rosemary oil for hair growth?Mix several drops of rosemary oil with olive or coconut oil, and apply it to your scalp. Leave it in for at least 10 minutes before washing it out with shampoo. Do this twice per week for best results.
Can I apply rosemary oil directly to hair?“Rosemary essential oil can be used on any hair type because the benefits target the hair follicle, not the hair strand,” says hairstylist Matt Newman. “It is safe to use on color-treated hair, especially because its main use should be directly on the scalp.”
How much time does rosemary oil take to grow hair?A 2015 study compared rosemary oil to minoxidil, a popular hair regrowth treatment. People with DHT-related hair loss received either rosemary oil or minoxidil for 6 months. At 3 months, neither group had more hair. By 6 months, both groups saw significant increases in hair growth.
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