ROSEMARY: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews (2024)

Overview

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is an herb native to the Mediterranean region. The leaf and its oil are commonly used in food and also to make medicine.

Rosemary seems to increase blood circulation when applied to the scalp, which might help hair follicles grow. Rosemary extract might also help protect the skin from sun damage.

People commonly use rosemary for memory, indigestion, fatigue, hair loss, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Possibly Effective for

  • Memory. Taking rosemary by mouth might somewhat improve memory in young adults. It's not clear if rosemary aromatherapy helps.

There is interest in using rosemary for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Rosemary is commonly consumed in foods. Rosemary leaf is possibly safe for most people when taken as a medicine for up to 8 weeks. But taking undiluted rosemary oil or very large amounts of rosemary leaf is likely unsafe. Taking large amounts of rosemary can cause vomiting, sun sensitivity, and skin redness.

When applied to the skin: Rosemary oil is possibly safe for most people. It might cause allergic reactions in some people.

When inhaled: Rosemary is possibly safe for most people when used as aromatherapy.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Rosemary is commonly consumed in foods. Rosemary leaf is possibly safe for most people when taken as a medicine for up to 8 weeks. But taking undiluted rosemary oil or very large amounts of rosemary leaf is likely unsafe. Taking large amounts of rosemary can cause vomiting, sun sensitivity, and skin redness.

When applied to the skin: Rosemary oil is possibly safe for most people. It might cause allergic reactions in some people.

When inhaled: Rosemary is possibly safe for most people when used as aromatherapy. Pregnancy: Rosemary is commonly consumed in foods. Rosemary is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth in medicinal amounts during pregnancy. It might cause a miscarriage. There isn't enough reliable information to know if rosemary is safe when applied to the skin when pregnant. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if rosemary is safe to use as medicine when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

Aspirinallergy. Rosemary contains a chemical that is very similar to aspirin. This chemical may cause a reaction in people who are allergic to aspirin.

Bleeding disorders: Rosemary might increase the risk of bleeding and bruising in people with bleeding disorders. Use cautiously.

Seizure disorders: Rosemary might make seizure disorders worse. Don't use more than amounts found in foods.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with ROSEMARY

    Rosemary might slow blood clotting. Taking rosemary along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

  • Aspirin interacts with ROSEMARY

    Rosemary contains chemicals similar to aspirin. Taking rosemary along with aspirin might increase the effects and side effects of aspirin.

  • Choline Magnesium Trisalicylate (Trilisate) interacts with ROSEMARY

    Rosemary contains chemicals that are similar to choline magnesium trisalicylate. Taking rosemary along with choline magnesium trisalicylate might increase the effects and side effects of choline magnesium trisalicylate.

  • Salsalate (Disalcid) interacts with ROSEMARY

    Salsalate is called a salicylate. Rosemary also contains a salicylate. Taking salsalate with rosemary might increase the risk for side effects from salicylates.

  • Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with ROSEMARY

    Rosemary might lower blood sugar levels. Taking rosemary along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

    Minor Interaction

    Be watchful with this combination

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) substrates) interacts with ROSEMARY

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Rosemary might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates) interacts with ROSEMARY

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Rosemary might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Dosing

Rosemary is commonly consumed as a spice and flavoring in foods.

Rosemary oil, powder, and extract have also been used by adults as medicine. There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of rosemary might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circ*mstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

ROSEMARY: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews (2024)

FAQs

ROSEMARY: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews? ›

Because higher doses of rosemary may cause miscarriage, pregnant and nursing women should not take rosemary as a supplement. But it is safe to eat as a spice in food. People with high blood pressure, ulcers, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis should not take rosemary.

What are the bad side effects of rosemary oil? ›

But taking undiluted rosemary oil or very large amounts of rosemary leaf is likely unsafe. Taking large amounts of rosemary can cause vomiting, sun sensitivity, and skin redness. When applied to the skin: Rosemary oil is possibly safe for most people. It might cause allergic reactions in some people.

What are the pros and cons of rosemary? ›

Rosemary is a perennial plant (it lives more than 2 years). The leaves are often used in cooking. Possible health benefits include improved concentration, digestion, and brain aging. Very high doses may cause vomiting, coma, and pulmonary edema.

What are the effects of rosemary plant? ›

Rosemary has significant antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-tumorigenic, antinociceptive, and neuroprotective properties. Furthermore, it shows important clinical effects on mood, learning, memory, pain, anxiety, and sleep.

Does rosemary raise your blood pressure? ›

As previously mentioned, rosemary is a rich source of phenolic phytochemicals having significant anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and blood pressure-lowering activity. Additionally, this herb reduces elevated blood sugar, lowers blood lipids such as cholesterol and triglycerides, and helps to protect the liver.

Who should avoid rosemary? ›

Because higher doses of rosemary may cause miscarriage, pregnant and nursing women should not take rosemary as a supplement. But it is safe to eat as a spice in food. People with high blood pressure, ulcers, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis should not take rosemary.

Is it OK to use rosemary oil everyday? ›

For most people, it's safe to use rosemary oil on your hair and scalp every day, says Dr. Harth, provided you patch-test first to confirm you don't have any sensitivities.

Does rosemary have any side effects? ›

Side effects of rosemary include: ingestion of large amounts can result in stomach and intestinal irritation and kidney damage. seizures. toxicity.

What does rosemary do to hormones? ›

Rosemary essential oil can remove excess estrogen from your body, it's a great aid in healing hormonal imbalances. Research has detailed the many benefits of rosemary, including lowering cortisol in saliva, anti-cancer properties, improving memory and impacting mood.

Does rosemary water reduce belly fat? ›

Rosemary water is beneficial for weight loss due to its compounds that boost metabolism, improve fat burning, and promote overall health. It also contains antioxidants, reduces hunger, and supports a robust digestive tract.

What happens if I eat rosemary everyday? ›

Consuming and inhaling compounds in rosemary have been shown to reduce anxiety, boost mood, and improve concentration and memory. Both smelling and drinking rosemary tea may offer these benefits, but more research is needed.

What does rosemary do for the heart? ›

Its essence stimulates the mind, awakens a sense of desire and warms the body. Rosemary promotes blood circulation, thus helping to normalise low blood pressure. Moreover, it aids digestion, alleviates muscle and joint pain and improves concentration.

Will rosemary oil regrow hair? ›

The overall result of the study provided evidence that rosemary oil may be effective for certain hair growth. A study from 2022 also found evidence that rosemary oil can aid in hair growth. The study stated that rosemary oil had the same effect as Minoxidil, a hair growth medication, after 6 weeks of use.

Can rosemary cause hair loss? ›

Despite its benefits, some individuals worry that rosemary might cause hair loss. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.

What does rosemary do to skin? ›

Rosemary Essential Oil, a member of the mint family, provides stimulation, oxygenation and overall reviving refreshment to skin. Rosemary Oil is extensively used in skin care products, especially for acne and oily skin conditions. Rosemary Oil hydrates the skin, which helps to control oil production.

Does rosemary affect the liver? ›

It cleans out dangerous toxins that accumulate in the body and flushes them out of the liver. So, if you are looking for a natural liver flush solution, gently massaging rosemary oil mixed with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, on your stomach can detoxify your liver and improve your gallbladder health.

Can your hair fall out because of rosemary oil? ›

Rosemary oil is highly concentrated. Using too much of it may damage the hair follicles, causing hair loss instead of hair growth. Anyone with a skin condition or skin sensitivity should use caution when using essential oils. They can cause allergic reactions or worsen symptoms of skin conditions.

What happens if you leave rosemary oil in for too long? ›

Yes, you can leave rosemary oil in your hair overnight to reap the benefits while getting some well-deserved rest. However, it is important not to leave directly-applied rosemary oil on the hair overnight, as this can cause irritation. Only ever use diluted rosemary oil or products infused with rosemary oil.

Can you overuse rosemary oil in your hair? ›

It may be unsafe for use by some. It is a highly concentrated oil, therefore, using excessive amounts may damage the hair follicles rather than causing hair growth. People with allergic tendencies should use rosemary oil cautiously as it can cause allergic reactions or worsen existing skin conditions.

Does rosemary oil affect heart? ›

for an altered physiological state including heightened heart rate, skin conductance and respiratory rate in response to exposure to rosemary oil.

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