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Rosemary is a culinary and healing herb.
This woody perennial grows in the Mediterranean region, where it has been used as food and medicine for centuries.
Recently, we have been hearing more and more about the miraculous properties of rosemary.
In particular, it is claimed that rosemary essential oil has a very healing effect on the hair.
Is it true and how should it be used, Healthline tells.
Can Rosemary Essential Oil Treat Hair Loss?
The idea that rosemary oil promotes hair growth may stem from rosemary's primary health benefits.
It is said that the plant in the form of an essential oil:
has anti-inflammatory properties
strengthens and stimulates the activity of the nervous system
improves blood circulation
Like peppermint essential oil, which is also used to stimulate hair growth, rosemary essential oil increases blood circulation.
As a result, this can prevent hair follicles from being starved of blood supply, dying and shedding.
In addition to stimulating hair growth, rosemary essential oil is used to prevent premature graying and dandruff.
It can also help with dry or itchy scalp.
According to some scientific data, rosemary may benefit nervous tissue.
Carnosic acid, the active ingredient of the plant, heals tissues and nerve endings.
This ability to heal nerve endings may also rejuvenate the nerves in the scalp, which in turn may restore hair growth.
Can rosemary stimulate hair growth?
A study of rosemary leaf extract, different from the essential oil, showed that it stimulates hair growth.
This happened when the hair loss was caused by testosterone.
However, this study was conducted on mice.
Two separate clinical reviews – one from a trusted source from 2010 and one from 2011 – also support rosemary's potential for hair growth.
The first cites studies of successful hair regrowth in people with alopecia who used essential oils.
One such essential oil was rosemary.
How to use rosemary oil for hair loss
Here are some ways to try using rosemary essential oil as a hair repair and thickening agent.
To start, try any of these treatments once or twice a week.
Use them more often if you think it's necessary.
Simply massage into the scalp
Mix about 5 drops of rosemary essential oil with a teaspoon of carrier oil (such as jojoba oil or coconut oil) and spread evenly over the scalp after a bath or shower.
It is not necessary to wash off the oil afterwards - although if you do plan to do so, leave it on the scalp for at least 5-10 minutes.
Mix it with shampoo
This can also be done with conditioner, lotion or creams.
Be careful not to add too much.
Stick to about five drops per 30g of product.
After that, use the product as usual.
You can also add 2-3 drops directly to any hair product by applying it to the palm of your hand before use.
Add it to your homemade shampoo
There are many shampoo base recipes on the internet.
These may include a mixture of baking soda, coconut oil, essential oil, and possibly other oils.
Try adding rosemary essential oil to your homemade shampoo.
What you need to know before using rosemary oil
Avoid getting the essential oil in your eyes.
In case of contact, rinse eyes quickly with cold water.
Also, be careful not to apply too much to your scalp.
Rosemary essential oil is known to irritate the skin.
It can cause discomfort, but does not pose a health hazard.
To avoid skin irritation, dilute the oil with a carrier oil or other product before application.
Not enough is known about the safety of using rosemary essential oils during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Although the use of essential oil in the case of hair loss is carried out only locally, be careful - its effect in this sense has not yet been studied.
Read also:
Bouquet of health: which medicinal plants should be collected and what they help
How to make homemade cream based on herbal oils: four simple recipes
Vitamin C for beauty and youth: everything you need to know about its benefits