How to Use Rosemary Oil

Alongside its culinary prowess, rosemary oil has been used medicinally for centuries, and recent study has backed up a number of its most famous uses. Whether you are struggling with your short-term memory, arthritis, acne, or hair loss, you can find a use for this potent essential oil. By mixing concentrated rosemary oil with another product or oil, or by diffusing it, you may be able to make your life a bit easier.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Diffusing Rosemary Oil

1
Use an essential oil diffuser to add the smell of rosemary to a room. Oil diffusers are often used to access physical, psychological, and cognitive effects that some essentials are thought to provide. For example, many people use diffusers with lavender oil as a sleep aid. Rosemary oil is thought to be mentally stimulating and may provide other positive effects.^{[1]XResearch source}
- Most diffusers either require drops to be added to the machine or oil cartridges to be purchased from the manufacturer.
- Never use more than 8 drops of essential oil in a diffuser at one time—that's pretty overkill. Anywhere between 3 and 8 drops is a good range.^{[2]XExpert SourceRenee Hughes
  Certified Professional AromatherapistExpert Interview. 14 April 2022.}
- Make sure you're cleaning out your diffuser after each use! Regular cleanings prevent any essential oil residue from building up.^{[3]XExpert SourceRenee Hughes
  Certified Professional AromatherapistExpert Interview. 14 April 2022.}
2
Diffuse rosemary oil to aid your awareness and working memory. If you have difficulty remembering small details or staying awake, there is evidence to support the use of rosemary essential oil as a memory aid.^{[4]XExpert SourceRenee Hughes
Certified Professional AromatherapistExpert Interview. 14 April 2022.} The smell of the oil helps cognitive functions, elevates mood, raises your heart rate, and may help you feel more refreshed.^{[5]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- The chemistry in rosemary is proven to help with cognitive function.^{[6]XExpert SourceRenee Hughes
  Certified Professional AromatherapistExpert Interview. 14 April 2022.}
- While it's power is well-documented, you should avoid relying on rosemary oil to heighten awareness or help memory. The essential oil has not been tested for long term use to improve nervous system function. Using it once in a while is a better approach. ^{[7]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
Rosemary essential oil is frequently used to help reduce chronic congestion and ease coughs. By letting your diffuser release rosemary oil into your living space, you may be able to relieve the pain of coughs and break up mucus in your sinuses.^{[8]XResearch source}
4
Limit your use of diffusers and talk to your doctor if you have questions. Even if you're perfectly healthy, it's best to use diffusers a few times daily for no more than 30 minutes at a time. If you have chronic respiratory issues, you may want to avoid diffusers altogether. If you have other health issues, you should test a tiny amount of diluted rosemary oil on your skin.
- If in doubt, check with your doctor's office to see what they recommend.
- If you have pets in your home, you may want to look into the safety of rosemary oil for animals before using a diffuser.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Diluting Rosemary Oil for Topical Application

1
Choose a carrier oil to dilute rosemary oil. The oil should be a plant based, and made from seeds or nuts. You can check online for lists of carrier oils that are compatible with rosemary oil and purchase them online or at a local natural foods store.^{[9]XTrustworthy SourceCleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Almond and jojoba oil are both very common carrier oils that won't leave skin greasy, and will work to dilute rosemary oil.^{[10]XResearch source}
- Never apply an undiluted essential oil to your skin unless a licensed aromatherapist expressly tells you to. Undiluted oils can significantly burn your skin.^{[11]XExpert SourceRenee Hughes
  Certified Professional AromatherapistExpert Interview. 14 April 2022.}
2
Add 9 to 18 drops of rosemary oil per 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) of carrier oil. This ratio will create a dilution of 1.5 to 3%, which is just right for topical application. You can create this mixture by combining the two oils in a small bottle.^{[12]XTrustworthy SourceScience DirectOnline archive of peer-reviewed research on scientific, technical and medical topicsGo to source}
- Children and those who are pregnant should use much heavier dilutions, using only 3 to 6 drops per ounce.^{[13]XResearch source}
- Label the bottle as rosemary oil, plus the name of the carrier oil you used.
- A 2% dilution is great for massage oils.^{[14]XExpert SourceRenee Hughes
  Certified Professional AromatherapistExpert Interview. 14 April 2022.}
3
Be aware that the carrier oil may go rancid if kept too long. You should always check the expiration date on a bottle of carrier oil and note that information on a diffused bottle. If the carrier goes bad, the entire dilution should be disposed of.^{[15]XResearch source}
- You can check for rancid carrier oil by smelling for a harsh, bitter odor, rather than the sweetness or odorless-ness of a fresh solution.
The essential oil is far too potent to use on your skin without a carrier oil to dilute it.^{[16]XExpert SourceRenee Hughes
Certified Professional AromatherapistExpert Interview. 14 April 2022.} This is particularly true if you have sensitive skin, are nursing or pregnant, or have a compromised immune system.^{[17]XResearch source}
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Applying Rosemary Oil Topically

1
Test diluted rosemary oil on a patch of skin before applying it. Some people may have a reaction to rosemary oil, so it is always a good idea to apply a drop or two of the dilution to a patch of skin that is out of sight and allow it to sit for 12 to 24 hours to ensure there is no reaction.^{[18]XResearch source}
- If you're skin gets red, itchy, or bumpy, discontinue using rosemary oil and consider talking to your doctor about it.
2
Add a few drops of undiluted rosemary oil to shampoo to encourage hair growth. While rosemary oil cannot completely reverse balding, it can help increase the amount of hair you grow. You can simply dilute a few drops of oil in your usual hair care products in the shower, or use a carrier oil to apply it safely to your scalp.^{[19]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- A 1-2% dilution of rosemary oil is good for this. Massage it into your scalp every day to help encourage hair growth.^{[20]XExpert SourceRenee Hughes
  Certified Professional AromatherapistExpert Interview. 14 April 2022.}
- Using rosemary oil for at least 6 months can cause hair growth in cases of androgenetic alopecia, or “male pattern baldness”, indicating the power of this essential oil to help with overall hair health.
- The oil may also improve your scalp's circulation.
3
Rub diluted rosemary oil on aching joints and muscles. As a topical salve, rosemary is often used to relieve joint pain and skin inflammation. You should be cautious about using more than one or two drops, and never rub the oil in an open wound.^{[21]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- You can also eat rosemary leaves to potentially relieve mild inflammation in your digestive system.
The anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and circulation-improving qualities of the oil can reduce redness and help to clear acne quickly. You can even add diluted rosemary oil to your daily skincare regimen for the possibility of clearer, brighter skin.^{[22]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
5
Apply a few drops of diluted rosemary oil to reduce infection. As with many essential oils, rosemary oil is a documented antiseptic that may reduce the severity of a skin infection. A small amount of rosemary oil can help kill off the bacteria that are causing your infection. You can also try rosemary oil for issues like dandruff, dermatitis, and nail bed infections.^{[23]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- Avoid applying rosemary oil directly to an open wound.
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Warnings

Rosemary essential oil is extremely concentrated. Always dilute it with a carrier oil before applying it directly to your skin.^{[24]XExpert SourceRenee Hughes
Certified Professional AromatherapistExpert Interview. 14 April 2022.}
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Stop using rosemary oil immediately if you experience side effects like dizziness or skin irritation.
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Talk to your doctor or licensed aromatherapist about using rosemary oil if you're pregnant, nursing, or have a compromised immune system.^{[25]XExpert SourceRenee Hughes
Certified Professional AromatherapistExpert Interview. 14 April 2022.}
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Don't treat serious medical conditions with rosemary oil. It's best to follow a doctor's treatment plan.
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