Famous for its aroma and unique flavor, rosemary has been used for centuries in cooking and to lift the spirits. More recently, this herb has been found to help stimulate hair growth and improve circulation to the head.
Background
Essential oils have long been used in health and beauty remedies not only for their fragrance, but for their known results as well. You have to look hard to find products without essential oils or items that claim to have their fragrance. In fact, in most natural and organic products for skin or hair, essential oils seem to be, well, essential!
Rosemary is a common herb used in kitchens all across the country, particularly in Italian dishes. Serving food with rosemary can help soothe stomach upsets and boost liver function. Not only is rosemary helpful in the kitchen, but it has been shown to help with a variety of beauty concerns, particularly to help stimulate hair growth.
Hair Loss Basics
There are many different categories of hair loss, but perhaps the most well-known is termed alopecia. According to Medicinenet.com, there are a few sub-types:
Alopecia areata: Patchy baldness
Diffuse Alopecia areata: Overall thinning on the entire head
Alopecia universalis: Whole-body hair loss
Alopecia areata is not gender-linked, meaning that it occurs in both men and women. It is thought to be linked to autoimmune disorders, such as lupus and vitiligo, where the body is prompted to attack its own cells. Doctors can recommend minoxidil or other treatments such as finisteride for men. Unfortunately, not all treatments work for everyone, as hair loss often results from different sources. As desire for more natural treatments increase, more and more people are turning to the power of essential oils to help stimulate hair growth.
Rosemary's Essential Properties
How does rosemary work for hair growth? There is little evidence that pinpoints the exact mode of action of this herb; however, "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies" lists several actions that may explain its abilities.
According to this source, rosemary improves circulation, particularly circulation to the head. The cells in the body need an adequate amount of nutrients in order to function properly, and increasing circulation to a specific area can increase cell health. This book recommends combining rosemary with horsetail oil for hair loss, and rubbing directly onto the scalp. Rosemary vinegar can also be made and used as a hair rinse if the oil is unappealing; however, direct scalp contact is recommended.
Research
A study in Scotland in 1998 showed that rosemary can work for alopecia areata, helping to regrow hair. Participants rubbed a mixture of essential oils that included rosemary, thyme, lavender and cedarwood in two carrier oils, jojoba and grape seed, into their scalp daily. The control group only used the carrier oils. Forty-four percent of the members of the active group saw improvement in hair growth, illustrating that rosemary is a safe and effective remedy for hair loss.
Rosemary Blends
To make your own rosemary hair-care solutions, consider what you would like to accomplish. If you are just attempting to maintain your hair's current growth and health, you may only wish to use a rinse of rosemary and vinegar, or a concoction of rosemary tea. "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies" states that "two cups of rosemary tea a day will prevent hair loss through poor circulation and re-stimulate growth after chemotherapy." Application directly to the scalp is also recommended daily for hair growth as well as to prevent gray hair.
To make a rosemary vinegar hair rinse, add 25-30 drops of rosemary essential oil to 2 pt. of organic apple cider vinegar. After shampooing, apply 1 to 2 tsp. of the solution to hair as a final rinse. If you would like to work more directly with the scalp, take 10 drops of rosemary essential oil and blend with 1 tbsp. olive or jojoba oil. Massage into scalp, wrap hair in cap or towel, and leave on overnight. Rinse in the morning.
References
- MedicineNet.com
- "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies"; C. Norman Shealy, M.D., Ph.D.; 1998
- "Archives of Dermatology": Randomized trial of aromatherapy. Successful treatment for alopecia areata. Hay IC, Jamieson M, Ormerod AD.; November 1998.
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