Aside from being hugely flavoursome, rosemary has been used for millennia to treat a range of physical ailments, as well functioning as a mental stimulant to boost focus and concentration. Early Greek scholars often wore a sprig during exams to aid their memory while, in the UK, it was used in remedies to treat fever and toothaches as early as the ninth century.

Packed with carnosic and rosmarinic acids, rosemary has powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, which are used to this day to help with muscular pain, to improve memory, to boost the immune system and circulation, and to promote hair growth.

Rosemary Skincare Benefits


A powerhouse antioxidant, rosemary leaf extract protects the skin and prevents signs of premature ageing by stimulating cell growth and boosting circulation to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. As a potent anti-inflammatory, it is calming for skin conditions like eczema, too.

Rosemary’s antibacterial properties also make it especially well-suited for acne-prone or oily skin. The whole-plant extract has been shown to reduce inflammation with a calming, balancing effect, directly fighting the bacterium that causes blemish outbreaks in the first place.?

Rosemary-Infused Haircare


A small study in 2017 pitted simple, natural rosemary oil against a leading hair-loss treatment and found it to be as effective in user trials. Scores of anecdotal stories show increased scalp clarity and health as well as some hair regrowth results for sufferers of male-pattern baldness.

Rosemary In Aromatherapy


According to a study, rosemary scent can improve a person’s focus, speed, and accuracy, as well as boost their mood. As such, it is used in many uplifting and restorative aromatherapy blends, often combined with spice and citrus oils, as well as lavender.

By Lydia Mansi
February 2023