Hair tonic and prevention of hair loss
The terpenes and terpenoids found in rosemary cause dilatation of blood vessels and improvement of topical circulation of blood and thus, better nutrition of hair follicles. Topical application of rosemary essential oil improves blood circulation, which results from its distinct skin stimulating effects.(1) In a double-blind, randomized test with control group, 84 patients with Alopecia areata were studied for the effects of rosemary essential oil. These patients were divided into a test group of 43 and a control group of 41 patients. The test group was given a compound of some essential oils, especially that of rosemary with the oil base being jojoba and grape seed oil, to massage on their scalp once every night for two minutes. The control group was given a mixture of jojoba and grape seed oil only, without rosemary or any other essential oil in it to massage on their scalp once every night for two minutes. The test lasted for 7 months and the effectiveness of the remedy was assessed by studying serial pictures taken from scalps of participants. These pictures were studied by two dermatologists (who were, of course, working distinctly and independently from one another). Each patient’s condition was assessed once at the end of the first three months and again at the end of the 7 months. Improvement was measured using a 6-point scale and computer analysis to locate the proximity of the areas with alopecia. According to the reported results, 19 patients or 44% in the test group and 6 patients or 15% in the control group showed significant improvement (P=0.008). By examining the pictures, the improvement rate in the treatment group was more significant than the control group (P=0.05). Researchers concluded that application of rosemary is an effective and conclusive treatment for Alopecia areata and that treatment with such essential oil is more efficacious than with the carrier oils alone.
Remedy for Dandruff
Rosemary can prevent early baldness, and combined with borax, it is often used for reducing dandruff. Rosemary is a perfect herb for hair which stimulates the blood circulation of the skin. It removes dandruff and improves the condition and growth of the hair.(8)A