ROSEMARY: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews (2024)

Overview

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is an herb native to the Mediterranean region. The leaf and its oil are commonly used in food and also to make medicine.

Rosemary seems to increase blood circulation when applied to the scalp, which might help hair follicles grow. Rosemary extract might also help protect the skin from sun damage.

People commonly use rosemary for memory, indigestion, fatigue, hair loss, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Possibly Effective for

  • Memory. Taking rosemary by mouth might somewhat improve memory in young adults. It's not clear if rosemary aromatherapy helps.

There is interest in using rosemary for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Rosemary is commonly consumed in foods. Rosemary leaf is possibly safe for most people when taken as a medicine for up to 8 weeks. But taking undiluted rosemary oil or very large amounts of rosemary leaf is likely unsafe. Taking large amounts of rosemary can cause vomiting, sun sensitivity, and skin redness.

When applied to the skin: Rosemary oil is possibly safe for most people. It might cause allergic reactions in some people.

When inhaled: Rosemary is possibly safe for most people when used as aromatherapy.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Rosemary is commonly consumed in foods. Rosemary leaf is possibly safe for most people when taken as a medicine for up to 8 weeks. But taking undiluted rosemary oil or very large amounts of rosemary leaf is likely unsafe. Taking large amounts of rosemary can cause vomiting, sun sensitivity, and skin redness.

When applied to the skin: Rosemary oil is possibly safe for most people. It might cause allergic reactions in some people.

When inhaled: Rosemary is possibly safe for most people when used as aromatherapy. Pregnancy: Rosemary is commonly consumed in foods. Rosemary is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth in medicinal amounts during pregnancy. It might cause a miscarriage. There isn't enough reliable information to know if rosemary is safe when applied to the skin when pregnant. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if rosemary is safe to use as medicine when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

Aspirinallergy. Rosemary contains a chemical that is very similar to aspirin. This chemical may cause a reaction in people who are allergic to aspirin.

Bleeding disorders: Rosemary might increase the risk of bleeding and bruising in people with bleeding disorders. Use cautiously.

Seizure disorders: Rosemary might make seizure disorders worse. Don't use more than amounts found in foods.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with ROSEMARY

    Rosemary might slow blood clotting. Taking rosemary along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

  • Aspirin interacts with ROSEMARY

    Rosemary contains chemicals similar to aspirin. Taking rosemary along with aspirin might increase the effects and side effects of aspirin.

  • Choline Magnesium Trisalicylate (Trilisate) interacts with ROSEMARY

    Rosemary contains chemicals that are similar to choline magnesium trisalicylate. Taking rosemary along with choline magnesium trisalicylate might increase the effects and side effects of choline magnesium trisalicylate.

  • Salsalate (Disalcid) interacts with ROSEMARY

    Salsalate is called a salicylate. Rosemary also contains a salicylate. Taking salsalate with rosemary might increase the risk for side effects from salicylates.

  • Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with ROSEMARY

    Rosemary might lower blood sugar levels. Taking rosemary along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

    Minor Interaction

    Be watchful with this combination

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) substrates) interacts with ROSEMARY

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Rosemary might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates) interacts with ROSEMARY

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Rosemary might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Dosing

Rosemary is commonly consumed as a spice and flavoring in foods.

Rosemary oil, powder, and extract have also been used by adults as medicine. There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of rosemary might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circ*mstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

ROSEMARY: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews (2024)

FAQs

ROSEMARY: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews? ›

Special Precautions and Warnings

What are the side effects and interactions of rosemary? ›

However, there have been occasional reports of allergic reactions. Because of their volatile oil content, large quantities of rosemary leaves can cause serious side effects, including vomiting, spasms, coma and, in some cases, pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs).

What are the pros and cons of rosemary? ›

Rosemary is a perennial plant (it lives more than 2 years). The leaves are often used in cooking. Possible health benefits include improved concentration, digestion, and brain aging. Very high doses may cause vomiting, coma, and pulmonary edema.

What are the medical uses of rosemary? ›

Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Labiatae) has been used in folk medicine to alleviate several diseases including headache, dysmenorrhea, stomachache, epilepsy, rheumatic pain, spasms, nervous agitation, improvement of memory, hysteria, depression, as well as physical and mental fatigue (5, 6).

Are there any side effects of rosemary water? ›

Rosemary water may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, diuretics, and blood pressure medications. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using rosemary water if you are currently taking any medications or have a medical condition that may be affected by its use.

Who should avoid rosemary? ›

Antidiabetic Drugs

Rosemary can cause blood sugar levels to rise. So, it's best to avoid it if you're taking diabetes medication.

What are the bad side effects of rosemary oil? ›

Taking large amounts of rosemary can cause vomiting, sun sensitivity, and skin redness. When applied to the skin: Rosemary oil is possibly safe for most people. It might cause allergic reactions in some people. When inhaled: Rosemary is possibly safe for most people when used as aromatherapy.

When should you avoid rosemary? ›

Q. Can Rosemary make you sick? Rosemary is generally considered safe when consumed in recommended doses. However, undiluted Rosemary oil or the use of large amounts of rosemary can cause vomiting, uterine bleeding, kidney irritation, increased sun sensitivity, skin redness and allergic reactions.

What effects does rosemary have on the heart? ›

Rosemary has been studied for many other uses. Other potential benefits of the compounds in rosemary tea include: May benefit heart health. One animal study found that rosemary extract reduced the risk of heart failure following a heart attack ( 30 ).

Does rosemary water reduce belly fat? ›

Rosemary water is beneficial for weight loss due to its compounds that boost metabolism, improve fat burning, and promote overall health. It also contains antioxidants, reduces hunger, and supports a robust digestive tract.

How much rosemary is safe to eat? ›

Like any other treatment, there can be certain side effects associated with the use of rosemary essential oil. Eating raw rosemary as part of a meal is safe, and you can ingest up to six grams of the leaf per day for medical purposes without worrying about side effects.

Is rosemary good for high blood pressure? ›

As previously mentioned, rosemary is a rich source of phenolic phytochemicals having significant anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and blood pressure-lowering activity. Additionally, this herb reduces elevated blood sugar, lowers blood lipids such as cholesterol and triglycerides, and helps to protect the liver.

What is rosemary best used for? ›

As a medicinal herb, it has long been recommended for strengthening the brain and memory. The herb contains substances that are useful for improving digestion and increasing circulation. In cooking, rosemary is used as a seasoning in a variety of dishes, such as soups, casseroles, salads, and stews.

What are the disadvantages of rosemary herb? ›

What are the Side Effects of Using Rosemary?
  • Allergic reactions : Symptoms include skin irritation, itching, redness, or respiratory issues.
  • Gastrointestinal issues : Consumption of large amounts may result in stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea.
  • Seizures
  • Skin irritation
  • Blood clotting
  • Hypotension

Who shouldn't use rosemary water? ›

Rosemary supplements have the potential to cause side effects and interact with certain medications. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding or chestfeeding, have a medical condition, or are taking one or more medications, avoid rosemary supplements unless specifically suggested by a qualified healthcare professional.

Can I drink rosemary water every day? ›

Rosemary tea is considered to be very safe, however drinking it in large quantities can result in nausea and vomiting. Essential oils should not be applied directly to the skin, as it can cause dermal irritation. It should be avoided on open wounds. Rosemary oil can also trigger seizures in people with epilepsy.

What not to mix with rosemary? ›

Antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs (blood-thinners) -- Rosemary may affect the blood's ability to clot, and could interfere with any blood-thinning drugs you are taking, including: Warfarin (Coumadin) Clopidogrel (Plavix)

Does rosemary affect blood pressure? ›

Early research shows that taking rosemary oil three times per day increases the top number in a blood pressure reading (systolic blood pressure) and the bottom number (diastolic blood pressure) in people with low blood pressure. Blood pressure seems to return to pretreatment values once rosemary use is stopped.

Does rosemary affect the liver? ›

Glycolic Extract Protects Liver Mitochondria from Oxidative Damage and Prevents Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity.

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