Arthritis

According to the University of Pennsylvania, oils containing rosemary have been used to relieve muscle and joint pain associated with arthritis and also improve circulation. Some early research shows that taking a product containing rosemary, hops, and oleanolic acid can reduce pain associated with arthritis. More research is needed to confirm the benefit.

Diabetic Kidney Damage (Nephropathy)

Some research suggests that taking a product containing rosemary, centaury, and lovage may be able to decrease the amount of protein in the urine when taken with standard diabetes medications. Protein in the urine is a marker for kidney disease in diabetic patients.

Mental Tiredness

Early research shows that taking rosemary does not improve attention or mental energy in adults with low energy levels. However, study results do vary. Other studies show that it can reduce the stress of test-taking and relieve anxiety.

Fibromyalgia

While it was thought that rosemary could improve the effects of fibromyalgia, early research suggests that taking a product containing rosemary, hops, and oleanolic acid does not, in fact, improve symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Gum Disease (Gingivitis)

Early research shows that an herbal mouthwash containing rosemary and other ingredients helps to reduce gum bleeding and swelling in people with gum disease when used twice daily after meals for two weeks.

Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)

A preliminary study demonstrated that taking rosemary oil may temporarily raise blood pressure in people with hypotension, but the benefit was temporary.

Other popular uses of rosemary include the treatment of:

• Cough
• Eczema
• Gas
• Gout
• Headache
• High blood pressure
• Increasing menstrual flow
• Inducing abortion
• Indigestion
• Liver and gallbladder problems

More evidence is needed to confirm these benefits.

Rosemary Benefits

Rosemary benefits include antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. However, it is not clear whether these rosemary benefits occur in humans as studies are mostly done on animals. That said, rosemary traditionally has been used in alternative medicine to treat or improve certain medical conditions including hair loss, arthritis, kidney damage, mental fatigue, and fibromyalgia.

The following are conditions on which researchers have applied the effects of rosemary; though some have a stronger connection to rosemary for potential health benefits than others, more research is needed on rosemary's effect overall.

Hair Loss

Early research suggests that applying rosemary oil to the scalp is as effective as minoxidil for increasing hair count in people with male-pattern baldness.

In a research study, people who massaged rosemary and other essential oils (lavender, thyme, and cedarwood) showed improvement after seven months.

However, it is not clear whether it was the rosemary that provided a benefit.