Rosemary is used to combat the hair loss, stimulate the growth of new hair, strengthen hair roots, support hair follicles, and clean the scalp and hair of impurities. Rosemary oil is believed to be even more effective in fighting hair loss and eliminating dry dandruff, than water-based rosemary infusions due to high levels of antioxidants. It is very effective in treating dandruff, which is one of the scalp conditions that can lead to hair loss. Rosemary is known to help darken gray hair if used over an extended period of time. Rosemary will also eliminate dryness and act as an excellent conditioner.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a woody, perennial herb with fragrant evergreen needle-like leaves. It is native to the Mediterranean region. Forms range from upright to trailing; upright plants can reach up to 2 m (6 ft 7 in). Flowers, very common in a mature and healthy specimen, bloom in summer in the north; but can be permanently blooming in warm-winter climates. They are variable in color, being white, pink, purple or blue.

Rosemary and hair loss

Rosemary is used to combat the hair loss, stimulate the growth of new hair, strengthen hair roots, support hair follicles, eliminate dandruff and clean the scalp and hair of impurities. Both fresh and dry plants can be used to make water or spirit infusions to use as aromatic hair conditioners, splitz or hair rinses. In addition, home-made rosemary vinegar, as well as rosemary oil, can be applied to the hair roots or used in different other ways to treat hair loss.

Both fresh and dry rosemary are used to make various herbal infusions that can be applied to the hair. To make a simple water infusion, put several handfuls of rosemary into a water-filled pot, bring to boil and gently simmer for about 5 to 15 minutes. Allow to cool, strain into a container and pour through the hair after shampooing. There is no need to wash the rosemary out of the hair after application. The procedure can be repeated every time the hair is washed.

Rosemary oil is believed to be even more effective in fighting hair loss and eliminating dry dandruff than water-based rosemary infusions. Extra-virgin, cold-pressed olive oil is known to be beneficial for the scalp and hair; it acts as a good base for a rosemary infusion. Fresh herbs are the best to use in the preparation of rosemary oil, but dry rosemary can also be used.

Another way to use rosemary for topical hair applications is to make rosemary vinegar. It is advisable to infuse rosemary only in raw and, preferably, high quality organic apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar has long been recognized for its hair-rejuvenating properties. Combined with rosemary, this vinegar can be used as a remedy for dull, weak and falling hair.

Rosemary side effects

When rosemary is harvested appropriately and used within recommended guidelines, side effects are minimal. A few instances of allergic skin reactions to topical preparations containing rosemary have been reported.

Recent research has shown that rosemary interferes with the absorption of iron in the diet, which indicates that it should not be used internally by persons with iron deficiency anemia.

Rosemary in culinary or therapeutic doses is generally safe. A toxicity studies of the plant on rats has shown hepatoprotective and antimutagenic activities (Fahim et al. 1999. Allied studies on the effect of Rosmarinus officinalis L. on experimental hepatotoxicity and mutagenesis. International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition 50: 413-427). However, caution is necessary for individuals displaying allergic reaction or prone to epileptic seizures. Rosemary essential oil may have epileptogenic properties, as a handful of case reports over the past century have linked its use with seizures in otherwise healthy adults or children (Burkhard et al. 1999. Plant-induced seizures: reappearance of an old problem. Journal of Neurology 246: 667–670).

Rosemary essential oil is potentially toxic if ingested. Large quantities of rosemary leaves can cause adverse reactions, such as coma, spasm, vomiting, and pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs) that can be fatal. Avoid consuming large quantities of rosemary especially if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Rosemary should not be used by anyone who is pregnant or suffering from epilepsy without first consulting their doctor. Since rosemary is a stimulant and is used sometimes as an herbal heart tonic it should also not be used by heart patients without first consulting a doctor.

Health benefits of rosemary

For most tonics and recipes rosemary leaves are used more often than the flowers or the rest of the plant Rosemary is used by herbalists as a remedy for the gall bladder and the liver. Rosemary is also used as an antiseptic for treating flu, viruses and colds. Sore muscles, rheumatism and arthritis are claimed to often respond well to rosemary oils applied during massage.

Rosemary is also believed to help lower blood sugar, relieve cramps and stimulate blocked menstrual flow.

Rosemary and memory

Rosemary has a centuries-old reputation for improving memory.

Rosemary and free radicals

The results of a study suggest that carnosic acid, found in rosemary, may shield the brain from free radicals, lowering the risk of strokes and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Lou Gehrig’s.

Rosemary contains a number of potentially biologically active compounds, including antioxidants such as carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid. Other bioactive compounds include camphor (up to 20% in dry rosemary leaves), caffeic acid, ursolic acid, betulinic acid, rosmaridiphenol, and rosmanol.

Rosemary essential oils

Rosemary essential oil is extracted by a method of steam distillation of the entire flowering plant. The resulting oil is a light buttery yellow. It is estimated that it takes close to 70 pounds of the flowering plant to yield one pound of essential rosemary oil.

Rosemary tea

Fresh brewed rosemary tea is often drunk as an alternative to caffeine to give an instant burst of energy. Many health food stores sell rosemary prepared in tea bags or as loose teas. Steep for 20 minutes, or more, before drinking.

Cultivation

Although rosemary originated in the Mediterranean regions, it is now widely cultivated in France, Italy, Spain, Yugoslavia and Tunisia. Rosemary grows on friable loam soil with good drainage in an open sunny position. It will not withstand water logging and some varieties may be susceptible to frost. It grows best in neutral – alkaline conditions pH (pH 7-7.8) with average fertility. It can be propagated from an existing plant by clipping a shoot 10-15 cm (4-6 in) long, stripping a few leaves from the bottom and planting directly into soil.

Gotu kola (Hydrocotyle asiatica) also known as Brahmi, Chi-hsueh Ts’ao, Man t’ien hsing, Indian Pennywort, Brahma-manduki, Marsh Penny, Water Pennywort, is a slender herb found growing as a perennial in the tropics. Much of the swampy areas in tropical countries such as India, Sri Lanka, South Africa, South America, the southern United States and tropical regions of Australia have thriving populations of this creeping perennial herb. The plant is difficult to cultivate although it is hardy in the wild and grows as a weed in many places. In Sri Lanka, the crushed leaves of Gotu kola are commonly eaten, either in the form of a hot beverage or as a green salad.

Gotu kola and hair loss

Gotu kola is used in the form of an oil extract to promote hair growth. In addition, Gotu kola is believed to promote healthy skin and collagen production. It has been used to aid the healing of minor wounds and skin irritations, help support blood vessel integrity and promote circulation. In one study in alopecic rats, administration of Gotu kola was shown to thicken the epidermis and restore thick hair growth. In another study involving rats, Gotu kola was demonstrated to significantly speed up wound healing by increasing the rate of collagen synthesis. This suggests that the herb may be capable of reducing, and possibly healing the inflammation that occurs around hair follicles in male pattern baldness. At this time there have been no clinical studies.

Side effects of Gotu kola

Problems or side effects in taking Gotu kola have rarely been reported, with the rare exception of people who are allergic to the herb. The occasional case of nausea has occurred when doses of the herb have been excessively high. Pregnant women are advised to avoid the use of Gotu kola. The herb may cause miscarriage if it is taken or applied during pregnancy. Very little information is available on how gotu kola might affect an infant or a small child. Therefore, its use is not recommended while breast-feeding or during early childhood. Gotu kola may raise cholesterol and blood sugar levels so individuals with high cholesterol or diabetes should not take or apply it.

Medicinal uses

In the ancient Indian system of medicine known as Ayurveda, Gotu kola has been used for thousands of years. Traditionally, herbalists have used this herb in treating mental illness, high blood pressure, abscesses, rheumatism, fever, ulcers, leprosy, nervous disorders and jaundice. In recent times Gotu kola has aquired a reputation as an aphrodisiac.

Gotu kola medications are utilized in the treatment of skin problems and topical wounds. The herb is believed to aid mental concentration as well as memory. Remedies made from Gotu kola are also used to boost fertility, as a tonic for improving poor digestion as well as for the treatment of rheumatism.

Gotu kola is used in treating children for dysentery – a few freshly plucked leaves of the herb are given along with the daily meal. Gotu kola remedies are also believed to be helpful in the treatment of fevers, as well as in alleviating all kinds of abdominal disorders, in the treatment of asthma, and in the treatment of bronchitis.

In India, Gotu kola is regarded as perhaps the most spiritual of all herbs. Growing in some areas of the Himalayas, Gotu kola is used by yogis to improve meditation. It is said to develop the crown chakra, the energy center at the top of the head and to balance the right and left hemispheres of the brain.

Gotu kola research

The primary active constituent in Gotu kola are the saponins asiaticoside, madecassoside and madasiatic acid. These saponins beneficially affect collagen (the material that makes up connective tissue), for example, inhibiting its production in hyperactive scar tissue.

The compounds present in the Gotu kola have been investigated in numerous studies. Initial research conducted during the1990s suggested that the asiaticocide and thankuniside fractions in the herb may actually reduce fertility in people. This surprising discovery strongly contrasts with one of the main traditional uses of the herb in India, where it  is taken to boost fertility.

Remedies made from Gotu kola have been shown to thin the blood and when used in larger dosages, the herb has been demonstrated to aid in lowering elevated blood sugar levels in patients.

Laboratory studies on animals have shown a definite sedative action using relatively large doses of Gotu kola. The sedative action is induced by two saponin glycosides present in the herb, which are designated brahminoside and brahmoside. Some anti-inflammatory action is also exhibited by another glycoside (madecassoside). A compound called asiaticoside, also seems to stimulate the healing of wounds. With regard to a traditional use of Gotu kola as a promoter of longevity, there is no current research that supports this.

Gotu kola dosage

Gotu kola is typically taken orally. Dosages for Gotu kola differ, and are given on a case by case basis. Tea: An herbal tea can be prepared from dried Gotu kola leaves by adding 1-2 teaspoons of the leaves to 150 ml of boiling water. This must be allowed to steep for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the herb to infuse into the water. Dosage of this tea is usually three cups per day. Tincture: Gotu kola based herbal tincture can be taken at doses of 10-20 ml 3 times per day. Extracts: Standardized Gotu kola extracts which contain up to 100% total triterpenoids in them are also usually taken at 60 mg doses once or twice a day. Dried herb: 2500mg per day has been suggested. Capsules: Tow 500 mg capsules of powdered herb can be taken per day.