rosemary

General

Complementary/Alternative Medicine: This monograph describes a natural or herbal product that is not subject to FDA guidelines for medicines. Patients and clinicians are advised to read package labels carefully to ensure safe and efficacious use.

Pronunciation:
rohz-mair-ee


Trade Name(s)

  • Rosmarinus officinalis
  • compass plant/weed
  • polar plant

Ther. Class.

abortifacients

hair regrowth stimulants

Common Uses

  • Alopecia areata.
  • Inducing abortion.

Action

Essential oil has a spasmonthlytic effect on gastrointestinal smooth muscle, positive inotropic effect on heart, and increases coronary and menstrual blood flow. Topical use irritates the skin and increases blood circulation.

Therapeutic Effect(s):

  • Improved hair growth.
  • Menstrual flow stimulant.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Unknown

Distribution: Unknown

Metabolism and Excretion: Unknown

Half-life: Unknown

TIME/ACTION PROFILE

ONSETPEAKDURATION
POunknownunknownunknown

Contraindication/Precautions

Contraindicated in:

  • Hypersensitivity;
  • Pregnancy.

Use Cautiously in:

  • Lactation;
  • Seizure disorders;
  • Ingestion of undiluted essential oil can be toxic and cause significant adverse effects.

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

CV: hypotension

Derm: contact dermatitis

GI: nausea, vomiting

GU: uterine bleeding

Neuro: seizures

* CAPITALS indicate life-threatening.
Underline indicate most frequent.

Interactions

Natural Drug Interaction

  • ↑risk of seizures with  drugs that lower seizure threshold.
  • ↑risk of bleeding with  antiplatelet agents or anticoagulants.

Natural-Natural:

None.

Route/Dosage

PO (Adults): 1–2 g of crude leaf/150 mL water ingested three times daily as tea .

Topical (Adults): 3 drops of rosemary oil (114 mg) in combination with other essential oils massage into scalp nightly for 2 minutes with a warm towel around head to increase absorption .

Availability

Oil: 6–10%

Crude leaf

Assessment

  • Assess amount of alopecia prior to and periodically during therapy.

Lab Test Considerations:

Monitor blood sugar and serum electrolytes periodically during therapy.

Potential Diagnoses

Implementation

  • PO Administer as directed.
  • Topical Mix 3 drops of rosemary oil (114 mg) in combination with other essential oils massage into scalp nightly for 2 minutes with a warm towel around head to increase absorption.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Instruct patient to take or use rosemary as directed.
  • Caution female patients to avoid using rosemary and notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding. May lead to abortion.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

Improved hair growth.