Rosemary
Rosemary
Salvia rosmarinus
Parts Used: leaves
Constituents: volatile oil ( 1-2% borneol, camphene, camphor, cineole) rosmarinic acid, diterpenes( carnosic acid & carnosol) flavonoids and tannins.
Herbalism Uses: Antioxidant properties help protect the brain and blood vessels; cognitive health, used since antiquity as a memory aid. Same properties make it useful in migraines. Historical treatment for nervous system conditions including anxiety, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease. Laboratory research suggests that rosemary may stimulate nerve repair. Also suitable for indigestion, joint ailments, stomach problems, stimulates blood flow throughout the body, especially head, useful herb for poor circulation. Rosemary oil has been used for hair growth, prevent baldness, slow graying and treat dandruff/dry scalp. Rosemary’s stimulating and circulatory constituents make it a good choice as a restorative herb to help recovery from long term stress, chronic illness, and mild depression associated with the later. Rosemary has one of the highest levels of anti-oxidant activity amongst plant species making it a most powerful plant in fighting bacteria. It is found to have immune-boosting properties making it an effective treatment in herbalism for bacterial infections. Rosemary extract has been shown to be active against many pathogens such as E.Coli, P.mirabilis, P.vulgaris, K.pneumoniae, P.aeruginosa, S.aureus, S.epidermidis and B.subtilis.
Energetics: Warming, Drying, Slightly Constricting
Properties: Antioxidant, Cerebral Tonic, Antidepressant, Antirheumatic, Antiseptic, Stimulant, Astrigent, Nervine, Anti-inflammatory
Dosage Forms:
Infusion: .5oz per quart, 1 hr. 1 cup up to 3x day. Helps with headaches when drunk and when used topical, can be massaged
Tincture: Dried leaves- 1:5, 65% alcohol – 10 drops to 3ml up to 3x a day. For stress, 40 drops 2x a day with water
Capsule: powdered, 500- 1,500mg up to 3x a day
Topical: Salve from 1:4 oil
Essential Oil: diffuse for concentration and memory aid
Consult your physician before use
Planting Guide
Overview
Type: Evergreen perennial herb, woody shrub.
Uses: Culinary (leaves), ornamental, fragrant hedge, container gardening, pollinator-friendly.
USDA hardiness: Zones 7–10 (can be grown as an annual or overwintered indoors in colder zones).
Site & Light
Sun: Full sun; at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for best growth and flavor.
Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil. Rosemary dislikes poorly drained, waterlogged soil.
pH: Prefers slightly acidic to neutral to slightly alkaline soils (pH 6.0–7.8).
Spacing & Planting Time
Spacing: 2–4 feet between plants for hedging; 12–18 inches for individual herbs or container grouping.
Planting time: Spring after last frost for outdoor planting. In warm climates, fall planting is acceptable if roots can establish before cold snaps.
Depth: Plant at the same depth as the nursery container. Avoid burying the stem crown too deep.
Soil Preparation
Amend: If soil is heavy clay or poorly drained, incorporate coarse sand, grit, or small gravel and organic matter to improve drainage.
Fertility: Rosemary prefers lean soil; avoid heavy applications of high-nitrogen fertilizer which can reduce oil concentration and flavor. A light application of balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring is usually sufficient.
Watering
Establishment: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system — allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings.
Mature plants: Drought-tolerant; water deeply but infrequently. Overwatering leads to root rot.
Containers: Require more frequent watering than in-ground plants; ensure pot has drainage holes.
Mulching & Winter Care
Mulch: Use a light layer of inorganic mulch (gravel) or organic mulch sparingly to conserve moisture and control weeds. Keep mulch a few inches away from the stems to prevent crown rot.
Winter: In zones colder than 7, protect with frost cloth or move containers indoors. Mulch around the base for in-ground plants in marginal zones. Rosemary wood is susceptible to cold damage below about 20°F (−6°C), though varieties vary.
Pruning & Training
Pruning time: Late spring to early summer after new growth appears; light pruning throughout the season keeps plants compact.
Technique: Trim back up to one-third of new growth; avoid cutting into old, leafless wood too aggressively as it may not resprout.
Use: Harvest sprigs regularly to encourage bushier growth.
Propagation
Cuttings: Most reliable method — take 3–4 inch semi-ripe cuttings in late spring or summer, remove lower leaves, root in well-draining mix.
Seed: Slow and variable germination; often less true to parent. Sow indoors 6–10 weeks before last frost.
Layering: Tip layering can work for established shrubs.
Pests & Diseases
Common pests: Aphids, spider mites, whiteflies; generally low pest pressure.
Diseases: Root rot (from overwatering), powdery mildew in humid conditions. Good air circulation and well-drained soil reduce problems.
Prevention: Avoid overhead watering, space plants for airflow, maintain moderate fertility.
Products that utilize Rosemary:
Bakuchiol is a natural alternative to retinol, targeting fine lines & wrinkles, without irritation.
The Herbalist's Garden grows medicinal herbs using organic methods in the USA.
We hand gather rose petals, sage, rosemary & lavender from our garden in Richmond, VA at peak potency to infuse in a combination of antioxidant rich grapeseed oil, skin brightening rosehip oil and collagen stimulating tamanu oil. Precious Bakuchiol Extract is added at the proper 1% ratio to this potent serum & moisturizer.
Available in 1 oz glass dropper bottles.
Part of the Youth Preserve Collection: a natural alternative to retinol, targeting fine lines & wrinkles, without irritation.
INGREDIENTS: Rosemary, Sage, Rose & Lavender infused grapeseed oil, Rosehip oil, Tamanu oil, Bakuchiol extract
*The Herbalist’s Garden grown
DIRECTIONS: Apply a dropperful to clean face/neck, day & night.
SKINCARE ROUTINE:
Dry Skin: Bakuchiol Face Serum in the AM & PM, followed by the Bakuchiol Face Cream in the AM & PM
Normal/Combination Skin: Bakuchiol Face Cream in the morning and Bakuchiol Face Serum at night
Oily Skin: Bakuchiol Face Cream in the AM & PM
A hydrating toner that plumps with hyaluronic acid, targets fine lines with bakuchiol extract and moisturizes with jojoba oil that has been infused with rose, rosemary, lavender, and calendula. Use anytime to boost hydration and impart a fresh face glow.
3.4oz glass bottle with fine mist atomizer
INGREDIENTS: witch hazel distillate (alcohol-free), jojoba oil infused with rose, rosemary, lavender and calendula, phenoxyethanol (preservative), aloe vera juice, hyaluronic acid, rose water, bakuchiol extract, neroli essential oil, polysorbate 20 (emulsifier) vitamin E
A hydrating toner that plumps with hyaluronic acid and moisturizes with Jojoba oil that has been infused with rose, rosemary, lavender and calendula. Use anytime to boost hydration and impart a fresh face glow. Can be used over or under makeup or alone as part of your natural skincare routine.
3.4oz glass bottle with fine mist atomizer
INGREDIENTS: witch hazel distillate (alcohol-free), jojoba oil infused with rose, rosemary, lavender and calendula, phenoxyethanol (preservative), aloe vera juice, hyaluronic acid, rose water, jasmine essential oil, polysorbate 20 (emulsifier) vitamin E
The ultimate boo-boo salve, our Herbal First-Aid features comfrey, plantain and rosemary infused in apricot kernel oil.
Comfrey aids in the healing of cuts & scrapes due to its ability to stimulate cell growth and reduce inflammation.
Plantain quickly staunches blood flow and encourages the repair of damaged tissue.
Rosemary is an effective anti-bacterial & anti-microbial plant ally.
Available in 1oz tins
Our Growth & Shine gift set features our Rosemary Hair Serum and a natural Jade stone comb, beautifully packaged in a gift box.
Research has shown that rosemary may help hair grow back in people who have experienced hair loss or thinning. This potent herbal hair serum is lightweight enough for daytime use to finish hair styling, or it can be used as a nighttime scalp & hair mask. Nourishing and natural, our Growth & Shine Gift Set is inspired by traditional hair care rituals.
Benefits of massaging your scalp with our natural Jade Comb and Rosemary Hair Serum include:
Enhanced blood flow to hair follicles, which may promote healthy hair growth and potentially reduce hair loss.
Scalp massage release muscle tension and can alleviate headaches
Improved scalp health by exfoliating clogged follicles
The gentle nature of Jade creates less friction and static compared to plastic or metal combs. The quality of the stone helps detangle hair with ease, minimizing breakage, split ends, and fly aways.
Natural sebum distribution from root to tip for overall healthy and balanced hair
INGREDIENTS: rosemary, sage, rose & lavender infused grapeseed oil, rosemary essential oil
DIRECTIONS: Apply a few drops of Rosemary Hair Serum to your scalp, then use the natural Jade comb to gently massage the serum in. Start from the front hairline and work your way back. Leave-in as time allows, up to overnight. Wash serum out to reveal healthy, shiny hair. Can also be used as a finishing oil by applying 1-3 drops after styling to combat frizz and add shine.
1oz amber glass dropper bottle of Rosemary Hair Serum and 3.62 × 1.65 Jade comb in a 4.5 × 4.5 gift box
