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

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

CNS: seizures

Derm: contact dermatitis

GI: nausea, vomiting

GU: uterine bleeding

* 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

• Deficient knowledge, related to medication regimen (Patient/Family/Teaching) 

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.