Rosemary oil used in aromatherapy.

Review methodology

Aćimović and Miljković searched four databases— Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Review articles, publications without full-text access, and studies that did not meet the criteria (lack of a control group, unusual designs) were excluded from the analysis. Ultimately, 39 studies were identified, including inhalation, massage, and oral administration (the latter using animal models only).

Rosemary in Aromatherapy – What Do We Really Know from Science?

1. Nature of the work and scope of evidence

The authors consciously separate aromatherapy from oral phytotherapy and focus on:

• inhalation (the most common form),
• massage and local application,
• marginally: oral administration (animal models only).

This makes this publication one of the most complete and structured analyses of rosemary aromatherapy currently available in the literature.

2. Chemical composition and chemotypes as the basis of action

The authors clearly emphasize that the effect of the oil is not "energetic" or symbolic, but strictly dependent on the chemotype and composition in accordance with the ISO 1342 standard.

Dominant compounds:

• 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol) (38–55%) – characterized by a fresh, herbal aroma with a hint of camphor.
  → procognitive, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory effects
• camphor (5–22%) – contains more camphor, which gives the oil an intensely camphorous, minty scent.
  → rubefaciens action, analgesic, but also potentially irritating
• α-pinene (9–26%)
  → neuroprotective, mood-modulating, anxiolytic effects

The authors repeatedly emphasize that it is the high content of 1,8-cineole that distinguishes rosemary from strictly relaxing oils (e.g. lavender) .

3. What do clinical studies confirm?

Cognitive functions and concentration

Strongest and most consistent area of ​​evidence:

• improvement of short-term and visual memory,
• increased alertness and concentration,
• better cognitive test results in children, adults and seniors.

The effects were observed after 1–4 weeks of inhalation, with doses of 2–5 drops, exposure 30–60 minutes.

Stress, anxiety and mood

• reduction of tension and situational anxiety (e.g. before surgical procedures),
• moderate antidepressant effect,
• decrease in salivary cortisol levels (single RCT).

It is worth noting: the results are not uniform – several studies did not show significant effects, which the authors honestly emphasize.

Dream

• improving sleep quality, especially in older people and hospitalized patients,
• indirect effect – related to the reduction of anxiety rather than the sedative effect in the strict sense.

Pain and inflammation

Best documented for local application and massage :

• degenerative knee disease,
• neuropathic pain (diabetes),
• painful menstruation,
• rheumatoid arthritis (pilot study).

4. Rosemary ≠ lavender

One of the more interesting conclusions of the article is the clear positioning of rosemary as an oil:

• stimulating ,
• improving cognitive performance,
• supporting executive functions.

The authors even describe it as "complementary to sedative oils" , not their replacement.

5. Safety and side effects

Although rosemary oil is generally well-tolerated, there have been documented cases of allergic dermatitis and isolated reports of anaphylaxis following exposure to the oil. Photosensitivity reactions have also been reported in some individuals. The authors emphasize the importance of diluting the oil for topical application, performing a skin patch test, and exercising particular caution in children, people with allergies, and pregnant women. In general, rosemary aromatherapy should be considered a supplement to, and not a substitute for, conventional treatment.

6. The authors' expert verdict

Rosemary:

• has real, documented therapeutic potential in aromatherapy,
• especially in the area of ​​cognition, pain and mental tension ,
• but it requires conscious use based on chemical knowledge .

The authors clearly emphasize:

Aromatherapy does not replace medical treatment, but can be a valuable support , provided the quality of the raw material and the appropriate dosage.

Therapeutic areas and research results

Cognitive functions and memory

The strongest and most consistent evidence relates to the effect of inhaling rosemary oil on improving memory, concentration, and mental alertness . In studies involving older adults, students, and dialysis patients, inhaling 2–5 drops of the oil (usually for 30–60 minutes, daily for 1–4 weeks) improved performance on memory tests and reduced anxiety. Several studies found no effect (e.g., in the Enwright et al. study, the oil did not reduce exam anxiety), suggesting the importance of individual reactivity.

Sleep quality and anxiety reduction

Rosemary oil inhalation improved sleep quality in postoperative and dialysis patients and reduced anxiety and stress levels in students, students, and patients preparing for surgery. Regular aromatherapy sessions (30 minutes before bedtime, for a week or longer) reduced tension and facilitated sleep. Some studies also demonstrated a moderate antidepressant effect .

Pain and other uses

• Pain relief – massages with rosemary oil (diluted in jojoba or black cumin oil) two to three times a week for 15–20 minutes reduced the intensity of pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Androgenic hair loss – Daily massage of the frontoparietal and parietal scalp for six months resulted in significant improvement in patients with androgenic alopecia. In this case, due to its more gentle profile and higher verbenone content, we recommend choosing the verbenone chemotype.
• Alopecia, menstrual pain, neuropathy – research results are promising but often limited by sample size; some studies have failed to confirm significant effects. In this case, due to the more gentle profile and higher verbenone content, we recommend choosing the verbenone chemotype (see the end of the article).

Application: doses and forms

• Inhalation – most commonly used is 2–5 drops of rosemary oil placed on a cotton ball, gauze, or cotton disc; the cloth is held 5–10 cm from the nose or clipped to the collar. A session lasts 30–60 minutes , and the therapeutic cycle lasts 1–4 weeks . Shorter exposures are considered insufficient.
• Massage and topical application – rosemary oil is diluted in carrier oils (jojoba, sweet almond, black cumin). The massage lasts 15–20 minutes and is performed 2–3 times a week; it reduces pain, anxiety, and symptoms of depression.
• Blends – Rosemary is combined with other oils (lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, pine, patchouli, lime) to achieve a synergistic aromatherapeutic effect . These blends can enhance both the fragrance and the therapeutic effects (see table).
• Oral use – the authors emphasize that oral administration of rosemary oil has only been studied in animals; there is no data confirming safety and efficacy in humans.

The table is based on the illustration (Figure 3) from the review by Aćimović and Miljković (2025). The summary is synthetic and describes the directions of action of essential oils in aromatherapy; not all of the effects listed have the same strength of clinical evidence.

Conclusions and recommendations for practice

1. Great potential, but need for individualization – most studies indicate a beneficial effect of rosemary oil on cognitive functions, sleep quality, reduction of anxiety and pain, but some results are inconsistent, suggesting a varied body response.
2. The importance of the chemotype and quality of the raw material – effectiveness depends on the chemical composition; it is necessary to use oils certified in accordance with ISO standards.
3. Safety above all – despite its natural origin, the oil may cause side effects; dilution, short inhalation sessions and monitoring skin reactions are recommended.
4. Potential for blending with other oils – rosemary is a stimulating counterpart to more relaxing oils like lavender; properly formulated blends can combine their benefits.

Summary

Aćimović and Miljković's systematic review provides comprehensive data on the efficacy and safety of rosemary oil aromatherapy . It demonstrates that the oil can improve memory and concentration, aid sleep, reduce anxiety and pain , and find use in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. However , dose, exposure time, and chemical quality of the preparation play a key role. The use of rosemary in aromatherapy should always be preceded by consultation with a specialist and based on reliable scientific data.

Source:

Systematic Evaluation of Rosemary Essential Oil in Aromatherapy Practice: A Review by Aćimović and Miljković (2025); https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1934578X251399774

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The CT verbenone chemotype (high verbenone) contains significantly more verbenone and bornyl acetate and has distinct aromatherapeutic properties. It was not discussed in the reviewed article, likely due to its rarity and limited commercial availability. In aromatherapy practice, knowledge of the chemotype is crucial; when choosing an oil, it is worth paying attention to certifications and composition descriptions.

We offer two rosemary oils with verbenone CT in our store. Chemotype recommendations should always refer to a specific GC/MS , not just the name.

“CT verbenone” is not a homogeneous concept.
South African oil and Greek oil differ functionally, sensorially, and clinically , despite having the same chemotype label.

Key differences between the oil

Rosemary ct. Verbenone – South Africa
Rosemary ct. Verbenone – Greece

1. Quantitative differences in the main active compounds

2. Chemotypic differences within CT verbenone

Both oils are formally ct. verbenone , but represent two different functional profiles .

South Africa – ct. verbenone ("regenerating-camphor" profile)

• high camphor + bornyl acetate
• low cineole
• profile:

1. skin and tissue regeneration
2. scars, mature skin
3. local work (scalp, muscles)

• more "therapeutic", less universal

Greece – ct. verbenone ("neuro-respiratory" profile)

• 1,8-cineole present
• high α-pinene + borneol
• profile:

1. concentration support
2. gentler on the nervous system
3. better for inhalation and diffusion

• more "everyday" and versatile

3. Sensory Differences (Practical but Important)