Rosemary water is one of those things that has a permanent place in your routine. It takes about 20 minutes to make and costs next to nothing. It has a surprising number of uses for your hair, skin, kitchen, home and more.
I started using it as a hair rinse and ended up finding uses for it that I didn’t expect. This guide covers it all: three ways to prepare it, how to store it, what actually makes it useful, and all the worthwhile ways to put it to use.
What is rosemary water? Rosemary water is water infused with rosemary leaves. It is essentially a strong herbal tea made from one of the most aromatic herbs in the kitchen. Soaking rosemary in hot or cold water extracts its natural oils and plant compounds into a sweet, fragrant liquid that you can use in a dozen different ways.
This is not the same as rosemary essential oil, which is very concentrated and not suitable for direct application to the skin without dilution. Rosemary water is gentle, water-based and suitable for most people to use on hair, skin and in drinks.
Think of it like you would think of green tea or chamomile tea. The longer and hotter the infusion, the more powerful the result.
How to make rosemary water Three methods, three different forces. All three work and the right one depends on what you plan to use it for.
Method 1 – Simmer on the stove
THE STRONGEST · Ideal for hair and skin
This extracts the best from the rosemary and produces a deeper, richer brew. This is the method that most people swear by in hair rinses and scalp sprays.
You need:
4 to 6 sprigs fresh rosemary or 2 tablespoons dried rosemary 2 cups filtered or distilled water Small saucepan with lid Fine mesh strainer Glass jar or spray bottle Measures:
Rinse the rosemary sprigs under cold water. Add the rosemary and water to the saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Avoid strong boiling. Let simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. The water will turn golden green. Simmering uncovered allows you to concentrate slightly. Remove from heat. Place the lid on immediately and let it cool completely. By keeping the lid on while cooling, you trap flavor compounds that would otherwise escape as vapor. Strain into a clean glass jar. Keep refrigerated. Method 2 – Hot and Stiff
MEDIUM · Ready in less than 30 minutes
This is the fastest method. Ideal for a lighter result that works well for drinking, misting the face or quickly rinsing the hair.
Boil 2 cups of water. Pour 3 to 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary into a heatproof cup or pot. Cover and let steep for 15 to 30 minutes. Filter and allow to cool before use. Method 3 – Cold Brew
THE GENTLEEST · No-intervention night method
The smoothest result, with the freshest taste. Ideal for infused drinking water and facial mist.
Lightly crush 3 to 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary by pressing them firmly with the back of a spoon. This opens the leaves and releases more oils before soaking. Add the bruised sprigs to 2 cups of cold, filtered water in a glass jar. Cover and refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours, or overnight. Remove strands and use within 3-5 days. Which method should you use? Method Time Strength Ideal for Let it simmer on the stove 30 to 40 minutes Strong Hair, scalp, skin Hot and stiff 15 to 30 minutes AVERAGE Drink, light topical use Cold brew 8 to 12 hours Benign Infused water, facial mist How to Store Rosemary Water Rosemary water contains no preservatives, so storage is important. Here’s how to get the most out of each batch:
Fridge: Store for 1 to 2 weeks in a closed glass jar. If it smells or looks cloudy, throw it away and make a new batch. Freezer: Pour into an ice cube tray and freeze. Defrost one cube at a time as needed. Keeps like this for up to 3 months. Ambient temperature: Fine for up to 24 hours. After that, bacteria can grow in any herbal infusion. Using distilled or filtered water gives you a slightly longer shelf life than tap water because there are no minerals or chlorine interacting with the brew. Glass jars seal better than plastic and don’t retain odors between batches.
Tip for preparing in advance: Double the recipe and freeze half in ice cube trays. Each cube is approximately 2 tablespoons. It’s easy to defrost them one at a time for new daily use without making a new batch every week.
How to Use Rosemary Water on Your Hair This is the most popular use, and for good reason. Rosemary has long been used in traditional hair care in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures, and it has seen a major modern resurgence. If you’ve browsed rosemary water content on any social platform in the last couple of years, you know it has devoted followers.
People primarily use it to promote scalp circulation, reduce hair loss, and promote thicker, shinier hair. Results accumulate gradually over weeks and months rather than overnight. Consistency is what makes the difference.
As a daily spray for the scalp Pour your rosemary water into a small spray bottle. Spray directly onto scalp on wash days and non-wash days. Massage gently with your fingertips for a minute or two. It’s the easiest way to stay consistent, which matters more than how much you use at any given time.
As a rinse after shampoo Shampoo and conditioner as usual. Generously pour or spray rosemary water on your scalp and lengths. Massage the scalp for 2 to 3 minutes. Do not rinse. Dry and style as usual. Three to five times a week is ideal for most people. Daily use is fine.
As a pre-wash treatment Apply rosemary water to dry hair 20 to 30 minutes before shampooing. Massage it into the scalp, cover lightly with a shower cap, then shampoo as usual. This method works especially well if you have a sensitive or reactive scalp, since the rosemary rinses out rather than sitting on the skin all day.
This is also the recommended method for anyone with blonde, silver, or recently lightened hair. Rosemary can gradually deepen hair color with repeated use without rinsing. The effect is very subtle, but it’s worth knowing. Rinsing before washing avoids any risk of unwanted change in tone.
As a leave-in treatment for dry hair Mix equal parts rosemary water and pure aloe vera gel in a spray bottle. Apply to damp hair before air drying. It adds lightweight moisture without buildup or residue and is a good option for curly or coarse hair types.
Rosemary and Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse This combination is one of the most sought after rosemary hair treatments and deserves its reputation. Mix 1 cup of rosemary water with 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. After shampooing and conditioning, pour it over your scalp and hair, leave for 2 to 3 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cold water. It leaves hair visibly shinier and the scalp refreshed. The vinegar smell dissipates completely as the hair dries. Learn more about the versatility of apple cider vinegar in our guide to apple cider vinegar toners.
How long before you see results? Most people notice a difference in scalp feel and hair texture within a few weeks. For significant changes in thickness or shedding, allow two to three months of consistent use. Hair growth is slow and the timeline is the same for any topical treatment.
How to Use Rosemary Water on Your Skin The same properties that make rosemary water useful for the scalp are found in skin care. It’s a gentle, fragrant option that works well for people who prefer a simpler, more natural routine.
As a facial toner After cleansing, apply rosemary water to a cotton pad and wipe it over your face. It removes any remaining cleanser residue and leaves skin feeling refreshed. It works especially well for oily or combination skin as it helps balance the skin’s surface without stripping it. Use morning or evening before moisturizer.
As a facial mist from the refrigerator Store a small spray bottle of rosemary water in the refrigerator. A cold spritz mid-afternoon is truly invigorating. It’s a natural pick-me-up that also applies a light herbal treatment to your skin. It’s also nice after a workout or a long day outdoors.
For a more complete DIY skin moment, try following it with our DIY face scrub with Manuka honey and vanilla – they pair wonderfully as a two-step at-home treatment.
As a gentle treatment against imperfections Many people use rosemary water as a gentle option for dabbing a blemish or irritated area with a cotton swab. It won’t replace a dedicated acne treatment, but it is a gentle and fragrant choice for sensitive skin that reacts to more powerful active ingredients. Always do a patch test on the inside of your wrist first and wait 24 hours before applying it to your face.
In the bath Add 1 to 2 cups of strong rosemary water to a warm bath. The steam carries the scent of herbs into the room and the water pleasantly softens the skin. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil if you want a more spa-like experience.
Drink rosemary water You can absolutely drink rosemary water. It is essentially herbal tea. The flavor is slightly piney, slightly floral and naturally pleasant. Even more so with a little squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of honey.
In lukewarm herbal tea Use the hot brew method and drink it like any herbal tea. One or two cups a day is a comfortable amount. It’s naturally caffeine-free, making it a nice alternative to another cup of coffee in the afternoon. Honey, lemon, and a small piece of fresh ginger are all great additions.
If you like to prepare herbal drinks at home, our ginger and turmeric shots use the same approach for soaking fresh herbs and roots. It’s a great companion to add to a natural wellness routine.
As infused drinking water Use the cold brew method and drink it throughout the day. This is a subtle and easy upgrade on clear water. Try it with cucumber slices and lemon for a spa water combination that’s as pretty as it is refreshing.
In lemonade and cold drinks Rosemary water makes a great base for homemade lemonade. Swap plain water for rosemary water in any lemonade recipe and the herbaceous note enhances the entire drink. It also works wonderfully in a honey and rosemary lemonade in the style of our Manuka Honey and Lavender Lemonade. Simply replace the lavender with rosemary and follow the same approach.
Using rosemary water at home This is the section that most rosemary water articles skip over, and it’s one of the most truly practical.
See also
Stovetop Simmering Pot Add the rosemary sprigs to a pot of water and simmer on the stove over low heat. The steam carries the scent of herbs throughout the home, naturally neutralizing cooking odors and pet odors. Add lemon slices, a cinnamon stick, or a little vanilla extract for a layered, warm scent. Refill the water as it evaporates throughout the day.
It is one of the most affordable and non-toxic alternatives to synthetic air fresheners. For more ideas along these lines, our guide to DIY Stovetop Simmer Pots and Potpourri has a complete collection of seasonal combinations.
Natural room and linen mist Pour rosemary water into a spray bottle and use it to freshen up pillowcases, curtains or upholstery. It’s a clean, neutral herbal scent that fades without leaving any residue. Much simpler than commercial textile sprays and really pleasant.
Natural Mouthwash For a simple, chemical-free rinse, soak 4 rosemary sprigs and 4 whole cloves together in 2 cups of water for 20 minutes. Strain and let cool completely. Use as a rinse after brushing. It is not a substitute for fluoridated toothpaste, but it is a refreshing follow-up rinse that many people enjoy as part of a natural oral care routine.
Light surface cleaner Mixed with white vinegar, rosemary water makes a pleasant-smelling, all-purpose surface spray for kitchen counters and bathroom surfaces. Mix equal parts rosemary water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. It handles light grease and daily surface residue. Note: This is not a disinfectant and should not be used in place of EPA registered cleaners when sanitation is required.
Using Rosemary Water in Cooking and Drinks This is probably the most underrated app. Rosemary water works as a subtly flavored liquid base that can replace plain water in a range of recipes.
Rosemary simple syrup Mix equal parts rosemary water and sugar in a small saucepan. Simmer gently until the sugar dissolves completely, about 5 minutes. Let it cool and bottle it. Use it in lemonade, sparkling water, gin or vodka drinks, iced tea or drizzled over fruit. It’s one of those additions that makes a simple drink feel thoughtful and sophisticated.
Bread and pizza dough Substitute plain water for rosemary water called for in any bread recipe. The herbaceous note subtly integrates into the crust and adds a depth that pairs particularly well with focaccia, flatbreads and olive oil-based pastas. Combine it with our easy fresh basil pesto for a meal made entirely of herbs.
Brine and marinade base Use rosemary water as a liquid base for a chicken or pork brine. Add salt, crushed garlic and lemon slices to round it out. The herbal qualities of rosemary emerge after cooking in a subtle but unmistakable way.
Cooking cereals Cook rice, farro or quinoa in rosemary water instead of plain water. It adds a sweet savory depth that works with almost anything on the plate next to it.
Combinations worth trying Rosemary water works well on its own, but it also combines well with a few other simple ingredients. Here are the most popular and practical associations:
Complement Best use Why it works Peppermint Scalp spray Adds a cooling, tingling sensation that stimulates the scalp Apple cider vinegar Hair Rinse Increases shine and helps balance scalp pH Aloe vera gel Leave-in hair treatment Adds moisture and slip without weighing hair down Lemon zest Facial mist, drinking water Brightening and fresh scent, good flavor Lavender Bath, face mist, linen spray Soothing supplement with the more energizing scent of rosemary Dear Herbal tea, lemonade Natural sweetener that beautifully complements the herbal side of rosemary Soaking rosemary alongside other herbs is a great entry point to making your own herbal preparations at home. Our guide to essential herbs to keep in your home covers a number of others worth exploring.
Tips before you start Fresh or dried rosemary: Fresh strands produce a better result for hair and skin. Dried rosemary works well for drinking and cooking. Use about 2 teaspoons of dried rosemary in place of 3 to 4 fresh sprigs. Distilled or filtered water is worth it: Minerals in tap water can shorten shelf life and interact with plant compounds, especially in areas where the water is heavily chlorinated. Do a patch test first: Before applying to your face or scalp, apply a small amount to the inside of your wrist and wait 24 hours. Rosemary is generally well tolerated, but individual reactions vary. Blonde and lightened hair: Use as a pre-wash rinse rather than a rinse. Repeated use without rinsing can gradually deepen hair tone – very subtly, but it’s worth knowing up front. Organic when possible: Since you steep the plant directly in water, organic rosemary avoids introducing any pesticide residue into your infusion. Hurt the leaves: Squeezing or rolling the strands lightly before soaking releases more vegetable oils into the water, producing a more potent result. Keep a spray in the shower: The easiest way to stay consistent with your hair use is to incorporate it into your routine. A small glass spray bottle on the shower shelf is the trick most regular users rely on to create a habit. Frequently Asked Questions Can I use rosemary water every day? Yes. Daily use on hair and skin is safe for most people and is actually what most users do that get the best results. To drink, one to two cups per day in the form of herbal tea is a comfortable amount.
How long does it take to see results on hair? Scalp sensation and hair texture often improve within a few weeks. For noticeable changes in thickness or reduced shedding, give it two to three months of consistent daily use. Hair growth is slow regardless of treatment. Patience and consistency matter more than anything else.
Can I make rosemary water with dried rosemary? Yes. Use about 2 teaspoons of dried rosemary in place of 3 to 4 fresh sprigs. Jerky works especially well in the stovetop simmer method and is actually easier to measure. It produces a slightly more intense flavor, ideal for culinary applications.
Will rosemary water darken my hair? Eventually, with repeated use without rinsing over time. The effect is gradual and gentle. Most brunette users enjoy it as a way to enhance depth and shine. Users with blonde, silver or highlighted hair should use it as a pre-wash rinse and leave it on, to avoid any change in tone.
Can I use rosemary essential oil instead of fresh rosemary? Not as a substitute in this recipe. Essential oil is not water soluble and does not disperse evenly in clear water, it floats on the surface and can irritate the skin if applied undiluted. For a water-based infusion, use only fresh or dried rosemary leaves.
Is rosemary water the same as rosemary hydrosol? No. A hydrosol is obtained by steam distillation and is more concentrated. Homemade rosemary water is a simple infusion. Both have uses, but hydrosols are a commercial product that requires distillation equipment to make properly at home.
Does rosemary water go bad? Yes. It is a vegetable infusion without preservatives. In the refrigerator, it will keep for 1 to 2 weeks. If it smells sour, looks cloudy, or develops visible growth, throw it away and start a new batch. Frozen in ice cube trays, it will keep for up to 3 months.
Can I add rosemary water to store bought conditioner? Yes, this is a popular approach. Incorporate 2 to 3 tablespoons of rosemary water into your regular conditioner before applying it. It thins the conditioner slightly but distributes the botanical benefits throughout the hair without requiring a separate step.
What does rosemary water smell like on hair? Fresh and piney with a warm herbaceous quality, similar to the smell in your kitchen when rosemary is roasting in the oven. The scent is pleasant but not overpowering and fades considerably as hair dries. Most people find that it disappears almost completely within an hour.
More Better Living 9 essential herbs to keep in your home Ginger and Turmeric Immune Boosting Shots Apple Cider Vinegar Tonics Are Worth Trying Lavender and Manuka Honey Lemonade DIY face scrub with Manuka honey and vanilla DIY Stovetop Simmer Pots and Potpourri Easy fresh basil pesto 18 Natural and Non-Toxic DIY Cleaning Recipes Have you tried rosemary water? Which use surprised you the most? Share in the comments.
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