Rosemary ~ Hair Rinse
~ ROSEMARY ~ Hair Rinse ~
The humble rosemary bush growing outside my kitchen door is probably the hardest working plant in my garden. I use it for cooking, herbal medicine and natural haircare, and it's been part of my life for 20 years.
The rosemary growing just outside my kitchen door came from cuttings I carried with me from my last home. I planted these when I moved here 11 years ago, but I've actually been growing this same rosemary line for nearly 20 years now. I love that it's followed me through different seasons of life and is still thriving.
I first started working with rosemary over 20 years ago while living in the Italian Alps. The very first grassroots herbal remedy that I ever made was a Rosemary Elixir. It was very simply fresh rosemary infused into red wine (a bottle of wine stuffed with Rosemary stalks!!). After a month of infusing, I'd take a small glass or Rosemary wine after meals to aid digestion, improve circulation, sharpen the mind and lift the spirits. It was such an incredibly simple preparation, yet it taught me that some of the most effective herbal medicines are often the simplest, and growing right at my doorstep.
Rosemary has long been associated with the head. In Ancient Greece, students would weave sprigs into wreaths and wear them while studying, believing they improved memory and concentration. Today we know rosemary contains powerful antioxidant compounds that help protect brain cells, and studies have found that even the scent of rosemary may improve alertness, focus and memory.
It's also a wonderfully warming circulatory herb, gently encouraging blood flow throughout the body. Traditionally it's been used to ease sluggish digestion, reduce bloating after meals, soothe tired muscles and support the nervous system during times of stress and mental fatigue. Its antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties also make it a valuable everyday medicinal herb.
One of my favorite ways to use rosemary is in my haircare.
I don't use shampoo, as I prefer not to strip my scalp of its natural oils. Instead, I make a rosemary-infused raw apple cider vinegar rinse.
Why rosemary is so powerful for haircare:
~ Stimulates circulation to the scalp, bringing fresh blood and nutrients to the hair follicles, which encourages new growth.
~ Strengthens hair strands and reduces breakage, leaving hair feeling stronger and healthier.
~ Natural shine booster – rosemary smooths the hair cuticle, giving it a silky finish.
~ Helps with thinning hair – regular use may support fuller, thicker-looking hair.
~ Soothes scalp issues – its natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties help calm irritation, itchiness, or dandruff.
~ Repels lice and pests naturally, making it especially useful for families with children.
Apple Cider Vinegar is the perfect partner to rosemary:
~ Balances the scalp’s pH, which can prevent dryness and flakiness.
~ Gently cleanses without stripping away the natural oils that protect your hair.
~ Detangles naturally, making hair easier to brush through.
~ Restores shine and softness, especially if your hair feels dull or heavy from product build-up.
Together, rosemary and ACV make the simplest, most effective natural hair rinse I know and it costs almost nothing to make.
How to Make Rosemary Hair Rinse in ACV:
~ Fill a clean jar with fresh rosemary sprigs (stems + leaves).
~ Cover completely with raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar.
~ Seal and leave to infuse for 2–6 weeks.
~ Strain and pour into a clean bottle.
To use: After washing (or instead of shampoo), pour a little rosemary vinegar through your hair, massage into the scalp, then rinse thoroughly with water. The vinegar smell disappears once rinsed properly. Make sure you don't get it in your eyes!!!
Such an ordinary plant, growing quietly in so many gardens, yet one with such an extraordinary history of nourishing both body and mind.
If you'd like to learn more about creating simple, effective herbal remedies from common garden plants, my *Grassroots Herbalism Guide* is a wonderful place to start.