Last Updated on June 1, 2025 by Nico
Rosemary is packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, and can even promote hair growth and improve memory. This simple DIY rosemary tincture recipe will teach you how to make this powerful herbal tincture using fresh or dried rosemary.
What is rosemary tincture?
Rosemary tincture is a liquid extract made from the rosemary herb. Herbal tinctures are typically made by steeping herbs and other plant material in alcohol for 6-8 weeks to extract the plant’s medicinal properties. Rosemary tincture in particular is regularly used in herbal medicine due to the plant’s wide-ranging health benefits.
What is the purpose of a tincture?
Provides higher concentration of medical benefits – Tincturing herbs concentrates the medicinal compounds in herbs and plants. By tincturing them, your body can access more of the compounds in a dropper full of the tincture than you would by eating fresh herbs or making them into tea.
Extends the life of the herb – Tincturing is a way for the medical compounds in a herb to be preserved and accessible far longer than the fresh plant material would last. Fresh herbs go bad quickly and you need to use them all before then to be able to consume the beneficial compounds. By tincturing the herbs, you can access the herb’s benefits for years after the plant is harvested.
Easy to store and use – Tinctures are convenient to use and store. They are small and portable and can be easily added to drinks or taken directly under the tongue.
Customisation – Tinctures can easily be tailored to your preferences and specific needs by adjusting the concentration or combination of herbs used to make the tincture.
Rapidly absorbed – Because tinctures are liquid extracts, the active compounds are quickly absorbed by the body, so you can more quickly access the beneficial effects.
Medical properties of rosemary
Rosemary (scientifically known as Rosmarinus officinalis) is a powerful medicinal herb. It has a long history of being used in medicinal applications dating back to ancient times. Here are some of the benefits:
Improved digestion – Rosemary can aid digestion by stimulating the production of digestive enzymes, which helps to break down food more efficiently.
Anti-inflammatory properties – Rosemary contains compounds like rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid, which have anti-inflammatory effects. These properties can help alleviate inflammation in the body, which can reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Antioxidant effects – Rosemary is high in antioxidants which help neutralise harmful free radicals in the body. This may protect cells from damage and reduce the risk of cancer.
Boosts memory and concentration – Rosemary has antioxidant properties that may protect the brain from oxidative stress and inflammation, which are factors that can contribute to cognitive decline. While more research is underway, a recent study found that rosemary’s properties can even prevent and slow Alzheimer’s disease. One way it may do this is through its effect on acetylcholine levels in the brain.
Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter involved in memory and learning processes. Rosemary’s active compounds are thought to slow the breakdown of acetylcholine, which means that its levels could be increased in the brain. Increased acetylcholine in the brain could lead to improved memory and cognitive function. Rosemary may also increase blood flow to the brain which could improve memory and overall cognition.
Overall immune system support – Rosemary contains antimicrobial and antibacterial properties which can help support the body’s overall immune system by fighting off pathogens.
Anti-stress and relaxation – Rosemary aroma has been linked to reduced stress levels and increased relaxation.
Anti-carcinogenic effects – Rosemary is rich in rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid, and caffeic acid compounds, which can have an anti-carcinogenic effect on the body. They have been shown to help destroy free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, which can lower the risk of cancer.
Improved hair growth – Rosemary can promote hair growth by stimulating blood circulation in the scalp, which enhances nutrient delivery to hair follicles. Its active compounds possess antioxidant properties that protect hair follicles from damage, which promotes stronger hair. Rosemary essential oil can also inhibit the production of DHT, a hormone associated with hair loss.
History of rosemary use
Rosemary’s health benefits were recognised by various civilizations, including the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. Ancient Greeks, such as Hippocrates and Dioscorides, documented its therapeutic properties and celebrated its ability to improve memory, stimulate circulation, and alleviate digestive issues. In the Middle Ages, it was commonly used to ward off illness and evil spirits, with sprigs often placed under pillows to promote restful sleep and protect against nightmares.
Rosemary was also valued for its antiseptic properties and utilised in herbal remedies to treat wounds and infections. Herbalists and apothecaries prescribed different forms of rosemary to alleviate a range of ailments, from headaches and fatigue to joint pain and respiratory problems.
How to make DIY rosemary tincture recipe
Tools
An airtight container with a plastic lid – I use a glass jar with a piece of parchment paper between the metal lid and tincture to prevent the alcohol from corroding the metal.
A small amber glass dropper bottle – I use these ones
A fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
A small funnel
Supplies
Fresh or dried rosemary – fresh herbs will have the greatest medical benefits but dried work well too (use what you have!)
80 proof vodka (or 40% alcohol) – If you want to avoid alcohol, you can simply swap out the alcohol for store-bought apple cider vinegar or food-grade glycerin. I use this bulk raw apple cider vinegar.
For complete measurements, see the printable recipe card below.
Instructions
Top tip – rosemary for your hair
If you’re planning to use this tincture for your hair, consider swapping alcohol for apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar’s acidic nature helps to balance the pH levels of the scalp, which can relieve itchiness, dryness, and dandruff. Vinegar can also help to remove buildup from styling products and hard water minerals, which can help to leave your hair shinier and smoother. Apple cider vinegar also has antimicrobial properties which can help to combat scalp infections and improve overall scalp health. Combined with rosemary, it’s a powerful and healing natural hair remedy.
Fully sterilise the glass jar and lid.
Chop up the rosemary to maximise the surface area of the herb that will be exposed to the alcohol.
Add the fresh rosemary or dry herb to your glass jar. If you’re using fresh rosemary, you should use enough to fill the jar about ¾ of the way full. If you’re using dry rosemary, you should fill the jar about halfway, to leave enough room for the herb to expand when it absorbs the alcohol.
Submerge the rosemary completely in the alcohol.
Tighten the lid on your jar. Again, if you’re using a metal lid, add a small piece of parchment paper between the lid and your mixture to avoid corroding the metal.
Set in a cool, dark place for 6-8 weeks. Shake it a few times per week to ensure the rosemary remains completely submerged in the alcohol.
After 8 weeks, use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain off the tincture. Using cheesecloth will work best for dry rosemary because it will prevent small pieces of the herb from remaining in your tincture.
Make sure all of the rosemary has been removed from the alcohol before storing the tincture. If you don’t the herbs will eventually develop a smell and spoil the tincture.
Use a small funnel to pour the tincture into the small glass amber bottle. Store the bottle in a cool, dark place away from sunlight.
Make sure to label and date the tincture so you know what it is (tincture making can easily become addictive and if you don’t label your work, you’ll soon have 20 anonymous amber glass dropper bottles lining your shelves!)
Top tip – when to harvest homegrown herbs
If you’re using fresh homegrown rosemary, it’s best to harvest it in the morning. This is because that’s when the nutrients in the rosemary oil are at their highest levels. The volatile oils in the herb tend to evaporate during the day due to increasing temperatures and sunlight exposure. By harvesting in the morning when the plant is still cool and the oils are most concentrated, your rosemary will contain the most beneficial properties.
How long does rosemary tincture last?
Rosemary tincture can last between 4-5 years if stored in a cool, dark place. To ensure it lasts a long time, make sure to remove all of the plant material when straining off the tincture. Leaving small pieces of herb in the bottle will cause it to go bad more quickly.
How to use rosemary tincture
Internally – the quickest way to ingest the medical benefits of this tincture is to add some under your tongue. I like to use the dropper that comes with the amber dropper bottles to do this.
Topically – add a dropper full of the tincture to a tablespoon of coconut oil. Mix it up and rub into directly onto sore muscles and joints for natural pain relief.
To promote hair growth – add about one dropper full of the rosemary extract per cup (or 8 oz) to your favourite shampoo or conditioner. Then use your shampoo or conditioner as normal to enjoy the benefits that rosemary offers for hair growth.
In your favourite cocktail – add a few drops to your favourite cocktail for a warming, holiday flavour (people have raved about rosemary tincture tasting wonderful in a gin fizz!)
As an antibacterial mouthwash – add a few drops of rosemary tincture to a cup of water and use it as a mouthwash to help fight bacteria and freshen your breath.
A stress relief aid – simply inhale the aroma of rosemary tincture or add a dropper full to a bath to help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
As a natural skin toner – add a few drops of rosemary tincture to a small spray bottle. Top up the bottle with distilled water and give it a shake. Use it as a natural toner for your skin to help tighten pores and reduce oiliness.
As a room spray – in a small spray bottle, mix a dropper full of tincture with one part water and one part witch hazel. Use the spray as a nontoxic room spray to promote a restful environment in your home.
How much rosemary tincture should I take?
Half a teaspoon or about 30 drops under your tongue twice daily is the usual recommended dosage.
How to make rosemary tincture without alcohol?
To make rosemary tincture without alcohol, simply swap out the alcohol for store-bought apple cider vinegar. It’s better to use store-bought vinegar (instead of homemade) because the acidity level in store-bought vinegar has to be at a certain level. Whenever you’re making an extract, it’s important to make sure the acidity level is high enough to properly extract the compounds from the herbs or other plant material.
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Simple DIY Rosemary Tincture Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Fully sterilise the glass jar and lid.
- Chop up the rosemary to maximise the surface area of the herb that will be exposed to the alcohol.
- Add the fresh rosemary or dry herb to your glass jar. If you’re using fresh rosemary, you should use enough to fill the jar about ¾ of the way full. If you’re using dry rosemary, you should fill the jar about halfway, to leave enough room for the herb to expand when it absorbs the alcohol.
- Submerge the rosemary completely in the alcohol.
- Tighten the lid on your jar. Again, if you’re using a metal lid, add a small piece of parchment paper between the lid and your mixture to avoid corroding the metal.
- Set in a cool, dark place for 6-8 weeks. Shake it a few times per week to ensure the rosemary remains completely submerged in the alcohol.
- After 8 weeks, use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain off the tincture. Using cheesecloth will work best for dry rosemary because it will prevent small pieces of the herb from remaining in your tincture.
- Make sure all of the rosemary has been removed from the alcohol before storing the tincture. If you don’t the herbs will eventually develop a smell and spoil the tincture.
- Use a small funnel to pour the tincture into the small glass amber bottle. Store the bottle in a cool, dark place away from sunlight.
- Make sure to label and date the tincture so you know what it is (tincture making can easily become addictive and if you don’t label your work, you’ll soon have 20 anonymous amber glass dropper bottles lining your shelves!)
Notes
- Tincture for your hair – If you’re planning to use this tincture for your hair, consider swapping alcohol for apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar’s acidic nature helps to balance the pH levels of the scalp, which can relieve itchiness, dryness, and dandruff. Vinegar can also help to remove buildup from styling products and hard water minerals, which can help to leave your hair shinier and smoother. Apple cider vinegar also has antimicrobial properties which can help to combat scalp infections and improve overall scalp health. Combined with rosemary, it’s a powerful and healing natural hair remedy.
How long does rosemary tincture last?
Rosemary tincture can last between 4-5 years if stored in a cool, dark place. To ensure it lasts a long time, make sure to remove all of the plant material when straining off the tincture. Leaving small pieces of herb in the bottle will cause it to go bad more quickly.How to use rosemary tincture?
- Internally – the quickest way to ingest the medical benefits of this tincture is to add some under your tongue. I like to use the dropper that comes with the amber dropper bottles to do this.
- Topically – add a dropper full of the tincture to a tablespoon of coconut oil. Mix it up and rub into directly onto sore muscles and joints for natural pain relief.
- To promote hair growth – add about one dropper full of the rosemary extract per cup (or 8 oz) to your favourite shampoo or conditioner. Then use your shampoo or conditioner as normal to enjoy the benefits that rosemary offers for hair growth.
- In your favourite cocktail – add a few drops to your favourite cocktail for a warming, holiday flavour (people have raved about rosemary tincture tasting wonderful in a gin fizz!)
- As an antibacterial mouthwash – add a few drops of rosemary tincture to a cup of water and use it as a mouthwash to help fight bacteria and freshen your breath.
- A stress relief aid – simply inhale the aroma of rosemary tincture or add a dropper full to a bath to help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
- As a natural skin toner – add a few drops of rosemary tincture to a small spray bottle. Top up the bottle with distilled water and give it a shake. Use it as a natural toner for your skin to help tighten pores and reduce oiliness.
- As a room spray – in a small spray bottle, mix a dropper full of tincture with one part water and one part witch hazel. Use the spray as a nontoxic room spray to promote a restful environment in your home.
How much rosemary tincture should I take?
Half a teaspoon or about 30 drops under your tongue twice daily is the usual recommended dosage.How to make rosemary tincture without alcohol?
To make rosemary tincture without alcohol, simply swap out the alcohol for store-bought apple cider vinegar. It’s better to use store-bought vinegar (instead of homemade) because the acidity level in store-bought vinegar has to be at a certain level. Whenever you’re making an extract, it’s important to make sure the acidity level is high enough to properly extract the compounds from the herbs or other plant material. I’m not a medical professional and do not intend to offer medical advice in any content I create. As always, do your own research and speak to your doctor or paediatricians.Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Find us elsewhere…
I’m not a medical professional and do not intend to offer medical advice in any content I create. As always, do your own research and speak to your doctor or paediatricians.
Love everything about this recipe. Simple and easy to follow and has several alternatives for making and using the tonic. No frills.
So glad to hear that!