How to Make Rosemary Water—and Everything You Can Do With It

As far as herbs go, rosemary is definitely one of the popular kids at the party. It's a hardy plant that gets along with everyone (from beginner to advanced gardeners) and is a culinary essential. Not only a flavorful ingredient in countless dishes, its properties lend to trendy water infusions as well. Popular in the wellness community, homemade rosemary brews are used for everything from hair rinses to facial mists and to jazz up one's hydration intake.

Ahead, we’re breaking down how to make rosemary water, and all you can do with this ultra-simple little luxury.

How to Use Rosemary Water

Rosemary water is a simple infusion of rosemary steeped in water. But its uses go far beyond the water bottle. Some people sip it (rosemary lends a bright, woodsy flavor to plain water), sure, while others use it as a wellness supplement.

For Scalp Health and Hair Growth

“Rosemary has been studied for its potential benefits in supporting hair growth,” explains nutritionist Amrita Kalra. “I personally prefer to use boiled water with rosemary as a topical scalp and hair tonic.”

The benefits? “It’s thought to improve circulation, reduce inflammation on the scalp, and has natural antimicrobial properties," says Kalra. "Rosemary also contains carnosic acid, a compound cited for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Preliminary findings suggest it may help protect hair follicles from oxidative stress and support a healthier environment for hair growth."

As a Refreshing Skin Toner

Used as a facial mist, rosemary water can help tone and refresh the skin. Those antioxidants may help protect against environmental stressors, while the rosemary's natural scent adds a mood-boosting aromatic touch.

Room and Laundry Freshener

Rosemary water is a great alternative to commercial sprays for a stuffy room or stale-smelling laundry. It smells clean, herbal, and slightly woody—and refreshes without being overpowering.

Hydration, Plus Flavor

When sipped, rosemary water offers an herbaceous flavor that feels sophisticated and a little luxurious. It’s a fun way to stay hydrated without reaching for sugary or artificially flavored drinks, notes Kalra. (Try stirring in lemon slices and cucumber, too!)

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How to Make Rosemary Water

Whether you’re making it to drink or to spritz, how to make rosemary water comes down to just two ingredients—you've guessed them, fresh rosemary and water—and a few simple steps.

While you technically can make rosemary water with dried rosemary, the dried leaves are much more difficult to strain out, so fresh is recommended. (Plus, fresh rosemary just feels more Martha, doesn't it?)

Instructions:

1. Rinse your rosemary: Give your sprigs of rosemary (about a handful’s worth) a quick rinse to clean.
   
2. Boil and steep: Bring about 2-3 cups of water to boil, then remove from heat. Add the rosemary, cover, and let steep for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours.
3. Strain and store: Remove or strain the sprigs, and pour the liquid into a clean glass jar, water bottle, or spray bottle. Allow to cool completely before using.
   

Tips for Using Rosemary Water

Once you’ve made a batch, here are some tips for using your rosemary water. (Talk about versatility!)

• As a hair mist: Spray onto your scalp and roots post-shower and gently massage in.
  
• As a final rinse: Pour over clean, damp hair in the shower as your final step.
  
• As a facial mist: Add to a fine-mist spray bottle. Spritz on after cleansing or before moisturizing.
• As a home freshener: Add to a spray bottle and spritz on carpets, stale bedding, and more.
  
• As a drink: Serve chilled over ice with a slice of lemon or cucumber. Add a fresh sprig as a garnish.