How Long Does Homemade Rosemary Water Last? Tips to Maximize Freshness

The Rosemary Water Craze: Using This Herbal Infusion for Hair Care

Rosemary water has become an increasingly popular natural hair care ingredient, thanks to its many purported benefits for hair health and growth. This aromatic herbal infusion is often touted as a way to naturally add shine, body, and strength to hair. But with its recent rise in popularity, especially on TikTok, many are wondering - how long does homemade rosemary water really last?

What Is Rosemary Water?

Rosemary water is simply an infusion made from the fragrant rosemary herb. To make it at home, all you need to do is steep fresh or dried rosemary leaves or sprigs in hot water for 10-30 minutes. This allows the bioactive compounds and volatile oils in the rosemary to infuse into the water.

The resulting rosemary water contains antioxidants like rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid. These compounds are thought to provide several benefits for hair and scalp health. For example, they may help increase circulation, reduce inflammation, and provide nourishment for stronger hair.

Using Rosemary Water for Hair Care

There are a few ways people commonly use rosemary water in their hair care routines:

• As a hair rinse after shampooing - Pour it over your hair and let it soak for a few minutes before rinsing out.
• As a pre-wash hair treatment - Apply it to your scalp and hair and let it sit for 15-30 minutes before washing as normal.
• Adding it to your regular conditioner or hair mask - Mix in a tablespoon or two to boost the benefits.
• Using as a scalp and hair toner - Apply it to your scalp and massage it in. You can pour the remainder over your hair lengths.

The goal is to allow your hair and scalp to reap the benefits of the rosemary. Many people use rosemary water in their hair care 1-2 times per week for the best results.

Potential Benefits of Rosemary Water for Hair

Using rosemary water, especially regularly, is said to provide the following benefits:

• Increased circulation and growth: The antioxidants may improve scalp circulation and stimulate hair follicles, potentially increasing growth.
• Reduced hair loss: Rosemary is thought to help reduce inflammation and provide nutrition to hair follicles, preventing follicle damage and excessive shedding.
• Stronger hair: Compounds like carnosic acid may penetrate the hair shaft, strengthening it from within and reducing breakage.
• Enhanced shine: The vitamins and minerals in rosemary, like vitamin B and iron, nourish the hair to boost its natural shine.
• Cleansing the scalp: Rosemary is said to have antimicrobial properties that clarify and cleanse the scalp of buildup.

How Long Does Homemade Rosemary Water Last?

Now that we know why rosemary water has become such a popular natural hair care additive, how long does it last after being made?

Shelf Life at Room Temperature

Unfortunately, homemade rosemary water does not have a very long shelf life if left at room temperature. Here's how long it lasts:

• 3-5 days: In general, rosemary water will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-5 days.
• 24 hours: Once diluted in water, the essential oils and active compounds in rosemary start to break down. So for the best potency and benefits, use your rosemary water within 24 hours.

To help it last as long as possible, be sure to store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Light and heat quicken the degradation of rosemary water's beneficial properties.

Extending its Shelf Life

There are a few tricks you can use to extend the shelf life of homemade rosemary water a bit longer:

• Use a higher ratio of rosemary to water when making your infusion. The more concentrated it is, the longer it may last.
• Add a teaspoon of vitamin E oil as an antioxidant to help preserve the active compounds.
• Store in the refrigerator and use within 5-7 days for maximum freshness and potency.
• Freeze rosemary water ice cubes to preserve benefits for 2-3 months. Thaw as needed.

Signs Your Rosemary Water Has Spoiled

Here are some signs your rosemary water has gone bad and should be discarded:

• Change in color - It starts to look darker or cloudy.
• Change in scent - The rosemary smell fades or turns unpleasant.
• Growth of mold - You see fuzzy mold growing in or on the water.
• Expired shelf life - It's been longer than 5-7 days since you made it.

When in doubt, remember it's better to make a fresh batch and play it safe. Using spoiled rosemary water won't provide the same benefits and may even cause irritation.

Maximizing the Benefits and Freshness

Here are some extra tips for making and using your batch of rosemary water to maximize its benefits and longevity:

• Use fresh rosemary instead of dried for the most potent essential oils.
• Rinse rosemary first to remove any dirt or debris.
• Steep rosemary in very hot (not boiling) water for 20-30 minutes.
• Allow to fully cool before transferring to another container for storage.
• Store in the refrigerator between uses for added freshness.
• Shake or stir well before each use to distribute the benefits.
• Do a scalp massage when applying to boost circulation.
• Rinse out your spray bottle or container between uses.

Should You Make a Large Batch?

While it may be tempting to brew up a big batch of rosemary water to have on hand, this isn't the best idea. As we learned, it really only keeps for 3-7 days maximum when homemade. Anything larger than what you'll use up in a week likely won't be fresh.

Instead, try making rosemary water as part of your weekly hair care routine. For example, take 15 minutes on Sunday to make enough to last you for a few washes. This ensures you get the most potency and benefits from each batch.

The Takeaway on Rosemary Water Shelf Life

Rosemary water is packed with beneficial antioxidants, antimicrobials, and essential oils that may improve scalp and hair health - when fresh. While convenient, pre-made bottled versions aren't always natural or free of preservatives.

Making your own rosemary water at home lets you control the quality. Just be mindful that its potency fades pretty quickly. For best results, use your homemade rosemary water within 24 hours and no more than 5-7 days.

Make smaller batches as needed to harness the full power of rosemary. And be on the lookout for any signs your infusion has gone bad. With a few simple precautions, you can safely incorporate this trendy herbal ingredient into your natural hair care routine.

And whilst robust scientific research may be lacking, many people do report anecdotal benefits from using rosemary water for hair care. Give it a try and see if you notice your locks becoming shinier, softer, and stronger over time.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.