Rosemary and lavender are two herbs that are often compared due to their various health benefits.
These two popular natural herbs are well known for their ability to support the body. They are both also used commonly in food and tea.
However, there are significant distinctions between these herbs that you should be aware of before buying one or the other.
In this article, we’ll dig into the key differences between rosemary vs. lavender, as well as their similarities.
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Lavender vs. Rosemary: Similarities & Differences
When it comes to comparing lavender versus rosemary, there are many similarities between these two herbs.
First off, both of these plants are classified as being in the same Lamiaceae (i.e. mint) family of plants. Also, for both plants, the aerial portion (flowers/stems) is the part that is used medicinally. Being that they are in the same plant family, they share similar properties, such as having a relaxing effect on the body.
Secondly, rosemary and lavender both have the ability to promote relaxation in the brain.
Third, both lavender and rosemary can help to improve sleep quality.
And lastly, both rosemary and lavender can be used as both food and medicine. Rosemary is commonly used to cook and preserve food. Lavender on the other hand makes for a great tea and can be used in aromatherapy.
However, there are quite a few differences between rosemary and lavender.
While both rosemary and lavender help to promote relaxation in the brain, they go about it in two different ways.
Lavender promotes a relaxed, peaceful brain state. This makes it great for taking before bed.
On the other hand, rosemary promotes an energetic, focused brain state. This makes rosemary a great herb to use before starting your work day and it can help to improve brain function.
Additionally, rosemary essential oil has the ability to promote hair growth. Lavender doesn’t have this benefit, but lavender aromatherapy can help to reduce pain perception.
| Rosemary Overview: | Lavender Overview: | |
| Primary Benefit: | Rosemary may promote brain health and memory | Lavender may work to relieve anxiety and depression |
| Secondary Benefit(s): | Rosemary may support mental well-being | Lavender is thought to promote relaxation and sleep |
| Part of the Plant Used: | Leaves and oil | Flowers, leaves and oil |
| Dosage Range: | 500-1,000mg | 80-160mg |
| Form: | Extract, powder, oil or capsule | Extract, powder, oil or capsule |
| Side Effects: | Large amounts of rosemary can cause vomiting, nausea, sun sensitivity or skin redness | Low probability of digestive issues, headache, increased appetite or skin irritation |
| Recommended Products: | Herb Pharm | Check Price | Herb Pharm | Check Price |
Rosemary vs. Lavender: Which is right for you?
You can think of rosemary as a brain-stimulating herb that can help to improve brain function. It helps to provide an energetic, but peaceful brain state. It can also help to improve sleep. As a side bonus, rosemary can also help with hair growth.
If you’re looking to improve brain cognition and mental work performance, rosemary is the ideal herb for you.
Whereas with lavender, it’s a relaxation-promoting herb that can help to reduce anxiety levels and promote sleep. It’s great to take before bed as a tea or via aromatherapy. Lavender can also help to reduce pain perception.
If you’re looking to reduce anxiety levels and promote relaxation, then lavender is the herb for you.
Can You Take Rosemary & Lavender Together?
Yes, you can take rosemary and lavender together. These herbs do not have any known negative interactions when taken together. In fact, these two herbs are in the same plant family and may have synergistic properties.
The herbal combination of rosemary and lavender together may help to reduce anxiety levels. In fact, as mentioned above, a combination study of lavender and rosemary essential oils found that it helped to reduce pre-test anxiety in nursing students.
Taking lavender and rosemary together is a great way to get the benefits of each herb.
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Rosemary Overview & Uses:
Rosemary belongs to the Lamiaceae, or mint, family of plants. This aromatic herb is originally native to the Mediterranean, but can now be found growing around the globe.
Rosemary’s needle-like leaves are the part of the plant that is commonly used. However, the woody branches that the leaves grow on also have several health benefits.
Rosemary has a strong, stimulating smell that warms the body and boosts circulation. Modern research suggests that rosemary has anti-inflammatory, cognitive-boosting, and hair growth effects.
1. May Support Brain Health
Research suggests that rosemary can help to improve brain function and memory.
In a clinical trial, rosemary extract was able to improve reduce fatigue and improve mood and cognitive function. After 1 month, the rosemary extract was also shown to improve mental clarity and energy levels in the study participants.
Another study found that rosemary improved brain function in elderly individuals. The researchers found that 750mg of rosemary per day increased long-term memory recall.
In a clinical trial involving university students, taking 500mg of rosemary twice per day for 4 weeks showed promise for increasing memory performance. The researchers also found that rosemary supplementation reduced anxiety and depression scores and helpe to improve sleep.
2. May Improve Mental Health
Rosemary has shown potential in aiding those with anxiety and depression.
A study found that rosemary and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil sachets had the ability to reduce test-taking stress in nursing students. The study found a reduction in stress as meas