The History of Rosemary and Saw Palmetto: From Ancient Gardens to Modern Hair Care

Two plants star in our Peptide Hair Serum: rosemary, an herb with a long history in Mediterranean kitchens and folklore, and saw palmetto, a palm native to the American Southeast. Here's the story behind each, and what researchers have studied.

Rosemary: a Mediterranean classic

Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus, formerly Rosmarinus officinalis) is an evergreen herb native to the Mediterranean region. It has been used for centuries in cooking, perfumes, and traditional remedies, and in European folklore it was long associated with memory and remembrance.

What researchers have studied

Interest in rosemary for hair grew after a 2015 randomized trial published in Skinmed. Researchers compared rosemary oil with minoxidil 2% in 100 people with pattern hair thinning over 6 months. Both groups saw similar results, and the rosemary group reported less scalp itching.^[1]

That's encouraging, but it's one relatively small study, and more research is needed. A 2023 review of complementary approaches also noted rosemary oil among several natural ingredients being studied for hair.^[2]

Saw palmetto: a Southeastern palm

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is a small, fan-leafed palm native to Florida and the southeastern United States.^[3] Native Americans in the region ate its fruit as food and also used it as a traditional remedy for a range of purposes.^[3] The plant was also woven into the material culture of Southeastern tribes, including the Seminole, who used its leaves for items such as dolls and thatching.^[4]

What researchers have studied

Saw palmetto is best known as an oral supplement studied for men's urinary health, though the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health notes that rigorous studies have not supported its use for that purpose.^[5] Researchers have also explored saw palmetto for hair, and a 2023 review listed it among natural ingredients being studied, but the evidence is still limited.^[2]

How hair products are regulated

In the US, the FDA classifies products by their intended use. A product intended to improve the appearance of hair is a cosmetic, while a product intended to treat a medical condition like hair loss is a drug.^[6] FDA-approved hair loss treatments include minoxidil and finasteride.

Our Peptide Hair Serum is a cosmetic scalp serum designed for fuller-looking hair. It is not a treatment for hair loss. If you're experiencing significant or sudden hair loss, see a doctor or dermatologist, since it can have many medical causes.

Safety notes

• Rosemary oil can irritate sensitive skin. Always patch test before applying to your scalp.
• Stop using any product that causes redness, burning, or itching.
• Check with your doctor before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

The bottom line

Rosemary and saw palmetto each have deep roots in human history, from Mediterranean gardens to the Florida coast. Today, researchers are exploring them for hair, and early findings are interesting, even if the science is still young.

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Sources

1. Panahi Y, et al. Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a randomized comparative trial. Skinmed. 2015;13(1):15–21.
2. Complementary and alternative supplements: a review of dermatologic effectiveness for androgenetic alopecia. NIH PubMed Central. 2023.
3. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. LiverTox: Saw Palmetto. NCBI Bookshelf.
4. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Plant Guide: Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens).
5. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Clinical Digest: Spotlight on Saw Palmetto.
6. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?)

This product is a cosmetic and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, including hair loss. Individual results vary. This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Historical uses are described for context only.