If you have a rosemary bush growing in your garden, you’re in luck! Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is one of the most versatile and beneficial herbs to grow.
Not only is it a low-maintenance, drought-resistant perennial, but it also has incredible uses in cooking, natural remedies, beauty, home care, and gardening.
Instead of letting your abundant rosemary go to waste, here are 20 brilliant and unusual ways to use it –ensuring you get the maximum benefits from this fragrant, flavorful, and medicinal herb!
If you have a rosemary bush growing in your garden, you’re in luck! Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is one of the most versatile and beneficial herbs to grow.
Not only is it a low-maintenance, drought-resistant perennial, but it also has incredible uses in cooking, natural remedies, beauty, home care, and gardening.
Instead of letting your abundant rosemary go to waste, here are 20 brilliant and unusual ways to use it –ensuring you get the maximum benefits from this fragrant, flavorful, and medicinal herb!
Why You Should Grow a Rosemary Bush
1. It’s Easy to Grow & Maintain
- Thrives in various climates (zones 7-11, but can be grown in pots in colder regions)
- Requires minimal watering (drought-tolerant)
- Prefers full sun and well-draining soil
- Resistant to pests and diseases
2. It’s a Perennial That Keeps Giving
- Grows year after year – no need to replant!
- One plant can live for decades with proper care.
3. It’s a Natural Pest Repellent & Pollinator Magnet
- Attracts bees & butterflies for pollination
- Repels mosquitoes, aphids, carrot flies, & cabbage moths
Now that you know why you should grow a rosemary bush, let’s explore 20 incredible ways to use it!
20 Brilliant & Unusual Ways to Use All That Rosemary
In the Kitchen
1. Make Homemade Rosemary Salt
Rosemary salt adds a burst of flavor to meats, vegetables, and bread.
How to Make It:
- Finely chop fresh rosemary.
- Mix with sea salt (1:2 ratio).
- Let dry for 24 hours, then store in a jar.
Use it on: Roasted meats, potatoes, soups, or grilled veggies.
2. Infuse Olive Oil with Rosemary
Rosemary-infused olive oil adds earthy richness to dishes.
How to Make It:
- Warm 1 cup of olive oil over low heat.
- Add 4-5 rosemary sprigs.
- Let infuse for 10-15 minutes, strain, and store.
Drizzle over: Pasta, grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or bread
3. Make Rosemary Butter
Turn regular butter into a flavor powerhouse!
How to Make It:
- Blend 1 stick of softened butter with 1 tbsp chopped rosemary.
- Add garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Refrigerate in a roll and slice as needed.
Use it on: Garlic bread, mashed potatoes, grilled fish, or steak.
4. Brew Rosemary Tea
Rosemary tea is packed with antioxidants and helps boost focus, digestion, and immunity.
How to Make It:
- Steep 1-2 fresh rosemary sprigs in hot water.
- Add honey or lemon for extra flavor.
Drink it to: Enhance memory, relieve headaches, and aid digestion.
5. Enhance Cocktails & Lemonade
Add a refreshing herbal touch to drinks!
Ideas:
- Use rosemary sprigs in gin & tonic.
- Make rosemary lemonade for a twist.
- Create a rosemary-infused simple syrup for cocktails.
For Health & Beauty
6. DIY Rosemary Hair Rinse for Growth
Rosemary stimulates hair growth, reduces dandruff, and strengthens hair.
How to Make It:
- Boil 2 cups of water with 2 rosemary sprigs.
- Let cool and pour over washed hair.
Use it to: Promote thicker, shinier hair naturally!
7. Make a Rosemary & Lavender Sleep Spray
A calming bedtime mist for relaxation and sleep.
How to Make It:
- Fill a spray bottle with water & witch hazel.
- Add 10 drops rosemary oil and 5 drops lavender oil.
- Spray on pillows and linens before bed.
8. Create an Energizing Rosemary Body Scrub
Exfoliate and refresh your skin naturally.
How to Make It:
- Mix 1 cup sugar, ¼ cup olive oil, and 2 tbsp chopped rosemary.
- Massage into skin for a revitalizing scrub.
9. Make a Natural Rosemary Deodorant
Rosemary’s antibacterial properties help keep odor away.
How to Make It:
- Infuse witch hazel with rosemary.
- Mix with coconut oil & baking soda for a DIY deodorant.
Around the Home
10. Make Rosemary Candles
Infuse candles with a relaxing, earthy aroma.
How to Make It:
- Melt beeswax and pour into a jar.
- Add rosemary sprigs and a wick.
11. Natural Air Freshener
Boil rosemary, lemon peels, and cinnamon for a fresh-smelling home.
How to Make It:
- Simmer ingredients in water.
- Let the scent fill your home.
12. DIY Rosemary Fire Starters
Perfect for campfires and fireplaces.
How to Make It:
- Bundle dried rosemary with twigs.
- Use as a natural fire starter.
In the Garden
13. Repel Mosquitoes & Pests
Rosemary’s strong scent deters mosquitoes and flies.
How to Use It:
- Burn dried rosemary outdoors.
- Place sprigs in drawers or closets to repel moths.
14. Use as a Natural Fertilizer
Rosemary adds nutrients to compost!
How to Use It:
- Chop dried rosemary into small pieces.
- Mix into compost for nutrient-rich mulch.
15. Make Rosemary Vinegar for Plants
Boost plant growth naturally!
How to Make It:
- Soak rosemary sprigs in apple cider vinegar for a week.
- Dilute with water and spray plants.
16. Grow a Rosemary Hedge
Rosemary makes a beautiful, drought-resistant hedge.
How to Plant It:
- Space bushes 18 inches apart.
- Trim regularly for dense growth.
17. Make Rosemary-Infused Honey
Rosemary-infused honey combines the sweetness of honey with the earthy, herbal aroma of rosemary, making it a powerful superfood with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
It’s perfect for soothing sore throats, boosting immunity, and adding a gourmet touch to various dishes.
How to Make Rosemary Honey:
- Heat 1 cup of raw honey in a small saucepan on low heat. Don’t let it boil!
- Add 3-4 fresh rosemary sprigs (or dried rosemary).
- Let the honey infuse for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and let it sit for 1-2 hours to develop flavor.
- Strain out the rosemary sprigs and pour the honey into a glass jar.
How to Use It:
- Drizzle on toast, pancakes, or waffles.
- Stir into tea or warm water for an immune-boosting drink.
- Use in salad dressings or marinades.
- Add to baked goods for an extra layer of flavor.
18. Use Rosemary Stems as Skewers for Grilling
Instead of using wooden or metal skewers, try using rosemary stems! The woody stems of rosemary infuse grilled meats, vegetables, and seafood with a rich, smoky, herbal aroma that takes your barbecue to the next level.
How to Make Rosemary Skewers:
- Choose thick, woody rosemary stems (about 8-10 inches long).
- Strip most of the leaves, leaving only a small amount at the top for decoration.
- Soak the stems in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Thread your meat, seafood, or vegetables onto the rosemary skewers.
- Grill over medium heat, turning occasionally, until fully cooked.
Extra Tip: Use the stripped rosemary leaves to season your meat or sprinkle over grilled dishes for extra flavor.
19. Make Homemade Rosemary Soap
Making rosemary soap is a fun, chemical-free way to create a refreshing, natural antibacterial cleanser for your skin.
Rosemary has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, making it great for acne-prone skin, soothing inflammation, and balancing oil production.
How to Make Homemade Rosemary Soap:
Option 1: Quick & Easy Melt-and-Pour Rosemary Soap
- Melt ½ pound of glycerin soap base in a double boiler.
- Add 1 tbsp dried rosemary leaves and 10 drops rosemary essential oil.
- Stir well and pour into soap molds.
- Let cool for 4 hours, then pop out and use!
Option 2: Traditional Cold-Process Rosemary Soap
- In a well-ventilated area, combine 10 oz of coconut oil, 10 oz of olive oil, and 5 oz of lye.
- Slowly mix the lye solution into the oils and blend until it reaches “trace” (thick pudding consistency).
- Stir in 2 tbsp finely chopped rosemary and 10 drops rosemary essential oil.
- Pour into a soap mold and let cure for 4-6 weeks.
Extra Tip: Add oatmeal or honey for a moisturizing boost!
20. Add Rosemary to Homemade Cleaning Sprays
Rosemary has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, making it a natural cleaner that eliminates germs without harsh chemicals. The fresh, herbal scent also naturally deodorizes your home.
How to Make a DIY Rosemary Cleaning Spray:
- Fill a glass spray bottle with white vinegar (or rubbing alcohol for a stronger disinfectant).
- Add 2-3 fresh rosemary sprigs.
- Optional: Add lemon peels or lavender for extra fragrance.
- Let sit for 1-2 weeks so the rosemary infuses into the solution.
- Strain out the rosemary and pour the liquid into a clean bottle.
How to Use It:
- Spray on kitchen counters, stovetops, and sinks.
- Use as a bathroom disinfectant (perfect for mirrors & tiles).
- Mist in rooms for a natural air freshener.
A rosemary bush is a kitchen staple, natural remedy, and home essential.
With endless uses, growing your own saves money, enhances your garden, and promotes well-being.
