Which One’s More Effective: Rosemary Oil or Coconut Oil?

Rohit Panwar

If you are new to essential oils you might wonder about their effectiveness against the normal oils. Rosemary oil versus coconut oil is one such common concern.

Coconut oil and rosemary oil have been in use for centuries for their immense benefits.  But if you had to pick just one, which one should you opt for, let’s find out.

rosemary Oil versus coconut Oil

PEOPLE ALSO READ

Rosemary Oil Versus Argan Oil – Which One’s Better? | 

Rosemary Oil Versus Coconut Oil: Uses & Outcomes

Let’s take a quick look at the differences between coconut oil and rosemary oil

SOURCE
Rosemary Oil

Rosemary leaves

Coconut Oil

Mature Coconut

TYPE
Rosemary Oil

Essential Oil

Coconut Oil

Carrier Oil

FRAGRANCE
Rosemary Oil

Pine & Citrus- like

Coconut Oil

Mild & Nutty

AROMATHERAPY USE
Rosemary Oil

Yes

Coconut Oil

No 

EDIBLE
Rosemary Oil

No

Coconut Oil

Yes

DIRECTLY  APPLICABILE
Rosemary Oil

No 

Coconut Oil

Yes

RECOMMENDED QUANTITY
Rosemary Oil

1-5 drops

Coconut Oil

2 tbsp

RECOMMENDED FOR AGES
Rosemary Oil

6+

Coconut Oil

All ages 

BRAIN HEALTH OUTCOME
Rosemary Oil

Very Good

Onion Oil

Very Good

AS BATH ADDITIVES
Rosemary Oil

Yes

Coconut Oil

Yes

PAIN RELIEF EFFECTIVENESS
Rosemary Oil

Very Good

Coconut Oil

Good

SKIN HEALTH OUTCOME
Rosemary Oil

Very Good

Coconut Oil

Very Good

HAIR HEALTH OUTCOME
Rosemary Oil

Very Good

Coconut Oil

Very Good

VERSATILITY
Rosemary Oil

Good

Coconut Oil

Excellent

SHELF LIFE
Rosemary Oil

4 years

Coconut Oil 

2 years

Now that you have an idea of how they differ, let’s take a detailed look at each one of the metrics compared above. 

How is Rosemary Oil Versus Coconut Oil Obtained? 

Rosemary oil is obtained from the leaves of the rosemary plant. Rosemary is a herb that is a very important part of many cuisines around the world. There are many methods of extraction of oil from this herb but the most popular one is steam distillation. 

Coconut oil is usually obtained using two methods. In one method coconut milk is used to obtain the oil and in another one dried copra is used to get the oil.  The use of coconut oil has been documented as early as 1500 BC. 

What Kind of Oil is Rosemary Oil Versus Coconut Oil?

Rosemary oil is an essential oil. An essential is a concentrated plant extract that has the flavour and odour of the parent plant.  These oils evaporate easily at room temperature. 

Coconut oil is a normal oil or also popularly known as carrier oil. This means that it can either be used as such or can be used as a base to mix essential oil.

Which Has a Better Fragrance – Rosemary or Coconut Oil?

Rosemary oil has an absolutely delightful fragrance. It has an odour similar to eucalyptus oil. The odour can be best described as something in between citrus and pine. 

Coconut oil has a very subtle nutty and sweet coconut like smell. This makes it a very good choice for a carrier or base oil. In comparison to rosemary oil, coconut oil odour is not at all strong. 

Which Oil is Best Suited for Aromatherapy – Rosemary or Coconut Oil?

Rosemary oil is an essential oil with a very strong but delightful fragrance. This makes it a perfect choice for aromatherapy. You can smell it directly or place a few drops in your diffuser or humidifier. 

Coconut oil is not a very good choice for aromatherapy since it is a carrier oil and won’t diffuse. Also, it has a very faint fragrance.

Which One Can be Consumed: Rosemary Or Coconut Oil? 

Rosemary essential oil should not be consumed orally. Although many people advocate consuming it, I would advise against it. This is because there is not enough evidence backing its safety when taken orally. 

Coconut oil has many culinary uses. It has a sweet and nutty taste that makes it perfect for cooking and baking. In fact, consuming the recommended quantity of coconut oil is associated with a number of health benefits.  

Rosemary Oil Vs Coconut Oil: Which One Can be Used Directly?

Whenever using essential oils on your hair or skin, make sure you dilute them with a carrier oil. This is because they are very concentrated and might cause an allergic reaction. Rosemary oil can be mixed with olive oil or coconut oil before application. 

Coconut oil is very mild and can be applied on the skin and scalp directly. The oil is also an excellent choice as a carrier oil.    

How Much Is Enough for Rosemary Oil Vs Coconut Oil?

Rosemary oil should always be mixed with a carrier oil before applying on skin. The concentration varies between 1-5 drops in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil. For the elderly and the young, a very diluted mixture is recommended.  

Coconut oil is safe to be consumed and applied directly to the skin. If you are consuming coconut oil, it is recommended that you do not go over 2 teaspoons a day. 

At What Age Can you Start Using Rosemary Oil Vs Coconut Oil?

Rosemary oil is very strong and concentrated therefore it is not recommended for babies. It can be safely used on children or around children who are at least 6 years of age.  

Coconut oil is safe for all age groups. However, when using it on babies make sure that the coconut oil is pure, cold pressed and virgin.  

Rosemary Oil or Coconut Oil, For A Healthy Mind?

Rosemary oil is associated with a number of brain related benefits. Rosemary oil is said to improve concentration and memory. Apart from this it is also used in aromatherapy to reduce stress.

The consumption of coconut oil is also said to have a positive impact on improving your brain function. 

What Can You Use for Bath Time – Rosemary or Coconut Oil?

Many people add essential oils to their bathing water or bath tubs to help them relax. Rosemary oil too can be used for your bath time. However, I would suggest that instead of adding the oil directly to the water, mix it with a carrier oil. 

Coconut oil can also be added to your bath water. You can add a few drops of the oil into the water to keep your skin moisturized.  

Rosemary Oil Vs Coconut Oil: The Better Pain Reliever

Rosemary oil is a popular remedy for pain, especially muscle and joint pains. A diluted version of rosemary oil can be used to massage the affected  areas. 

Coconut oil massage is also known to reduce the symptoms of pain especially in people who have arthritis. 

Which has a More Positive Impact on Skin: Rosemary Oil Or Coconut Oil?

Rosemary Oil is a great product that you can add to your skin care routine. It helps in hydrating the skin. It can also help soothe dry and irritated patches on skin. 

Coconut oil has been extensively used by the cosmetic industry and has been used as an age-old remedy for healthy skin. It moisturizes your skin and also protects it against irritation and UV rays. 

Rosemary Oil Vs Coconut for Hair Growth? 

Rosemary oil is beneficial for maintaining hair health. Use diluted rosemary to improve circulation on your head . This can help with hair growth and can also help you in tackling dandruff. 

Coconut oil is one of the most popular hair oils used for scalp massages. It hydrates the scalp,  protects the hair against damage and also strengthens it. 

Rosemary Oil or Coconut Oil: The More Versatile Oil?

Rosemary oil is quite versatile. It can be used in a number of ways – for aromatherapy, for pain relief, for use on skin and hair, etc. 

Coconut oil is overall more versatile than rosemary oil given the number of uses it can be put to ranging from cooking to applying on the body. 

Which Has a Longer Shelf Life – Rosemary Oil or Coconut Oil? 

Rosemary oil has a shelf life of around 4 years. However, this may vary from brand to brand, so make sure you check the labels before purchasing. 

Coconut oil can generally be used for up to two years after opening the bottle. It is best to use oils or for that matter any other products within their specified time or they lose their effectiveness.

I hope you are now clear about the difference between coconut and rosemary oil. Both are fantastic products and I would recommend using both together to gain the best of both worlds. 

I hope you liked the blog and found it useful. 

Rohit Panwar

Hi! I'm Integrated Nutrition Coach Rohit Panwar. I hold twin Certifications from IIN, New York & SAFM, Massachusetts. I am a passionate vocalist of holistic lifestyle and have fully committed the past several years to educate & empower people towards their wellbeing. Despite a successful yet hectic corporate stint of 21+ years, I have prioritised nutriment in my life. I truly hope my personal journey from illness to wellness helps everybody reading this forge their own path.