Rosemary water can indeed be a beneficial tonic for hair health, promoting growth, and providing shine when used regularly. Proper storage is important to maintain its efficacy and prevent spoilage, which you’ve rightly noted. Generally, for homemade concoctions like rosemary water, it’s best to store it in a cool, dark place, which often makes refrigeration a good choice. However, because of the moisture content, it’s prone to bacterial growth over time.
Typically, rosemary water should be used within a week to ten days, especially if it’s homemade, as it lacks preservatives. You mentioned a weird smell, which might indicate spoilage – it’s a sign it’s time to make a new batch. As for glass versus plastic, glass is generally preferable as it doesn’t leach chemicals and maintains purity and flavor better over time. Also, storing in a fridge is usually recommended, but be sure the rosemary water is airtight to prevent other odors from mingling with it.
Consider making smaller batches to reduce the likelihood of spoilage if you’re unable to use it up quickly. Additionally, adding a few drops of essential oils like tea tree or lavender to the mixture might extend its shelf life slightly due to their antimicrobial properties. However, be mindful as essential oils can be potent, so use sparingly.
Ultimately, trust your senses—if something seems off with the rosemary water, it’s safer to discard it and make a fresh batch. Remember, working with natural ingredients often demands more regular preparation, but the purity and benefits can quite outweigh the additional effort.
