Effect of topical rosemary essential oil on Raynaud phenomenon in systemic sclerosis.

INTRODUCTION

Raynaud's phenomenon is the earliest manifestation of systemic sclerosis. Nitroglycerin gel is the only proven topical therapy.

METHODS

A 53-year-old woman with systemic sclerosis had topical Rosamarinus officinalis (rosemary) oil, often used in anthroposophic medicine, applied to her hands over 3days and then, separately, olive oil.

RESULTS

Thermography images showed significant warming of fingers after rosemary oil, but not after olive oil, coinciding with the patient's subjective experience.

CONCLUSIONS

Topical Rosamarinus officinalis oil had a vasodilator and warming effect in a patient with systemic sclerosis and Raynaud's phenomenon.