Sniffing rosemary can boost memory by 75%
The researchers also found that the blood of participants exposed to the rosemary-scented room had detectable levels of 1,8-cineole, an active ingredient found in rosemary. The more 1,8-cineole they absorbed into their bloodstream, the more positive their results were.
“This compound is found in rosemary, but it has not been shown to be absorbed into the blood plasma in humans,” study researcher Dr. Mark Moss told MSNBC (3). “We believe that the aroma therefore acts like a therapeutic drug and that the effect is not due to the more sensory properties of the aroma.”
The chemicals are also thought to have directly stimulated the olfactory nerve in the nose, which could have effects on brain function.
“We intentionally gave them a lot of tasks so that it’s possible that people who multitask can function better after sniffing rosemary oil,” said researcher Jemma McCready. “There was no correlation between the mood and memory of the participants. This suggests that performance is not affected as a result of changes in alertness or arousal.”
The herb also helped improve brain health, thanks to its carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid, which interferes with the growth of cancer cells and prevents Alzheimer’s by fighting free radical damage and protecting against beta-amyloid-induced neurodegeneration in the hippocampus (4,5).
The Future of Aromatherapy
Researcher Dr. Mark Moss is enthusiastic about the impact of the study on real life: “… [We] focused on prospective memory, which involves the ability to remember events that will occur in the future and remember to complete tasks at specific times. This is crucial for daily functioning, for example, if someone needs to remember to send a birthday card or take medication at a certain time.”
“Plants are very complex organisms and contain many different active ingredients, the concentration of which varies from plant to plant and even within the same plant over the course of a day,” he says. “The accumulation of knowledge about possible effects of plant flavors and extracts could potentially lead to identifying the best combination to promote specific effects.”
Dr. Alan Hirsch, director of the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago, who was not involved in the study, agrees: “[The study] opens the door for us to explore other smells and how they affect humans” (6).
How to use rosemary
To boost your memory, fill your office with the scent of rosemary by diffusing a few drops of high-quality organic essential oil with a diffuser. You can also place a rosemary plant next to your desk.
For an on-the-go solution, mix a drop of rosemary oil with a teaspoon of coconut oil and carry it in a small cosmetic jar. If necessary, rub some oil on your wrists to keep your brain sharp!
