Rosemary is an astonishing multi-purpose herb. Its leaves have been utilized in traditional medicine for a long time. Rosemary has been known for improving memory. In old Greece, the students would frequently put rosemary sprigs in their hair when studying for tests.
Rosemary can improve your memory. Researchers have found for the first time that essential oil from rosemary, when sniffed in advance enables people to remember to do things.
In a series of tests rosemary essential oil from the herb increased the chances of remembering to do things in the future, by 60-75 per cent compared with people who had not been exposed to the oil. Other studies have shown the oil increases alertness and enhances long-term memory.
Rosemary can improve your memory
Studies have found that rosemary contains carnosic acid, which fends off free radical harm to the brain. Rosemary contains characteristic acids that help to protect the body’s cells and DNA from free radical damage. The compounds in rosemary herb are said to prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, which is a compound that prompts the cerebrum cells that are in charge of memory and reasoning to speak with each other.
A team of psychologists at Northumbria University, Newcastle, tested the effects of essential oils from rosemary. Dr Mark Moss said ‘We wanted to build on our previous research that indicated rosemary aroma improved long-term memory and mental arithmetic.
‘In this study we focused on prospective memory, which involves the ability to remember events that will occur in the future and to remember to complete tasks at particular times. This is critical for everyday functioning, for example when someone needs to remember to post a birthday card or to take medication at a particular time.’
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The study published in the Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology suggests that the chemical compound 1,8-cineole is responsible for improved memory function. According to the study, subjects inhaled rosemary extract before performing certain tasks while their stress levels, mood, speed, and accuracy were tested. The more 1,8-cineole absorbed into the bloodstream, the more positive the outcome.
Previous research suggests volatile molecules from essential oils can be absorbed into the bloodstream through the nose
Researcher Jemma McCready said ‘The difference between the two groups was 60-75 per cent, for example one group would remember to do seven things compared with four tasks completed by those who did not smell the oil, and they were quicker.
‘We deliberately set them a lot of tasks, so it’s possible that people who multi-task could function better after sniffing rosemary oil.’ Miss McCready said ‘There was no link between the participants’ mood and memory. This suggests performance is not influenced as a consequence of changes in alertness or arousal.
‘These findings may have implications for treating individuals with memory impairments.
‘It supports our previous research indicating that the aroma of rosemary essential oil can enhance cognitive functioning in healthy adults, here extending to the ability to remember events and to complete tasks in the future.
Source: www.dailymail.co.uk
