Rosemary may boost memory recall

Rosemary may boost memory recall


Researchers from Northumbria University in the United Kingdom say the scent of rosemary — in the form of an essential oil — might help improve your memory. Specifically, the team found that the essence of the herb helped those over age 65 remember future events, or finish an activity at a particular time.

The research was presented at the British Psychological Society’s recentconference.

The researchers examined 150 people over age 65 and separated them into two groups. In the one test room, the team diffused lavender and rosemary essential oils. In the second test room, there was no scent.

They measured participants’ ability to complete a time-based task, such as remembering to watch a TV show, and their ability to respond to an environmental cue such as remembering to mail a letter when they saw a mailbox. The team also asked them to pass along a message at a certain time during the experiment, as well as change activities at a designated time.

The researchers found that rosemary “significantly increased” memory among the participants, compared with those in the room with no aroma. Additionally, the participants indicated the scent of rosemary made them slightly more alert; the scent of lavender promoted a sense of calmness.

The researchers said the study is among the first to examine the effects of rosemary essential oil on the cognitive abilities of senior citizens, noting their findings support previous studies that suggest the aroma of rosemary essential oil enhances memory recall in healthy adults.

So don’t forget that a small whiff of rosemary essential oil can do wonders for your memory.

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