Sniffing Rosemary Can Increase Memory By 75% Why a whiff of rosemary DOES help you remember: Sniffing the herb can increase memory by 75% The Tudors believed rosemary had powers to enhance memory • In Hamlet, Ophelia says ‘There’s rosemary that’s for remembrance’
• Researchers have found the oil helps alertness and arithmetic Shakespeare was right in saying rosemary can improve your memory. Researchers have found for the first time that essential oil from the herb when sniffed in advance enables people to remember to do things. It could help patients take their medication on time, it is claimed, or even help the forgetful to post a birthday card. 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 has been long been linked to memory, with the most famous literary reference found in Hamlet when Ophelia declares: ‘There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance: pray, love, remember. ’ It is used in modern-day herbal medicine as a mild painkiller and for migraines and digestive problems. A team of psychologists at Northumbria University, Newcastle, tested the effects of essential oils from rosemary. Dr Mark Moss, who will present the findings today at the British Psychology Society conference in Harrogate, said the benefit of aromas was becoming clear through scientific investigation. He 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 Previous research suggests volatile molecules from essential oils can be absorbed into the bloodstream through the nose. The chemicals also stimulate the olfactory nerve in the nose directly, which could have effects on brain functioning. 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. 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. ‘Remembering when and where to go and for what reasons underpins everything we do, and we all suffer minor failings that can be frustrating and sometimes dangerous. ‘Further research is needed to investigate if this treatment is useful for older adults who have experienced memory decline’ she added.