But, is this concept supported by research?

What Is Rosemary?

First, it’s important to understand what rosemary is.

Rosemary for Your Memory?

Judith Haeusler/ Getty Images

Rosemary (scientific name:rosmarinus officinalis)is an herb with needle-like leaves.

When it blooms, its flower are white, purple, pink or deep blue.

Some people also enjoy tea flavored with rosemary.

Rosemary is also used as a perfume and added to shampoo, conditioner and soap.

Rosemary as a Cognitive Enhancer?

Here’s what research has found about rosemary and its effects on cognitive function.

Rosemary Aroma

Some research looked at how the smell of rosemary affectscognition.

Participants were exposed to the aroma of rosemary while performing visual processing tasks and serial subtraction tasks.

With higher amounts of the rosemary aroma, both speed and accuracy in the tasks increased.

Researchers found that their memory of images and numbers improved when theessential oilof rosemary was sprayed in the room.

Rosemary Water

One study involved 80 adults who drank 250 milliliters of rosemary water or mineral water.

Thus, they’re not included in this summary of research.

Why Might Rosemary Benefit the Brain?

Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.Rosemary.

2018;32(12):1319-1329. doi:10.1177/0269881118798339