A whiff of rosemary could do the brain some good
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2013 13:03 PM

If adults find themselves becoming forgetful as they grow older, they may want to consider adding some rosemary to their meals. Recently, researchers from the University of Northumbria found that this herb may be just what people need to improve their prospective memory, or the ability to remember tasks they have to complete in the future.

This research, which was presented at the Annual Conference of the British Psychological Society in Harrogate, England, focused on the effects rosemary essential oil's aroma can have on the brain. During the study, the researchers spread rosemary essential oil throughout a testing room using an aroma steam fan diffuser. Then, 66 individuals were asked to enter either the rosemary room or a separate room without any scent to have their prospective memory abilities assessed.

Of the two study groups, those who had their prospective memory tested in the rosemary room performed better than participants in the scentless room.

Based on the results of this study, adults who are exposed to rosemary on a regular basis may want to take an IQ test and see if this herb's aroma is having any effect on their cognitive abilities.