Herbal Remedies for Memory: Rosemary

"Rosemary for Remembrance"
- W. Shakespeare

The Journal of Medicinal Food published a study on the Effects of Rosemary on Cognitive Function in an Elderly Population. This clinical trial assessed the effects of powdered rosemary leaf on 28 elderly people. (Here's the link) They found that the speed of memory recall improved significantly at the lowest dose of rosemary, while the effects decreased as the dose went up. The take-home message being: A little Rosemary is good for memory, while too much - not so good. This is good news for those of us who like to eat our herbal remedies - especially one as delicious as Rosemary.

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The best results in improvement of cognitive function was observed at a dose nearest to normal culinary consumption. Rosemary has a long folkloric use for increasing concentration, focus, memory and general mental function, and recent research backs up these traditional uses. As an excellent circulatory stimulant, Rosemary works largely by improving blood flow to the brain. Better circulation brings more blood and oxygen to the brain - resulting in optimal brain function and health, and an increase in antioxidant power. This antioxidant effect is important for brain health, as all brain disorders, including Alzheimer's and dementia, have a component of oxidative degradation. Herbal remedies, including Rosemary, act here as "cerebral antioxidants."   

Use fresh or dry rosemary leaves in cooking, freely added to all culinary dishes.   

1 tsp of the leaves added to olive oil and balsamic vinegar makes a great homemade salad dressing. You can make your own seasoning salt using powdered rosemary mixed in with sea salt and any other favorite culinary herbs. Rosemary essential oil can be worn as a perfume, applied diluted as a body oil, added to bath water, steam or nebulizers. Students in Greek universities were known to carry sprigs of fresh Rosemary to exams with them to improve their recall. The possibilities are endless!  

- Shared by Lauren H. @ The Herbalist