There are many theories offering various ways to improve memory or clearer thinking. One of them is that adding rosemary to food or water or even inhalation of his smell can give a pulse of the brain. But is it confirmed by this concept of research? We translate the English-speaking material of Verywell on this topic.
What is rosemary?
Rosemary (scientific name: Rosmarinus officinalis) - grass with needle leaves. This plant is genital from Asia and the Mediterranean, but it is grown in the United States. Rosemary refers to the mint family. When it blooms, his flowers are white, purple, pink or dark blue. This is a perennial plant, that is, after planing, it grows every year until he has enough heat and soil fertility for this.
Rosemary is often used as seasonings in food, and it has a somewhat bitter taste. Some people also like tea with the addition of rosemary. Rosemary is also used as perfume and added to shampoos, air conditioning and soap.
Rosemary - a perennial plant from the mint family
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Influence of rosemary on the brain
One study in which 28 older people participated, showed that the consumption of a small amount of rosemary powder was associated with a statistically significant improvement in memory.
In some studies, it was studied as the smell of rosemary affects knowledge. Participants inhaled the aroma of rosemary when performing tasks of visual processing and consistent tasks for subtraction. The stronger the aroma of rosemary was, the higher the speed and accuracy of tasks were noted. The studies presented at the annual conference of the British psychological society also emphasized the advantages of Rosemary's aroma. The study included 40 children of school age, which were placed either in a room with rosemary aroma, or to another room without fragrance. Those who were in a room with rosemary aroma demonstrated higher memory rates than those who were in the room without the smell of rosemary.
Rosemary Water Improves Memory
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Rosemary essential oil
Another study was conducted with 53 students aged 13 to 15 years. The researchers found that their memory on images and numbers improved when rosemary's essential oil was sprayed into the room.
Rosemary water
In one study, 80 adults took part, who drank 250 milliliters of water with rosemary or simply mineral water. Those who drank water with rosemary have demonstrated a slight improvement in cognitive functions compared to those who drank mineral water.
Why can Rosemary benefit the brain?
It is not known why rosemary can be useful, but one of the theories is that the grass apparently has some antioxidant properties that can help in healing from damage caused by free radicals. Another idea given by the Medical Center named after Milton S. Hershi in Pennsylvania is that Rosemary has reduced anxiety, which, in turn, can increase the ability to concentrate.
Although Rosemary promises to increase the capacity of our brain, it is important to consult with the doctor before starting to add it to your diet. It can interact with other drugs, including anticoagulants, ACE inhibitors (for the treatment of high blood pressure), lithium, diuretics and drugs from diabetes.