Rosemary Herb May Help Improve Mood And Memory

Rosemary is an herb that is grown worldwide.  Related to the mint family of plants, it is popularly known for being a culinary herb. Its flowers are white, purple, pink, or deep blue. Its leaves and oil are being used in foods and in making medicine.

Can Rosemary Improve Our Mood And Memory?

Drinking and inhaling compounds in rosemary tea may help boost our mood and improve your memory. The extract from the herb works by promoting a healthy balance of gut bacteria and reducing inflammation in the hippocampus, the part of our brain associated with emotions, learning, and memories (1).

In a study that lasted for 2 months, researchers found that participants who drank 2 teaspoons (4 grams) of rosemary in 2/3 cup (150 ml) of water daily experienced significantly less burnt out at their jobs, compared with those who drank nothing (2).

Results of another study involving 20 adults have shown that inhaling rosemary oil stimulated brain activity and improved mood. It was revealed that participants’ activity level, blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate increased after inhaling the oil (3).

Furthermore, the research outlined in Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology found that the aroma from rosemary can help improve a person’s concentration, performance, speed, and accuracy and, to a lesser extent, their mood (4).

In another study published in the International Journal of Neuroscience, experts evaluated the cognitive performance of 144 participants when using rosemary oil for aromatherapy. They found that rosemary significantly enhanced the quality of memory and increased mental alertness (5).

How To Enjoy This Benefit?

Have rosemary tea. Bring one quart of water to a boil and add one two-inch sprig of rosemary or a teaspoon of dried rosemary. Cover and allow the tea to steep covered for 10-20 minutes. Sweeten with honey to taste.

Aromatherapy with rosemary essential oil. Buy an aromatherapy diffuser and rosemary essential oils. We can improve our mood and keep our brain focused by using diffusers in our work area.

Create an anti-stress aromatherapy spray. simply combine in a small spray bottle 6 tablespoons of water with 2 tablespoons of vodka, and add 10 drops of rosemary oil. Use this spray at night on your pillow to relax, or spray it into the air indoors any time to relieve stress and improve mood.

Sources:

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6192164/
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4525344/
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3700080/
  4. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266370#benefits
  5. https://www.intrepidmentalhealth.com/blog/8-ways-that-rosemary-can-improve-your-mental-emotional-and-physical-well-being