Rosemary is a perennial herb native to temperate climates, belonging to the mint family. Its leaves are commonly used fresh or dried in cooking, as a food flavoring, medicine, and in cosmetics. Although it has been utilized in folk medicine for centuries, scientists are only recently uncovering its potential to combat dementia and enhance brain health. Rosemary: More Than Just a Flavor Enhancer Rosemary has long been used for its culinary properties, such as seasoning steak, potatoes, soups, and stews. However, its health benefits have been recognized for centuries as well.
The ancient Greeks used rosemary to clean wounds, treat infections, and as a tea to help recover from fevers and other illnesses. Recent scientific studies have focused on the herb’s potential cognitive benefits. Rosemary and Brain Health Rosemary is rich in various antioxidants, which protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidants have been shown to protect against certain types of cancer and heart disease by reducing inflammation and blood pressure levels (1). These benefits have been linked to improved brain function in older adults with memory problems such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). A study involving 28 older adults found that consuming a low dose of dried rosemary powder led to a statistically significant improvement in memory speed, whereas a higher dose did not produce the same results (2).
Other studies have examined the impact of rosemary aroma on cognitive performance. The Aroma’s Effects on Cognition In one study, participants were exposed to rosemary aroma while performing visual processing tasks and serial subtraction tasks. The more aroma they were exposed to, the greater the improvement in speed and accuracy of the tasks (3). Another study involving 53 young teenage students demonstrated that when rosemary essential oil was sprayed in the room, the students’ memories improved. A similar study conducted with 40 school-aged children yielded comparable results (4). Rosemary Aroma and Future Memory Memory can be categorized into three types: past memories, current memories (minute-by-minute), and future memory (e.g., remembering to book a doctor’s appointment). Improving future memory has proven to be particularly challenging for scientists (5). A research team at Northumbria tested this using a cognition test on 60 participants in either a room scented with rosemary essential oil or an unscented room.
The rosemary group scored better, although not drastically so, suggesting that further research is needed to establish a definitive link between rosemary aroma and improved future memory. Rosemary Water and Cognitive Function A separate study investigated the effects of drinking rosemary water on cognitive function. Eighty adults were given either 250 ml of rosemary water or regular mineral water, and their cognitive function was assessed. Participants who drank rosemary water showed minor improvements compared to those who drank regular mineral water (6). Potential Side Effects and Interactions Rosemary is generally safe when consumed in small doses.
However, high doses can cause adverse reactions, such as vomiting, spasms, lung edema (swelling), and, in rare cases, coma. Pregnant women should avoid rosemary, as it can cause miscarriage. Some potential drug interactions include (7):
- Anticoagulant drugs: Blood-thinning medications like Warfarin, Aspirin, and Clopidogrel.
- ACE inhibitors: High blood pressure medications such as lisinopril (Zestril), fosinopril (Monopril), captopril (Capoten), and enalapril (Vasotec).
- Diuretics: Medications that increase urine output, like hydrochlorothiazide and furosemide (Lasix).
- Lithium: Used to treat manic episodes of bipolar disorder.
- Lithium: Rosemary can act as a diuretic, potentially causing lithium to reach toxic levels in the body.
Rosemary, a natural herb, can offer more than just flavor enhancement for meals; it may also provide benefits to brain health. However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare practitioner before introducing any form of rosemary into your routine.
This is particularly important for pregnant individuals or those taking other medications. If you experience any adverse reactions, discontinue use immediately and consult with your healthcare provider. Dementia and Memory Loss Statistics and Brain Health Tips Dementia is a growing concern worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, around 50 million people suffer from dementia globally, with nearly 10 million new cases every year. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60-70% of dementia cases. As the global population ages, the number of individuals affected by dementia is expected to increase. To maintain brain health and potentially reduce the risk of developing dementia or memory loss, consider the following tips:
- Engage in regular physical activity: Exercise has been shown to improve brain health and may help prevent cognitive decline.
- Maintain a healthy diet: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can support brain function.
- Get adequate sleep: Sleep plays a critical role in overall health, including brain health. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
- Stay socially engaged: Socializing with friends, family, and community members can help maintain cognitive function and mental well-being.
- Participate in mentally stimulating activities: Activities such as puzzles, reading, learning a new skill, or playing a musical instrument can help keep the brain sharp.
- Manage stress: Chronic stress can negatively impact brain health. Practice stress-reducing techniques like mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or deep-breathing exercises.
- Monitor and manage chronic conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol can increase the risk of cognitive decline if not properly managed.
Remember that while rosemary may have potential cognitive benefits, maintaining overall brain health requires a comprehensive approach, including a healthy lifestyle and regular check-ups with your healthcare provider.
