Remember Rosemary

The two functions that are unique to us as humans are our abilities for memory and recall.  Our brains have an almost infinite capacity, which is far beyond what we actually use and experts say that most of us use about only 5 percent of our brain power.  Slips of the memory and lost thoughts have been a human concern since man has existed.   How many times have you wished that you could tap into the human potential for enhanced memory and recall?

Medieval herbalists believed that a number of herbs were useful for enhancing the memory and early documents contain many references.  They provide modern day researchers with directional clues and studies conducted over the past twenty or so years have begun to link decreased mental function, especially which associated with aging, to a cascade of changes in the body leading to insufficiency in memory.  Today, we know that several herbs may indeed be great memory enhancers.

Rosemary, traditionally considered the herb of remembrance, is currently an important herbal subject of antioxidant research and may have a role in treating Alzheimer’s disease.   Long before Shakespeare’s Ophelia said “There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance.”   The concept of rosemary for remembrance had persisted in records for at least five centuries previous.

Rosemary or Rosmarinus Officinalis contains more than a dozen antioxidant compounds, some of which are in high concentrations.  Researchers have linked oxidative stress to Alzheimer’s disease, a degenerative process associated with devastating memory loss, personality changes and the loss of some motor functions.  Aging itself, according to the medicinal plant specialist James A. Duke, could simply be a lifetime’s worth of oxidation damage.  Antioxidant compounds including those found in rosemary may be an important key in combating memory loss.

Studies have shown that rosemary exerts its antioxidant activity by scavenging free radicals.  A growing body of literature points to the usefulness of controlling free radicals to prevent and possibly treat such conditions as heart disease, eye diseases, arthritic tissue damage, and stress produced immune system suppression, as well as to aid in retarding the aging process.   Reduced blood flow to the brain as a result of cardiovascular changes related to aging can lead to short term memory loss.   

Essential oil of Rosemary is obtained from the fresh stalks, leaves and flowers of the plant.  Rosemary is typically from Spain, France, Yugoslavia and Japan.   The fragrance is clear, strong, and stimulating, and is easily absorbed through the skin.  It stimulates the mind, body, adrenals, and memory.  Rosemary treats general weakness, mental fatigue, and sore muscles.  Rosemary oil is helpful for all diseases that result from a reduction of the functions of the nervous system.   It is a strong stimulant and will help to clear the mind of confusion or doubt.

It is a wonderful essential oil to use in your morning bath or shower because it is both physically and mentally stimulating helping to start the day out on a great note.  Long known for its wonderful addition to cooking recipes, Rosemary enhances everything from meat to vegetables.   Essential oil of Rosemary can be used in much the same way as the fresh or dried herb when cooking.

The jury is still out on just how beneficial Rosemary is in actually enhancing memory, but its confirmed antioxidant activity suggests a scientific basis for its role in history as the herb “for remembrance” For those of us who have used and loved Rosemary over the years, both in our cooking as well as medicinally, this information is not new but reaffirms our knowledge that Rosemary is a key herb for better health and longevity.