Study suggests smelling rosemary aromas can boost brain performance
Posted Feb 26, 2012 09:29:48 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A new study suggests the aroma from rosemary oils can actually boost brain performance.
Researchers at Northumbria University in England exposed 20 people to varying levels of rosemary aroma and gave them speed and accuracy tests.
They also gave mood assessments to judge the oil’s affects, and scientists found higher concentrations of the essential oil resulted in overall improved brain performance.
Rosemary has a significant history and its aroma has been long-cherished by chefs and bakers. It has also been used as a natural health supplement and is known for its strength as a hair rinse as well as a decongestant.
Most surprising for the researchers was not the cognitive boost that the aroma gave, but the fact that it appeared to have been absorbed in the bloodstream, which could lead to wise-ranging medical health benefits.