Remember with rosemary

Prospective memory in healthy adults could be improved by the aroma of rosemary essential oil. That is the suggestion of new research presented at the British Psychological Society’s Annual Conference in Harrogate, which found the oil could be used to help people remember past events and recall the need to complete tasks in the future.

The study was carried out by Jemma McCready and Dr Mark Moss from the University of Northumbria and saw 66 participants taking tests designed to evaluate their prospective memory functions in rooms diffused with the essential oil. It was shown that people in a rosemary-scented room performed better with regard to remembering events and being aware of the need to complete tasks at particular times.

Ms McCready said: “Remembering when and where to go and for what reasons underpins everything we do – and we all suffer minor failings that can be frustrating and sometimes dangerous.”

(Source: British Psychological Society)