Last Updated on March 13, 2023 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
Several social media posts claim sniffing rosemary increases memory. We fact-checked and found the claim to be Mostly False.
The Claim
Several Twitter posts and a few media articles claim rosemary is a brain tonic and sniffing it improves memory.
Fact Check
What is Rosemary?
Salvia rosmarinus commonly called rosemary is a small evergreen plant that belongs to the mint family named Lamiaceae. The leaves of this plant are used to flavor foods.
Does sniffing rosemary increase memory?
Not exactly. No scientific evidence confirms sniffing rosemary increases memory. The available scant research only speculates that rosemary might have properties that may improve memory. These research papers have not conducted any experiment on a large population to understand the immediate impact of rosemary on memory. So, the available research is not enough to confirm that sniffing rosemary increases memory.
Nutritionist Kamna Chauhan informs ‘No, Sniffing herbs like rosemary and others cannot increase your memory but it helps to improve it. Rosemary is an evergreen shrub with needle-like leaves and a woody aroma. It is best known for food seasoning. It is a popular aromatic and medicinal plant worldwide. Rosemary helps to prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a brain chemical that is important for thinking. Breathing rosemary oil helps you to focus and remember so we can improve the memory power not increase it.”
What can be the dangers of trying to improve memory through home remedies and not seeking medical advice?
The exact relation between diet and improved memory is not clear. So, it is difficult to explain whether sniffing rosemary has much to do with improving memory.
Often diet high in saturated and trans fats is linked with poorer memory. But an article published by Harvard Health shows that the relationship between diets high in saturated and trans fats and poorer memory isn’t entirely clear. This article suggests that the relationship may be mediated by a gene called apolipoprotein E. This gene regulates cholesterol and and abnormal functioning of this gene can cause Alzheimer’s disease. In case of any symptom related to memory loss, it is better to consult a doctor.
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