Far too often, people are prone to write off natural remedies of the past in favor of new prescriptions pills and other modern quick fixes. However, while it's undoubtedly true that some antiquated methods – the overzealous use of leeches, for example – were not necessarily based in sound medical knowledge, other treatments have held up under the most sophisticated scientific scrutiny.
The application of essential oils to enhance brain health is one such practice. These concentrated liquids have been touted as cure-alls for centuries, and have even made appearances in classic works of literature. Earlier this year, a team of British researchers revealed that essential oil of rosemary may in fact provide the memory support that Ophelia attributed to it in Shakespeare's "Hamlet."
According to reports, Dr. Mark Moss – the head of the department of psychology at Northumbria University in the United Kingdom – led a study to gauge the effects of rosemary essential oil on a form of recollection that affects everyday life.
"In this study we focused on prospective memory, which involves the ability to remember events that will occur in the future and to remember to complete tasks at particular times. This is critical for everyday functioning," Dr. Moss said in a press statement.
The latest research included 66 participants who were asked to wait in two separate rooms, one of which was infused with the scent of rosemary. They then completed various memory-related tasks. The researchers found that rosemary essential oil enhances the ability to recall past events, perform tasks at certain times and recover memories quickly.
As well as enhancing day-to-day memory retention, Dr. Moss intimated that this study may provide grounds to investigate how herbal extracts may be used to slow the pace or prevent the onset of degenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
The natural memory-enhancing ability of essential oil of rosemary has been well-documented throughout the centuries. Click to read more information about Vibrant Blue Essential Oils, including Focus – which contains rosemary, basil, holy basil, cardamom and peppermint.