Blast Your Forgetter Not Your Keys
Protect Your Memory with Three Simple Herbs
Part Two - Rosemary
We discussed last time that there are three miraculous herbs
from your garden that can bolster your memory, boost your brain power and fight
forgetfulness naturally. In part one we discussed the benefits of sage. This time
the second herb rosemary has the spotlight.
Rosemary, or Rosmarinus
officinalis, is another commonly used kitchen garden herb. Rosemary has
traditionally been used as a mild diuretic for edema, to improve kidney
function and used as a detoxifier. However, research also shows that rosemary
may be useful in the prevention and treatment of dementia and Alzheimer’s
disease.
One active component in rosemary is carnosic acid, which,
like sage, may have neuroprotective benefits in the management of dementia and
Alzheimer’s disease. Studies suggest that the rosemary activates a pathway that
protects neurons from oxidative stress and excitotoxicity (toxins which cause
harm by significant over stimulation) and reduced damage from reactive oxygen
species. Unlike patent medicines
carnosic acid crosses the “blood-brain barrier” and has no harmful side effects.
According to Dr. Jonathan Wright, carnosic acid is a
naturally occurring therapeutic type constituent which only activates when
there is potential damage to the cell, such as when free radical damage is
occurring. Otherwise, it is inactive when not needed, making rosemary a safe
and well tolerated herb. Carnosic acid does two other things of significance for
the brain. It prevents the narrowing of
arteries to the brain and also increases the body’s levels of glutathione,
which is an important antioxidant and detoxifier.
Rosemary has a long history as a memory-enhancing herb. Today
scientific research has shown the impact of rosemary on cognitive function. 28
volunteers were assessed at regular intervals after given amounts ranging from
750 to 6000 milligrams daily. The most effective amount was 750 milligrams
daily, an amount closest to what a culinary intake might be. The highest
amounts were deemed to actually impair cognitive performance. [i]
Dr. Eric Powell[ii]
tells us that tests over a lengthy period have demonstrated that there is a lot
to the old saying, “Rosemary-that’s for remembrance.” He says:
“There is no doubt that small doses
of fresh rosemary help improve the memory. In common with camomile (sic) and
wild yam it is also of much service in the treatment of congestive headaches and
insomnia. It undoubtedly has an affinity for the brain.”
An easy way to incorporate rosemary into your diet is to
sprinkle rosemary on your prepared foods such as mashed potatoes, tomato sauces
or Italian dishes or steep a tablespoon of rosemary in a cup of hot water for
10 minutes or so. Add honey and lemon to taste and enjoy the refreshing
benefits. It tastes wonderful.
If you don’t have time to add rosemary to your diet you may
choose to enjoy the aroma of rosemary essential oil. Rosemary therapeutic
essential oil alone may be effective in improving mental function. When 20
healthy volunteers were exposed to the aroma of rosemary’s essential oil
containing 1, 8-cineole, they performed better and with more speed and increased
concentration on cognitive testing.[iii]
So enjoy the aroma of rosemary essential oil or make your
tea and make your memory stick with you. See you next time when we discuss the
third herb vital to enhancing memory and fighting forgetfulness.
All information on Catherine' Health Info is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Please see your own health professional for your particular health needs.
[ii] Health from Herbs, July-August 1967, p.
120.
[iii] Wright,
Jonathan. Nutrition and Healing,
September 2012 p. 3
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