Altogether, 66 people took part in the study and were randomly assigned to either the rosemary-scented room or another room with no scent.
The results showed that participants in the rosemary-scented room performed 60-75% better on remembering events to completing tasks at particular times as well as recalling things faster than the participants in the room with no scent. So it definitely demonstrates an increase memory for many people.
Traces of Rosemary Compound Found In Blood
Researchers also found that the blood of participants exposed to the rosemary-scented room had detectable levels of 1,8-cineole, an active compound found in rosemary. The more 1,8-cineole they absorbed in their bloodstream, the more positive their results were.
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“This compound is present in rosemary but has not previously been demonstrated to be absorbed into blood plasma in humans,” study researcher Dr. Mark Moss told MSNBC (3). “It is our view that the aroma therefore acts like a therapeutic drug, rather than any effects being a result of the more sensory properties of the aroma.”
The chemicals are also believed to have directly stimulated the olfactory nerve in the nose, which could have effects on brain functioning.
