The Memory-Boosting Essential Oil Health Food Stores Are Selling Out Of

Who doesn't love rosemary; it smells fantastic, tastes delicious, and many people swear by its ability to banish cellulite and even help us live longer lives. And now, new research is showing that rosemary essential oil can improve memory in humans, which backs up one of its most important traditional uses with modern science.

How does rosemary work in the brain, exactly? According to Dr. Mariza Snyder, author of Smart Mom's Guide to Essential Oils, the terpene levels in rosemary essential oil enter the bloodstream and directly affect the body—easily crossing the blood-brain barrier. "Rosemary has the ability to inhibit the enzymes that break down acetylcholine in the brain, allowing more to remain and aid the brain in its function. Rosemary is one of my favorite ways to improve my daily focus without the worry of side effects or putting unnatural substances into my body," she explained.

If you're thinking about taking rosemary for a spin, make sure you look for a high-quality essential oil. It's also a good idea to keep in mind that not everyone reacts the same way to herbs—the researchers on the study observed that some participants responded dramatically to the rosemary while others didn't display any improvements at all. That being said, we're planning to give it a try the next time our brains are feeling a little bit run down. The worst-case scenario? If it doesn't help with memory your home is still filled with the sweet scent of rosemary—which doesn't really sound like a problem at all.