rosemary (Rosemary officinalis), an aromatic herb native to the Mediterranean, has long been treasured in world cuisines. But beyond its culinary beauty, rosemary is also known for its impressive health benefits, especially when it comes to brain health, inflammation, and immune function.
Research suggests that rosemary even holds promise in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease, the leading cause of dementia worldwide.
Historically, pink has been associated with memory and mental clarity. In ancient Greece and Rome, students and scholars used pink in hopes of sharpening concentration and memory.
Modern science has found that there may be something to it: in one study, people who inhaled the scent of roses performed better on memory tasks than those in an unscented environment.
So, how does pink work in the brain? There are many mechanisms at play.
For starters, rosemary stimulates blood flow, including to the brain, helping to deliver more oxygen and nutrients, which may improve mental clarity. It also has comfort features; Some studies suggest that its scent can reduce anxiety and improve sleep. Lower stress can mean better concentration and memory retention.
Rosemary contains compounds that interact with the brain’s neurotransmitters. A similar compound, 1,8-cineole, helps prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a brain chemical essential for learning and memory. By preserving acetylcholine, rosemary may help support cognitive function, especially as we age.
Another bonus? Rosemary is full of antioxidants, which protect brain cells from damage caused by oxidative stress – a major factor in cognitive decline.
Rosemary is rich in phytochemicals, plant compounds that promote health. One of the most powerful is carnosic acid, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that protects brain cells from damage, especially those associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
In 2025, researchers developed a stable version of carnosic acid called diAcCA. In promising preclinical studies, the compound improved memory, the number of synapses (connections between brain cells), and reduced Alzheimer’s-related damaging proteins such as amyloid beta and tau.
What is particularly interesting is that diAcCA only activates in inflamed areas of the brain, which can help reduce side effects. So far, studies in mice show no signs of toxicity and significant cognitive improvements, raising hopes that human trials may be forthcoming.
Researchers believe that diAcCA may help treat other inflammatory conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and Parkinson’s disease.
Beyond Brain Health
Rosemary’s benefits can extend beyond the brain. It is traditionally used to ease digestion, ease bloating and reduce inflammation.
Compounds such as rosmarinic acid and ursolic acid are known to have anti-inflammatory effects throughout the body. Rosemary may even benefit the skin – one review suggests it can help soothe acne and eczema, while carnosic acid may offer anti-aging benefits by protecting the skin from sun damage.
About the author
Deepa Kamdar is a Senior Lecturer in Pharmacy at Kingston University.
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Rosemary oil also has antimicrobial properties, showing promise in food preservation and potential medicinal applications by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi.
For most people, rosemary is safe when used in food, tea, or aromatherapy. But concentrated doses or extracts can pose risks. Consuming large amounts may cause nausea or, in rare cases, constipation – especially in people with epilepsy.
There is also a theoretical risk of rosemary stimulating uterine contractions, so pregnant people should avoid high doses. Because rosemary can interact with some medications — such as blood thinners — it’s best to check with a healthcare provider before taking large amounts in supplement form.
Rosemary is more than just a kitchen staple. It is a natural remedy with ancient roots and modern scientific support. As research continues, especially on breakthrough compounds like DiaCCA, rosemary could play an exciting role in future treatments for Alzheimer’s and other chronic conditions.
Meanwhile, adding a little rosemary to your life—whether in a meal, a cup of tea, or its essential oil—is a small step with big health benefits.
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