Harvard has it right: this is the Mediterranean native plant that boosts your mind and copes with stress

Rosemary, a common aromatic herb in Mediterranean cuisine, has evolved from being just a seasoning to becoming a subject of interest in the fields of neuroscience and nutrition. Various compounds found in this herb, such as diterpenes, organic acids, saponins, and tannins, give it powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. But beyond its physical health benefits, rosemary has been shown to have a direct impact on memory and cognitive function.

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A pioneering study conducted in 2012 by researchers Mark Moss and Lorraine Oliver at the University of Northumbria revealed that the scent of rosemary can significantly improve the ability to retain and organize information. This finding was later supported by Dr. Uma Naidoo, a nutritional psychiatrist and member of the Harvard Medical School faculty, who explored rosemary’s neurological benefits in her book This Is Your Brain on Food.

According to Dr. Naidoo, the diterpenes in rosemary help protect brain cells from oxidative damage, increase levels of acetylcholine, a key neurotransmitter for memory, and reduce cortisol, the well-known “stress hormone.” She also suggests that regular use of rosemary could have positive effects on the nervous system, even acting as a natural pain reliever.

A bridge between the gut and the brain

Naidoo also emphasizes the connection between gut health and memory, an emerging area of scientific research. The bacteria in the gut influence cortisol production and the function of the vagus nerve, which connects the digestive system to brain areas like the hippocampus and amygdala, crucial for memory formation and emotional regulation.

Some studies mentioned in her book even link skin conditions like rosacea with a higher risk of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s, reinforcing the theory that gut health may play a key role in the development of these conditions.

In this context, rosemary has also earned a prominent place in the MIND diet (short for Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay), a dietary approach specifically designed to prevent cognitive decline. This diet, which merges the best of the Mediterranean and DASH diets, has been shown to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s by up to 53%.

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The MIND diet promotes the consumption of foods such as leafy green vegetables, nuts, berries, legumes, and whole grains, and highlights rosemary for its neuroprotective benefits. At the same time, it discourages the excessive intake of red meat, full-fat dairy, fried foods, and processed baked goods.

The growing interest in rosemary’s effects on the brain is part of a larger scientific movement focused on preventing, rather than just treating, cognitive decline. Whether used in cooking or in the form of essential oils and extracts, rosemary can be part of a broader brain-health strategy. Backed by prestigious institutions such as Harvard, rosemary is emerging as an accessible and effective natural tool for those looking to boost their memory, reduce stress, and protect their minds as they age.