Scientists catching up to the value of rosemary

Lane Simonian

I first began using rosemary essential oil with my mother in 2007 (she passed away from a heart attack in 2012). She became more alert, could recognize objects, could remember her name again, became somewhat more lucid, had a little bit of short-term memory, and was calmer.

I have been advocating for the use of essential oils via aromatherapy for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease ever since. Now it looks like some more scientists are catching on:

Why dementia experts are finally taking rosemary sniffing seriously

A centuries-old idea is getting modern scientific backing

Is there any truth to the Shakespearean phrase 'rosemary for remembrance'? Actually, yes. Research does suggest that the herb aids cognition and memory, and may even slow down the progression of Alzheimer's in the brain.

While there’s only a relatively small number of studies, a 2020 review of the literature concluded that rosemary is “memory boosting”…

Research in animals suggests that the herb could reduce some of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease thanks to two chemical compounds found in the plant: carnosic and rosemarinic acid [the other beneficial compound is eugenol].

Carnosic acid is known to promote human brain cells to produce a nerve growth factor, and rosemarinic acid has been shown to inhibit an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in mice.

Drugs that inhibit AChE are already being used to manage Alzheimer’s disease – expect to see a lot more rosemary research coming soon.

https://www.sciencefocus.com/the-human-body/rosemary-sniffing-dementia.

There are two major problems in Alzheimer's disease: one is the breakdown of acetylcholine be acetylcholinesterases, the other is the inability to regenerate acetylcholine by oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide and peroxynitrite (acetylcholine is needed for the retrieval of memories). Rosemary essential oil also addresses this problem:

Rosemary extract (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a natural source of bioactive compounds with significant antioxidant properties. Among these, rosmarinic acid is celebrated for its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and neuroprotective properties, making it a valuable component in both traditional medicine and modern therapeutic research. Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s are closely linked to oxidative damage, and research indicates that rosmarinic acid may help protect neurons by mitigating this harmful process.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11590892/

These results demonstrated that the memory protective effects of RA (Rosmarinic Acid) in the neurotoxicity of Aβ 25–35 is due to its scavenging of ONOO- [peroxynitrite], and that daily consumption of RA may protect against memory impairments observed in AD.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0166432807001313

Unfortunately, it is very difficult to get funding to test the effectiveness of rosemary essential oil (via aromatherapy) against Alzheimer's disease.

JulietteBee

I've previously read the studies on the efficacy of Rosemary in treatment of Alzheimers/Dementia. It has been shown to surpass the efficacy of Aricept.

I shared the info with my PWD but they are yet to begin its usage. My DH's mom died with Alzheimers so he is aware that he MAY be affected some time in the future. We have both decided if it comes calling, we will be utilizing Rosemary instead of Aricept or Memantine.

Lane Simonian

Thank you very much for your comment. I hope that it never does come calling, but it is somewhat reassuring to know that the rosemary essential oil via aromatherapy should help.

JulietteBee

You are welcome! Thanks for sharing your articles with the group.

I hope not, also.

We would not be using the essential oil, however. We will be incorporating the leaves in to our diet. We believe the closer you can get to a substance's most innate state, the more efficacious it will be.

​fesk

Lane - question for you if you don't mind. I lost all messages when the site had its update some time ago. How advanced was your mother went you started using essential oils? If I'm remembering correctly, you didn't use aromatherapy. I have used essential oils on/off over the years but have not been consistent.

Thanks for the info.

Lane Simonian

Very good, Juliette

Lane Simonian

It is nice to see a familiar name, fesk. So much was lost when they updated the site.

My mother was probably late moderate Alzheimer's disease when we began using rosemary essential oil via aromatherapy (after a few months we began to use other essential oils such as bay laurel, thyme, sweet orange, oregano, and sage). She was not very responsive and she was sleeping a lot. She was still quite verbal, but was not lucid too often.

She had Alzheimer's Disease for at least three years when we started aromatherapy. She gradually improved in terms of alertness and awareness for the next five years before her heart attack.

It takes a little while to see results. The first time, I recognized that aromatherapy was having some effect was when my mother asked why have you been giving me this everyday for a month.

It is hard to get into a pattern, but having your loved one (or oneself) sniff once or twice a day for a few seconds under each nostril seems to work well.

​fesk

Thanks very much, Lane.

I'm still here reading, but I don't post much anymore.

It is always good to see your name, and I appreciate the info you pass along.

I'm going to try to get this in my mother's routine and stick with it. Thanks, again.

Lane Simonian

Much appreciated, fesk. Best wishes to you and to your mother.

Call me Gram

Lane Simonian - What method of delivery do you suggest for aromatherapy? Ultrasonic diffuser? Reed diffusers? Topical application? Cotton ball? etc

Any advice you can offer is appreciated.

​fesk

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/261170#Comment_261170

Thank you.

Lane Simonian

Call me Gram, I think using a diffuser at night (maybe an hour or so) works best for relaxing essential oils such as lavender and sweet orange. I am not sure if one type of diffuser works better than another.

For the cognitive enhancing oils, such as rosemary and bay laurel, direct inhalation (a couple of seconds each morning under each nostril) probably works best.

There have been some promising studies applying essential oils via massage. One has to be careful with this, though, as some essential oils sting the skin. Thus, mixing the essential oil with a carrier oil is often needed.

One study used cotton balls effectively, but some essential oils can stain pillows, sheets, etc. You also have to make sure that the essential oil is not ingested.

Call me Gram

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/261447#Comment_261447

Thank you!!

Chammer

@Lane Simonian does it need to be essential oil or would the whole plant (think clipped branches) work as well for inhalation?

Lane Simonian

I had not given much thought to this great question before. I have just assumed that aromatherapy with essential oils works best because of the high concentration of the plant compounds in the oil, but whole plant aromatherapy may play a beneficial role as well.

I read an interesting article several years ago about how most people with dementia respond well to gardens. It could be due to the fresh air and peacefulness, but the pleasant smells from many of the flowers, trees, and other plants could play a role as well. Whole plant aromatherapy could add to the value of essential oil aromatherapy and vice versa.

daffodil627

I put sprigs of rosemary in my husband's pillowcase, and a few drops of lavendar underneath his pilow.. In the morning he said " I smelled flowers all night". Research is .limited on the use of essential oils .