* it offers anti-inflammatory protection to the delicate human brain. Research proves rosemary’s ability to increase blood flow to the head and brain, thereby improving concentration.
* Memory and mood : Rosemary is shown to enhance memory through the herb's culinary use; its extract by means of reducing acetylcholinesterase; and by inhalation of its oil vapors. One interesting study verified that olfactory stimulation of rosemary increased saliva free radical scavenging activity and decreased saliva cortisol levels. A waft of rosemary may even elevate your mood.
* Anxiety : Breathing in the scent of rosemary essential oil may help relieve anxiety, according to a study published in Holistic Nursing Practice in 2009. In an experiment involving a group of nursing students, researchers found that use of sachets containing lavender and rosemary essential oils helped reduce anxiety associated with test-taking.
*Stress : In a 2007 study published in Psychiatry Research, scientists found that inhaling the aroma of rosemary essential oil may help lower stress levels. For the study, 22 healthy volunteers sniffed the aroma of lavender and rosemary essential oils for five minutes. Results revealed that both essential oils caused a decrease in levels of cortisol (a hormone released as part of the body's stress response).
* In England, rosemary’s memory strengthening ability was translated to mean that it would improve fidelity. As a result it was often given as a gift for the bride or groom as part of their wedding ceremony. Perhaps the gift-giver thought the herb would help the newlywed remember his or her vows.
* Curb cancer : When it comes to cancer, rosemary extract proves promising for colon, stomach, breast, liver, ovary, melanoma, and leukemia. Carnosic acid, derived from rosemary, stimulates cancer cell apoptosis (cell death), and down regulates cancer cell COX-2 expression. It is also is found to be anti-angiogenic, slowing tumor growth and metastasis.
* Alzheimer's Disease : Rosemary essential oil may be of some benefit to people with Alzheimer's disease, according to a small study published in Psychogeriatrics in 2009. In tests on 28 older adults (including 17 Alzheimer's patients), researchers found that one month of aromatherapy involving rosemary, lemon, lavender, and orange essential oils helped enhance cognitive function, especially in participants with Alzheimer's.
* insect repellent : Rosemary oil or rosemary extract may be natural repellent solutions, with borneol and camphor as the active components. One study that demonstrates rosemary's effectiveness uses approximately 2 tablespoons of freshly minced rosemary leaves to about 1 cup of water. Let the mixture sit for 24 hours and filter out the leaves. Pour the water into a spray bottle and use on the skin as necessary. This cheap, natural alternative was found to provide better protection time and repellency than that of two other natural based brands.
* Rosemary extract may optimize cholesterol levels