Experiencing poor memory not only happens as we age. It can happen to adults of any age, even school going children. Stress, anxiety or depression can cause forgetfulness because these feelings can distract the mind, thus making it challenging to retain information. Poor blood circulation is another cause. So, you ask – What is the Best Way to Improve Memory?
Sufficient quality sleep, plenty of exercises, playing brain games, meditation and consuming healthy food can help alleviate the problem. Using these natural ways to improve memory is the best option.
Well, if you are looking at healthy food, look no further than your kitchen pantry. Rosemary and sage are common cooking herbs to boost your memory.
Undoubtedly, herbs enhance the flavour of food. Do not let this be the only reason to use herbs. Many herbs and spices have powerful health benefits and memory enhancement is one of them.
How to Use Herbs to Boost Your Memory
Now, before you forget, quickly look into your spice cabinet or herb garden and reach out to your rosemary and sage.
Rosemary
Being one of the most common cooking herbs, rosemary leaves contain certain phytochemical compounds that are known to have health promoting and disease preventing properties.
Overall health benefits of rosemary
- Antibacterial
- Anti-inflammatory
- Alleviate headaches
- Boost immune system
- Detoxify liver and body
- Improve blood circulation
- Relieve muscle pain
- Stimulates hair growth
- Soothe digestive system
- And of course – boost memory, alertness, focus and retention.
Carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid are the major antioxidants and therapeutic compounds in rosemary that have cognition and memory enhancing effects.
According to a study outlined in Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology, the aroma from rosemary can improve a person’s performance with higher concentration, speed and accuracy.
In fact, rosemary has been associated with improving memory for centuries. In ancient Greece, students would wear rosemary garlands during their exams.
The small amounts used in cooking may not be enough to have a major effect on the body. However, regular addition to your daily diet will allow your body to absorb the beneficial compounds present in rosemary.
How to Use Rosemary
In cooking
Rosemary with its minty, peppery, balsamic taste with a bitter, woody aftertaste pair flawlessly with chicken and lamb. Additionally, it is an excellent herb for potato dishes and other root vegetables like carrots and onions.
When rosemary is added to spaghetti sauce, it will bring out the flavour of other ingredients. Also, a good addition to tomato-based sauces, soups and stews.
Drinking Rosemary Tea
The easiest way to consume rosemary for its memory improving benefits is by drinking rosemary tea.
- Add 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary to 1 cup hot water.
- Steep for 5 minutes.
- Strain and add some honey if desired.
Drink 2 – 3 times a day for alertness and stress relief.
Alternatively, use a sprig of fresh rosemary instead of dried.
Click on ⇒ Fresh vs Dried Herbs to find out how to substitute fresh herbs with dried or vice versa.
Ingesting Rosemary Tincture
Have you tried making your own tincture? Rosemary can be taken as a tincture and it is a convenient way to ingest.
Some people enjoy drinking tea and like the relaxing aspect of taking time out to enjoy a cuppa. Others may not have time to brew and have a relaxing drink. Thus, the tincture is a perfect option.
You will need
- Pint Jar
- Tincture/Dropper bottle (preferably cobalt blue or amber glass to keep out sunlight)
- Vodka, whisky or rum
- Dried or fresh rosemary
All you need to do is
- Fill the jar half full with dried rosemary or completely full if using fresh rosemary (wash, completely dry and chop)
- Fill to the top with vodka or preferred alcohol
- Shake the jar every couple of days for the first week
- Store in a cool dark place for another 5 weeks
- Strain the mixture and transfer to a tincture bottle
Take one adult dose, two droppers full, 1-3 times per day, when needed.
Consider growing your own rosemary as it is one of the easiest to grow. Click on ⇒ Grow Herbs Indoor Year Round to find out how.
If you do not have time to make your own, you can purchase Rosemary Tincture at your local health store or buy conveniently on Amazon. You may want to look at Brain and Memory Tonic by Herb Pharm. This tincture has several herbs in it that work together for great memory retention. The formula blends Certified Organic herbs like Gotu Kola, Gingko leaf, fresh Skullcap, Sage leaf, and fresh Rosemary leafy tip. All crafted without synthetic solvents.
Precautions Using Rosemary
At high doses, rosemary can cause serious side effects such as vomiting, spasms, coma and pulmonary edema.
Pregnant and nursing women should avoid taking rosemary as a supplement or at high doses because it is known to have emmenagogue that stimulates menstrual flow and abortive effects.
Also, individuals with high blood pressure, ulcers and inflammatory bowel disease should avoid consuming rosemary.
It is advisable to consult a herbalist or medical practitioner before using rosemary for therapeutic purposes.
Another herb that you shouldn’t forget and it is probably available in the kitchen. Grab your sage now. It helps boost memory.
Sage
Besides giving food flavour, sage can be used for therapeutic purposes. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are beneficial to neurons and other brain cells.
Overall health benefits of sage
- Antifungal
- Antispasmodic
- Aid weight loss
- Alleviate skin conditions
- Boost immune system
- Eases menstrual symptoms
- Lower anxiety
- Manage diabetes
- Regulate digestion
- And certainly, improve brain function
Sage is a member of the mint family and is closely related to rosemary. As with rosemary, sage contains rosmarinic acid that has cognition and memory enhancing effects.
In 1597, English herbalist John Gerard wrote:
“singularly good for the head and brain and quickeneth the nerves and memory”
During the 17th century, another English herbalist, Nicholas Culpeper seconded Gerard,
“it will preserve faculty and memory”
Now, various studies have found sage to be promoting the said effects, verifying what these early herbalists gather from experience.
How to Use Sage
In cooking
Sage is an aromatic herb with a slightly bitter, woody taste. It enhances pork, lamb, poultry and sausages. Furthermore, it is a healthy addition to tomato-based sauces, soups and stews. Or simply add onto omelettes, bruschetta and pizza.
Drinking Sage Tea
Sage tea can be made the same way as rosemary tea.
This aromatic tea can boost acetylcholine levels in the brain which is considered to be the driving force behind its ability to improve memory retention.
Add 1 tablespoon of dried or 2 tablespoons of fresh sage to a mug of hot water. Steep for 5 – 7 minutes. Strain and add some honey if desired. Alternatively, add a tea bag for more flavour, such as Darjeeling or English Breakfast. Chai Rooibos Tea is another good option.
Ingesting Sage Tincture
Alcohol-based sage tincture extracts more of its medicinal properties, making it a little more potent and effective.
Make your own sage tincture using
- Dried or fresh sage
- Vodka, whisky or rum
- A pint jar
- A tincture/dropper bottle (cobalt blue or amber glass to keep out sunlight)
You need to
- Fill the jar half full with dried sage or completely full if using fresh sage (wash, completely dry and chop)
- Fill to the top with vodka or preferred alcohol
- Shake the jar every couple of days for the first week
- Store in a cool dark place for another 5 weeks
- Strain the mixture and transfer to a tincture bottle
This tincture can be taken directly under the tongue, or mixed with juice, warm water, or tea. A commonly recommended dose is a ¼ teaspoon or two droppers full, 2-3 times per day when needed.
Precautions Using Sage
While the amounts of sage typically used in cooking are safe, it can be dangerous when consumed at high doses or when used for a prolonged period.
The chemical compound, thujone and camphor, may cause adverse effects such as seizures, and liver and kidney damage.
Pregnant women should not take sage because thujone may cause uterine contractions.
Individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions should not take sage as it may interact with various medications including sedatives, anticonvulsants and diabetes medication.
Always consult a herbalist or health care professional to ensure correct usage and safety.
All in All
Now, you have the answer to the question – what is the best way to improve memory. Use your herbs!
Rosemary and sage are mostly available in your kitchen. At times, hidden at the corner of the spice cabinet or pantry. Do not forget to use these herbs to boost your memory. Obviously, this is one of the most natural ways.
Use them more often in your cooking or brew a cup of herb tea. The tincture may need a longer period of time to prepare but once ready, it is very convenient to use.
Each individual is different with different needs and what works for you may not work for others. Rosemary and sage help to enhance memory, alertness and focus but it’s most effective when combined with other natural ways to improve memory.
- Needless to emphasize, sufficient quality sleep is absolutely needed.
- Physical exercise increases oxygen to the brain and thus helps to maintain alertness.
- Meditation is a powerful mental exercise which can improve cognition and focus.
I hope you will remember this post. There are many uses for herbs and improving memory is just one of them. Do not let your herbs sit at the corner for too long. Use them now!
You may be interested to read
- How to Lose Weight with Herbs – rosemary being one of them
- Best Herbs for Healthy Hair – rosemary and sage included
At A Glance – Herbs to Boost Your Memory
Need to buy herbs and spices
Please Leave a Comment
I would love to hear your thoughts on using herbs to boost memory. Or share your secret recipe for maintaining your memory retention. Leave them in the comments section below.
Consider Growing Your Own Herbs
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have fresh herbs for remedies and cooking all year round? If you do not have a herbs garden, I urge you to consider one. it need not be a garden. A few potted herb plants will suffice. It is a fun process and when you harvest your own herbs, I can see the sense of joy in you. Go on, find out more here.
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From the Corner of My Home – Spice up your Life with Herbs and Spices.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or medical professional, and this post should not be taken as medical advice. Please do your own research. The material on this blog is provided for informational purposes only. It is general information that may not apply to you as an individual and is not a substitute for your own doctor’s medical care or advice.
Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links as part of the Amazon Services LLC Associate program and other affiliate services. This means that cornerofmyhome.com receives a small commission by linking to Amazon.com and other sites at no cost to the readers.
Hi Sharon,
what great ways to improve memory. I had not heard as extensively as in your post about the powers of rosemary and sage. And yes, they are definitely easy to have in our homes and provide so many benefits for your health.
I liked how you mentioned the importance of sleep. I think in this modern world, sleep deprivation is among the common mistakes that people make which willl not let them lose weight, have a healthy lifestyle and of course, bad memory.
Loved your post,
Oscar
Hi Oscar,
Thanks for leaving your comments and kind words.
Do drop by periodically for more articles on usage of herbs and spices.
Good day!
Sharon
Good afternoon Sharon,
I really enjoyed your post on how one can improve one’s memory. The herbs Sage and Rosemary are also well known in Spain where I live.
I planted a Rosemary more than 35 years ago and it still is going strong. I love going out to break off a small branch and take off the green and cut it into small pieces. Garlic, onion, virgin olive oil, some salt and pepper and the rosemary and leave it standing for some hours. I cook potatoes in the peel and when ready cut them into small squares to then mix with the rest. I put it in the fridge and it makes a great salad.
Our memory suffers a lot because of the toxins in our environment, air, and water, man-made foods, you name it, it all has a bad influence on our brain. The cleaner one eats and for the rest, a healthy lifestyle will make us keep our memory for a long time.
Regards, Taetske
Oh Taetske, I wish I had a well grown rosemary plant. I am going to try your recipe. Thanks for sharing and leaving your comments.
There are so many uses for herbs and spices. Since you have abundant of rosemary, have you tried using them as home remedies for hair care? You may want to read about it here.
Have a great day!
Sharon
Good afternoon Sharon,
Thank you for replying to my comment.
In 1981 I was so lucky to come upon a 150-year-old farmhouse which I have converted into my little paradise. Well, it took me half my life and it was hard work but also fun.
Normally what I plant will grow. Some friends who are no good with orchids but always get them as presents pass them on to me and here in the house, they bloom a couple of times each year. Yes, I am a nature person.
I will check the link you have suggested, thank you.
Regards, Taetske
Thanks for checking in again Taetske.
Indeed, you have a green thumb. Hard work pays off and I am happy for you.
Go nature! Your little paradise must be awesome.
Sharon
Hi Sharon,
Great article!
Since I gave birth, my memory has become really bad. I always forget things, and it’s annoying! My father used to tell me that if we don’t use our head then will need to use our legs and he was right on this:) However, I love rosemary, I use it on almost all my foods, but I still suffer from poor memory. I have plenty of sage plants in my garden, so I will definitely give it a try.
Just a question, please. Is Omega 3 good for improving memory? If so, which of these plants is more efficient?
Thank you very much for this excellent post!
Hi Daniella,
Each individual’s body reacts differently with different needs. Perhaps the amounts of rosemary used in cooking is not enough to have effect. Or as you’ve mentioned, give sage a try. Just a kind reminder that over use of rosemary and sage may cause side effects. Please consult a certified herbalist or health care professional when the need arises.
I read an article released by University of Maryland Medical Center , omega 3 fatty acids are highly concentrated in the brain and appear to be important for cognitive (brain memory and performance) function.
And I found this site, Self Nutrition Data has a long list of herbs and spices that contain omega 3. Total omega 3 fatty acid in fresh rosemary is 632 mg. While ground sage has 781 mg. Check out the site.
Wish you well,
Sharon
Unfortunately for me I just had my finals, and this would your information on how to improve memory. I found this super helpful and I plan to use your tips; brain games, adequate sleep, and consuming healthy foods. I never knew rosemary will help my memory; I will incorporate rosemary into my meals, and maybe sage. Thank you for this information, I plan to come back and learn more!
I am glad you found this useful. No matter sitting for exam or not, it is still good to boost your memory if not maintaining it.
See you again!
This is valuable information! I never realized that there was memory boosting power in these common herbs in my own kitchen!
I couldn’t agree more that physical exercise and sufficient quality sleep are important. They seem to be the easiest things to neglect, and I believe that is a major link to a lot of the world’s health problems.
Thank you!
Thanks for dropping by and leaving your comments, Matt.
Good day!
Hi I visited your site and was most impressed with the content therein. I was not previously aware of the benefits of using herbs to assist against memory loss and noted the use of rosemary and sage especially. I will try out some of the recipes which you suggest. I will re-visit your site for reference again in future, especially to view the comprehensive product reviews, before i make purchases. Alan
Hi Alan,
Thanks so much for visiting and the positive comments. More articles and product reviews in the pipeline.
See you again soon!
Sharon
Absolutely love your site! It was so well put together and so informative. Keep up the great work, you are offering such a great service to people. Your site construction and use of media made it so appealing.
I love herbs also and try to incorporate them into our daily life. Thanks for more insight and encouragement.
Thanks Leslie. Drop by periodically for more useful articles. There are many uses for herbs and spices.
Take care and good day!
So many useful tip to use herbs and spices. Thank you for sharing specifics. How do you feel about essential oils? I’m assuming it would be just as effective, but curious what your thoughts are.
Also, how long do you think it would take to start to see a difference in memory changes after using herbs?
Hi Katie,
Nice to see you here. I have read a lot about essential oils and their benefits. Rosemary essential oil is great for memory enhancement. Personally, I do not use them because I find their aroma too strong. Furthermore, I like greens and always find interesting ways to use them naturally.
Rosemary essential oil must NOT be ingested or applied directly to the skin because it is extremely concentrated. Should you want to use it for a little mental boost, dilute it with equal parts of a carrier oil like almond oil or jojoba oil. Rub this diluted solution on your temples or wrist, or dab it under your nose whenever needed.
Using herbs to boost your memory can take at least six weeks before noticeable improvements occur. Each individual’s body reacts differently though. If you are using this method, please let me know how it turns out for you. Just a kind reminder not to overuse as I have mentioned in my article.
Good day and take care!
Sharon
Very useful information for enhancing the memory. I have actually had rosemary tea before. My mom would make it for me before tests to help me improve my memory. The only bad part was that she would use fresh plants to make it and it would be incredibly bitter. Honey did help with the bitterness. I only did it on and off though so it is difficult to know if I actually experienced any benefits. Perhaps I should do a two week challenge with the rosemary tea?
Hi Eva,
Thanks for dropping by and sharing your experience here. Each person’s body reacts differently and what works for you may not work for others. Nonetheless, if you decided to take the “rosemary for memory” challenge, do let me know the result. I am excited to know.
Take care and have a good day!
Sharon
Interesting! I didn’t know that these herbs were so good for improving memory.
I find that doing regular exercise is great for keeping my memory up to scratch and from now on I’ll definitely try and incorporate some of these herbs into my diet. Sage tea is something I’ve never tried!
Thanks for dropping by, Stephen.
Rosemary and sage are common cooking herbs and are readily available in our kitchen. Sometimes we forget to use them. Now, knowing that they are beneficial to our memory, remember to use them to make yourself a cup of tea every now and then. After you have tried them, tell me how it goes for you.
Good day!
Sharon
Hi Sharon,
I will need to start using Sage and Rosemary more often. Since I was first pregnant with my teenagers I felt like I started to lose my memory – in high school I had almost a photographic memory, now I sometimes forget why I entered a room. Ahhhhh. Hopefully I am not too far gone. 🙂 Your articles have me excited about herbs and spices.
No, Tara. You are good. You still remember your high school days!
I am glad this article has given you much information. But do note that each individual is different with different needs and what works for you may not work for others, vice-versa. Remember to have sufficient quality sleep, maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
Best wishes,
Sharon
Hi Sharon,
thanks for posting this great article!
We all can use a memory boost, especially as we grow older, and it’s so easy with this awesome info.
Best wishes,
Edwin
Hello Edwin,
Glad you drop by. While these common herbs and spices help boost our memory, always remember that sufficient quality sleep and plenty of exercises play an important role in improving memory.
Best regards,
Sharon
Hi Sharon
Great post! I have learn something so special from your post. I did not know that sage and rosemary could be this helpful. We all tend to go to the chemist when it comes to enhance our memory hability, that is what I did in college. Too bad I did not know it could be this cheap and fun to get the same result.
I am a fan of rosemary tea, but I think now I will have to add rosemary to my herbak tea list.
Thanks for sharing.
I am glad you found the information useful, Adyns. Surely. now you will remember rosemary and sage!
Cheers,
Sharon
Hello Sharon,
Without any confusion your post is a helpful and informative post. I know about the benefits of sage but did not know about the benefits of rosemary. I grow sage in container. From your post I come to know that rosemary helps to improve memory. But I always saw that my aunt give her children rosemary with their food. Now I realize why she added rosemary for her children’s food list. Thanks a lot Sharon for your important post. I will share your article to my bosom ones and will be waiting for your next post.
Can I grow rosemary by using container?
Hello Snigdha,
I am so happy you found value in this post. And thank you for sharing this.
Yes, you can grow rosemary in a container. I have one grown in a small pot. Most probably will have to transplant it to a bigger pot soon. I have written an article on growing herbs indoors year round. In fact, rosemary, oregano and thyme can be grown together in one pot because they share similar conditions. Read more about it here.
Best wishes,
Sharon