Shakespeare’s “Remembrance” Herb Protects Memory
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted April 18, 2025
You probably have a jar of rosemary sitting in your spice rack.
Perhaps you sprinkle it on potatoes or add it to roast chicken.
But what if this humble herb could hold the key to fighting one of the most devastating diseases we can face as we age?
It turns out a hidden compound inside rosemary could shield your brain from Alzheimer’s…
Scientists say carnosic acid, a compound found in rosemary and sage, could revolutionize the fight against Alzheimer’s.
Their groundbreaking research, published in the journal Antioxidants, details the remarkable effects a stable derivative of carnosic acid had on the brains of mice with Alzheimer’s-like conditions.
When the mice received the treatment:
- Their memory significantly improved
- They developed more neural connections (synapses)
- The removal of toxic proteins linked to Alzheimer’s increased
- Brain inflammation plummeted
If you’re thinking, “Wait, this sounds familiar,” you’re not wrong.
Rosemary has a long history as a brain-boosting herb. Ancient Greeks wore rosemary garlands while studying to improve their memory. Shakespeare even mentions rosemary’s link to memory in Hamlet when he has Ophelia say, “There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance.”
But now, modern science is catching up with what traditional healers have known for centuries.
We’re still years away from a carnosic-acid-based Alzheimer’s drug, but there’s no reason not to take advantage of some of rosemary’s benefits now.
You can add fresh or dried rosemary to your meals. The fragrant herb pairs perfectly with chicken, potatoes, and roasted vegetables. Or make a simple rosemary tea by steeping fresh sprigs in hot water.
Of course, sprinkling rosemary on your dinner won’t cure (or prevent) Alzheimer’s. But it can be a valuable addition to a brain-healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, quality sleep, plenty of social interactions, and a diet rich in other anti-inflammatory foods.
Remember, sometimes the most powerful “medicine” comes from a recipe instead of a prescription.
Here’s what else we’ve covered this week in Living Well Daily…
Ancient Herb Has a Modern Secret for Youthful Skin
Ginseng’s secret ingredient, Compound K, is making waves in anti-aging research. Discover how it boosts collagen, reduces inflammation, and may become the next big thing in skincare—naturally.
The “Salty” Truth About Your Mood
Feeling down? New research shows that too much salt may trigger immune responses in the brain linked to depression. Discover how your diet could be affecting your mood—and what you can do about it.
Drive-Thru Disaster Hits Fast Forward on Aging
A new study reveals that a fast-food habit doesn’t just expand your waistline, it also fast-forwards your biological clock. So, what’s REALLY going on here? Let’s take a closer look…
Sleepless Nights? Beware of this Deadly Danger
A disturbing new study reveals just how quickly sleep deprivation wreaks havoc on your body. Shockingly, it could even send you to an earlier grave.
Mailbag: Can A Diabetic Enjoy Desserts? The Surprising Answer.
Diabetes causes sugar to build up in your bloodstream triggering cell and nerve damage. So, can diabetics ever indulge in sweets? The answer might surprise you…
Hidden Sugar Trap Fuels Lung Cancer
A new study shows how the Western diet could help lung cancer thrive. Learn how sugar and fat lead to glycogen buildup—and how to protect yourself naturally.
Is Your Gut “Good”? How to Check
Is your digestive system working efficiently? This simple at-home test reveals whether your digestion is normal or not.
P.S. Nature’s brilliant secret for better brain health.
Source:
Banerjee, P.; Wang, Y.; Carnevale, L.N.; Patel, P.; Raspur, C.K.; Tran, N.; Zhang, X.; Natarajan, R.; Roberts, A.J.; Baran, P.S.; et al. diAcCA, a Pro-Drug for Carnosic Acid That Activates the Nrf2 Transcriptional Pathway, Shows Efficacy in the 5xFAD Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease. Antioxidants 2025, 14, 293.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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