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.

And another thing…
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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.