I’ve been thinking about rosemary because it's Memorial Day, and I happen to know that this evergreen, woody, perennial herb is associated with memory. (Not sure how I know this, but I’m glad I remembered.)
If you love plant symbolism, the meaning of rosemary is especially interesting to study. The plant is one of the oldest herbs known to our civilization, and has been cultivated for over 5,000 years. Christian folklore claims the plant can live for 33 years, which is the approximate age Jesus was when he died. There are many fascinating stories about rosemary, but for the purposes of this brief post, I’ll keep it focused on remembrance.
Historically, rosemary was believed to have properties that impart wisdom and improve memory. In ancient Greece, scholars used to wear rosemary wreaths on their heads in the belief that the herb helped them stay focused and enabled recall during examinations.
The plant was used in funerals and buried with the dead in hopes that their memory would never fade in the minds of the living. To this day, it’s used in war commemoration as a universal symbol of remembrance. People, particularly in Europe and Australia, honor those who have passed on by wearing sprigs of rosemary.
What’s interesting about the plant's association with memory is that there now appears to be some truth to it. In fact, it's supported by research. It turns out that there are compounds in rosemary oil that may be responsible for changes in memory performance. These compounds may act in the same way as the drugs that are licensed to treat dementia by causing an increase in a particularly effective neurotransmitter. Inhalation is one of the best ways to get this into our brain because the small molecules from the scent can pass into the bloodstream and then to the brain.
The discovery of this compound has caused a surge in the popularity of rosemary. Let's hope neuroscience continues to unearth more facts about the powerful effectiveness of this beautiful plant. In the meantime, if you’re a gardener, it's a wonderful reason to plant (and inhale) more rosemary. And if you’re a marketer, it could be a good time to explore memory enhancing scent as a marketing tool.
Before I forget, here's more information about choosing and planting rosemary from Texas A&M Agrilife Extension.
Commentaires