Study participants were then given various tests to assess their memory functions, including finding hidden objects and passing specified objects to researchers at a particular time.
The results, presented at the British Psychological Society’s annual conference in Harrogate, UK showed that those in the rosemary-scented room performed better on the prospective memory tasks than those in the room with no scent.
Another human study in 2012 which involved inhaling rosemary found that blood levels of a rosemary oil component 1,8-cineole improved cognitive performance especially in tests for speed and accuracy tests, and also improved mood especially feelings of contentedness.
Spearmint is rich in 1,-8-cineole, as are oils like eucalyptus, tea tree, Spanish sage, ginger and bay laurel.
Additional Benefits
Though rosemary can be used in many cooking recipes to flavour poultry or even to add an extra something to bread dough, on the list of its many talents, health benefits appear.
Not only is it a rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, but also it can be used to treat indigestion. Rubbed into the scalp it may boost hair regrowth and, according to a 2010 study, rubbed into beef as a marinade it may reduce cancer-causing agents that can form during cooking.
Spearmint, also packed with antioxidants and good for digestion, has been said to have anti-fungal properties, as well as properties that could help treat mild hirsutism in women.