Rosemary and Lavender Oils Affect Cognition and Mood Differently

Heather Callaghan

Ancient Greeks held essential oils in the highest esteem, believing that rosemary oil in particular could improve memory. In the 15th century, rosemary was believed to be a disinfectant. The documented clinical use of essential oils for mood-disorders goes back to 1920s Europe. Throughout the centuries, people have reported the same effects for the same oils.

In the last decade, researchers who hadn't often officially studied essential oils, wanted to know - Is this just a belief? Or do these claimed far-reaching complex oils produce an actual biological shift?

In a controlled blind study in 2003, published in International Journal of Neuroscience, researchers not only confirmed one wide belief about rosemary oil, but unwittingly showed the importance of knowing the recommended uses of oils like lavender.