We all know that scent is inextricably tied to memory, right? Get a whiff of a certain perfume, a particular flower, somebody’s individual scent or something baking, and suddenly you’ll be transported to a particular place and time— the first day of school, your first kiss, Christmas morning. All of us associate individual smells with events and important times in our lives. Did you know, though, that one smell in particular can not only be associated with memories, but increase and strengthen them? According to Complete Health and Happiness, it’s the scent of a favorite kitchen herb: rosemary!

From the ancient Greeks to Shakespeare’s Hamlet to now, people have always associated rosemary with memory, and now there’s scientific evidence that suggests there’s a real connection between the herb and the way our brains retain information and events. Complete Health and Happiness explains:

The compounds in rosemary herb are said to prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, which is a chemical that induces the brain cells that are responsible for memory and reasoning to communicate with one another.

In a series of tests rosemary essential oil from the herb increased the chances of remembering to do things in the future, by 60-75 per cent compared with people who had not been exposed to the oil.

A study published in the Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology suggests that the chemical compound 1,8-cineole is responsible for improved memory function. According to the study, subjects inhaled rosemary extract before performing certain tasks while their stress levels, mood, speed and accuracy were tested.

Interesting! We love how much there’s still to learn about the natural world. The next time you’re hoping to remember something, try hopping into your kitchen and giving your rosemary a whiff. Not only will you always associate the smell with that day, you’ll likely retain the information that much better. So tell us— will you try it?