Dezember 2024
3 Minuten Lesezeit
Were the Ancient Greeks and Shakespeare Right?
In der griechischen Mythologie ist die Geschichte, die zur Geburt der Aphrodite, der Göttin der Liebe und Schönheit, führte, auch der Ursprung des Rosmarins.
Kronos, der jüngste der zwölf Titanen, beendete die Herrschaft seines Vaters, indem er sich mit einer Sichel die Männlichkeit abtrennte und sie ins Meer warf. Aus dem Schaum, der daraufhin in der Ägäis und im Mittelmeer entstand, wurde Aphrodite geboren. Auch Rosmarin begann genau dort zu wachsen, wo dieser Schaum an Land gespült wurde.
Neben seiner Rolle in mythologischen Erzählungen wird auch erzählt, dass Schüler im antiken Griechenland Rosmarinkränze trugen, insbesondere während Prüfungen, um ihre Konzentration und ihr Gedächtnis zu verbessern . Manchmal sieht man Rosmarin sogar auf dem Haupt von Bräuten.
Auch in großen literarischen Werken finden sich Spuren von Rosmarin. In William Shakespeares Hamlet sagt die schöne Ophelia zu ihrem Bruder Laertes:
- Da ist Rosmarin, der steht für Erinnerung; beten, lieben, gedenken.
Rosemary essential oil, nearly as ancient as the use of rosemary itself, is composed of rich chemical compounds. While its composition varies depending on the region where it is produced and the distillation method used, the main active components are 1,8-cineole (30-50%), camphor (10-20%), and alpha-pinene (10-25%).
According to a study (1) analyzing the results of 76 different aromatherapy studies involving 6,539 participants, it was found that in 70% of the studies, participants who received aromatherapy experienced a reduction in stress levels compared to those who did not.
Aligned with literary and mythological narratives, there are also studies suggesting that inhaling rosemary essential oil improves memory and cognitive performance while reducing stress and anxiety. In an experiment involving 20 volunteers (2), changes in participants’ mood and blood values were recorded at the beginning and end of the trial. Results revealed a linear relationship between increased levels of 1,8-cineole in the blood and improved logical reasoning and visual information processing performance. This supports the idea that the compounds in rosemary essential oil independently influence cognition and subjective states through different neurochemical pathways.
Another fascinating scientific study in this field (3) focuses on the effects of aromatherapy using rosemary and lavender essential oils. Conducted on 337 students during their graduation exams, the results revealed that rosemary essential oil reduces levels of cortisol, also known as the stress hormone, thereby protecting the body from oxidative stress. Here are the details:
In the first exam, no intervention was applied to the students, while during the second exam, students were allowed to inhale lavender essential oil through a breathing device. The third exam was conducted using rosemary essential oil. Before and after all the exams, students underwent a test for performance anxiety, and their pulse and blood pressure values were recorded.
While no significant difference was observed between the pre and post-measurements of the first experiment, the results of the second and third experiments revealed notable differences.
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The results of the performance anxiety tests in the second and third exams indicate that students who received aromatherapy experienced a reduction in stress levels.
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Post-exam pulse measurements also show a noticeable decrease in the second and third exam.
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While blood pressure, known as an indicator of prolonged stress, did not show a significant difference between pre and post-exam values, the fact that it remained stable is interpreted as a sign of low anxiety levels.
In summary, scientific studies show that rosemary and its essential oil offer numerous mental and physical benefits, in line with its traditional uses.
Disclaimer: The information we share about essential oils is derived from scientific studies examining their biochemical effects and is not intended as medical advice for the treatment of any condition. The findings of these studies do not provide guidance on how essential oils should be used. Please remember that the most reliable way to safeguard your health is to consult health professionals who follow in the footsteps of Hippocrates.
References
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Hedigan, F., Sheridan, H., & Sasse, A. (2023). Benefit of inhalation aromatherapy as a complementary treatment for stress and anxiety in a clinical setting – A systematic review. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 52, 101750. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2023.101750
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Moss, M., & Oliver, L. (2012). Plasma 1,8-cineole correlates with cognitive performance following exposure to rosemary essential oil aroma. Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology, 2(3), 103–113. https://doi.org/10.1177/2045125312436573
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McCaffrey, R., Thomas, D. J., & Kinzelman, A. (2009). The effects of lavender and rosemary essential oils on cognitive function and mood. Holistic Nursing Practice, 23(2), 88-93. https://doi.org/10.1097/HNP.0b013e3181a110aa