Rosemary helps your memory!? Historically people throughout the ages have thought that this was the case. In Ancient Greece students facing important examinations would braid rosemary sprigs into garlands and wear them on their heads while studying. The thought behind it was that it would help them remember more of what they were studying and they would do better on the test. What is interesting is that science has given us even more reason to believe there is something to it. According to one study, scientists have found that inhaling rosemary essential oil daily led to a staggering 226% improvement in verbal memory test scores. The secret lies in a compound called 1,8-cineole, which quickly enters the bloodstream and brain, enhancing memory by preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine, the brain’s main memory-related neurotransmitter.
The Archaeological Site of the Lyceum is the location where Aristotle taught people like Alexander the Great. It’s possible that it was common practice at the school to hang rosemary around their necks and on their heads to help them remember more of what they were studying. A distinguishing factor about the school is that they would walk as they listened to the lecture. This is something I find very interesting as it does seem that the creative energies flow a little better when one is walking.
I did not know this, but there is a modern type of school that is similar to Aristotle’s walking method, they are called forest schools, and they started in Scandinavia. There are lots of these schools in the Scandinavia area and there are a few options here in Texas that I found.
Here are some interesting links to explore if you are intrigued; https://www.earthnativeschool.com – This is one is in Austin https://barefootuniversity.org -for homeschoolers – https://courier.unesco.org/en/articles/learning-among-trees-denmark – Denmark – https://creativestarlearning.co.uk/developing-school-grounds-outdoor-spaces/mulleborg-an-outdoor-swedish-pre-school/ – Sweden
In closing I suppose we should all go for a walk as we listen to the latest
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