While our parents and grandparents are flat out lighting candles and praying to St Jude in the run up to exam season, apparently the people actually sitting the exams are being a little more practical.

Acknowledging that memory probably plays a bigger role in exam success than anything else, students across the UK and Ireland are turning to rosemary essential oil in order to boost their memories, and it all comes down to findings highlighted in a recent study.

With the help of 40 participants, researchers at the Northumbria University established that the herb's scent plays a part in memory control.

Dividing the group in two, researchers placed one group in a room diffused with rosemary oil while the other group was placed in an aroma-free room, and both groups were assigned memory-related tasks.

According to an ITV report, the study ultimately established that those in the rosemary-scented room performed better in the memory stakes than their counterparts.

Commenting on the findings, researcher Mark Moss provided possible reasons for the rosemary effect, saying: "It could be that aromas affect electrical activity in the brain or that pharmacologically active compounds can be absorbed when adults are exposed."

Since the study came to public attention, students have been flocking to stores in order to stock up, with Holland & Barrett confirming that sales have almost doubled compared since last year.

"Following the Northumbria University research pointing to a positive link between rosemary and memory in students, we saw a sharp rise in customer demand for our 100% pure Miaroma Rosemary Essential Oil, with sales increasing by almost 300 per cent on the previous week," a spokesperson for Holland & Barrett said.

"As exam season continues, we have increased provision in store to meet demand and our trained associates are on-hand as always to answer any questions customers may have about the benefits of aromatherapy and essential oils."

Something to think about…