If you find yourself forgetting a few of life's little essentials, one of your favorite herbs might come to the rescue. Rosemary contains important antioxidants and other compounds that help to prevent inflammation in the brain and slow the breakdown of neurochemicals vital to memory. (Remember Shakespeare's famous line, "There's rosemary, that's for remembrance"?) Here are four ways to use this fragrant plant:

• Drink it. To make your own unforgettable brew, tuck a tablespoon of fresh rosemary leaves into a tea ball (one tablespoon, if you're using dried) and steep it in the pot with your favorite black or green tea. Sweeten with honey.

• Rinse your hair with it. Make a double-strength rosemary tea (two tablespoons, brewed with 4-5 cups of boiling water, steeped for 10 minutes). Cool and use the tea to rinse your hair after a shampoo.

• Bathe in it. Pour the double-strength tea into a warm bath and step in for a long soak.

• Sniff it. Scientists at the University of Cincinnati say that the scent of rosemary is an effective memory stimulant. Place a small plant on your desk where you can pet and sniff it often.