Sage has been used in cooking since ancient times. Sage is a popular flavoring agent used in pickles and cheese.
This plant’s dried leaves are used in seasonings and stuffings. They can also be added to salads, soups or stews.
Sage leaves are used for mouth and throat irritations, hot flashes and insomnia. These myths may have been proven to be true by a substantial amount of analysis (1).
It’s possible that there is more to sage than what research has revealed. This article will examine the benefits of sage.
This article contains a number of useful articles.
What Are Sage Leaves?
What are the advantages of Sage?
What are the different types of Sage?
Benefits of Burning Sage
What are the lively elements in Sage?
Sage – Does it cause any drug interactions or facet results?
What Are Sage Leaves?
The sage (Salvia officiinalis) belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae). The plants have a distinctive aroma and beautiful flowers of many colours. Salvia officinalis, also known as kitchen/backyard sage and widespread sage (also called sage), is native to the Mediterranean region (1).
Sage was also used in ancient Egyptian, Roman and Greek medicine. In Native American rituals, dried leaves of sage are burnt to promote healing, knowledge, safety and longevity.
The leaves contain a wealth of essential oils and phenolic substances. The leaves are credited with the herb’s medicinal value (1).
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You can find a variety of sages, depending on their origin and composition, such as purple sage and pineapple sage. The sage family is one of the largest in terms of variety.
What are the advantages of Sage?
Sage is antiseptic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial. Sage is a powerful memory booster and can help control blood sugar levels and cholesterol when used in the right quantities.
- Could Enhance Memory And Cognition
Sage has been used in a variety of ways to help with memory loss and cognitive decline. This is most commonly seen in Alzheimer’s disease. The body’s enzymes are responsible for this decline in mental ability.
In most mental issues, the enzyme acetylcholinesterase degrades acetylcholine. These topics are treated with herbs and medicines that inhibit AChE (1).
In lab tests, the important oils of sage showed 46% AChE inhibitory effects. The natural extracts of sage can protect the brain cells (neurons), from the effects of ldl cholesterin accumulation and irritation (amyloid plaques).
- Could Fight Pores & Skin Ageing
Researchers have found that sage, and its components, could help to combat pores and skin aging. Sage could also enhance wrinkles through a photoimaging system (3).
Sclareol is a sage compound that’s widely used in perfumes. This compound is known to inhibit UVB-induced damage on the skin. This compound may also recover the epidermal thickening that has been reduced by UVB rays. The sclareol in lotions may increase wrinkles through increased cell proliferation (3).
- Might Promote Hair Progress
Sage is rich in antioxidants which can help to reduce the growth of new grey hair. Sage’s pure oils strengthen hair roots and promote healthy hair growth.
There is no proof to show that sage has a direct effect on hair growth.
- Could Lower Ldl cholesterol Levels
High levels of LDL cholesterol (unhealthy ldl) and low HDL cholesterol (good) can lead to severe metabolic and cardiovascular problems. A combination of herbs such as sage and other foods or drugs can help to stabilize plasma lipid profiles. Although the tea does not affect glucose regulation it can be used to treat people with diabetes.
According to animal studies, Chinese sage tea extracts and Chinese language sage can lower plasma ldl, LDL and triglycerides. The extracts may also increase HDL levels (1), (4).
Sage extract can enhance your body’s antioxidant activity. It prevents the oxidation of amassed lipids and protects you from diabetes, atherosclerosis(clogged Arteries), and different inflammatory ailments (1), (4).
- Could Assist in Diabetes Treatment
In many countries, this herb is used to treat diabetes. Many experiments have reported the lowering of glucose levels in their subjects. Its extracts could do this without affecting pancreatic insulin production (1).
Infusions of tea sage have a similar effect on your body as metformin. In fact, they’re as effective as the drug used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes (1).
The antioxidant concentration in your body will be increased by drinking 300 ml sage tea two times a day. These antioxidants protect the liver and heart from chemical pressure that is usually a result of diabetes (1).
- Might Management Menopausal Signs
Menopause is characterized by major hormonal changes that affect your body. Menopause is characterized by hot flashes, night sweats, palpitations, dizziness and complications. These signs are a result of an estrogen imbalance.
Sage has long been used to treat menopausal symptoms. In 2011, a study was conducted on women with hot flashes to demonstrate its effectiveness. The women who were treated with one pill/day of modern sage leaves showed a 64% reduction in the intensity of their flashes.
This herb calms and reduces excessive sweating. There are no reports of adverse effects of this natural extract. However, further research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of sage in the treatment of menopausal symptoms (6).
- Might Assist Weight Loss
Weight problems has been linked to diabetes and hypertension. It is also associated with kidney and heart disease. Herbs such as sage have a direct impact on lipid digestion, and fat accumulation.
This herb’s active elements interfere with the pancreatic enzymes. Carnosic and carnosol diterpenes found in sage are involved with this exercise.
These molecules also stop the increase in serum triglyceride levels and slow down weight gain. It is possible that there are enough experimental evidences to prove the safety of sage as an anti-obesity drug (1).
- Might Enhance Oral Well being
This Mediterranean herb is a powerful antibacterial. Researchers have found that sage can inhibit the growth of bacteria like Bacillus subtilis, Enterobacter Cloacae and Bacillus subtilis.
The antimicrobial effects were also seen in microorganisms that cause dental caries, such as Streptococcus Mutans, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, etc. These results could be due to the important oils found in sage leaf (1).
Sage extracts used in mouthwash or mouth rinse reduced the number of bacteria on plaques from 3900 to 300 (pre-treatment).
This herb can protect enamel against acute and powerful dental problems in both children and adults.
Trivia
Sage can cease/decelerate diarrhea. It relaxes intestine muscles by activating the potassium and calcium channel. You may experience fewer and milder abdominal spasms.
Due to its antioxidant properties tea or other infusions made from these leaves can be used as a detox drink. It is said that the herb can purify your blood of free radicals and correct circulatory disorders.
- Might Scale back Most cancers Threat
According to medical research, sage extracts may inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells (angiogenesis). This plant contains ursolic acid, which, according to proof (1), suppressed melanoma cell invasion, colonization, and metastasis.
In a different research on colorectal cancer, the active compounds in sage stopped the DNA damage of healthy cells. These antioxidants eliminate free radicals, such as hydrogen peroxide, that cause DNA damage (1).
Diterpenoids, sesquiterpenes and so on. The sage roots were isolated and the anticancer effects on colon and liver cancer cells have been confirmed. Similar outcomes have been reported for skin, prostate and intestinal cancer cells (1).
Sage comes in many varieties, but not all of them have been acknowledged for their medicinal properties.
What are the different types of Sage?
NAME/LATIN NAMED ORIGIN/NATIVITY
Backyard Sage (Salvia offficinalis) Europe
Canary Islands sage (Salvia Canariensis), Africa
Southern California Mexican bush sage, Salvia leucantha
Autumn sage, Salvia greggii, Southern California
Salvia brandegei Santa Rosa Island and N. Baja California
Salvia gesneriifloraMexico to Columbia
Salvia dorisianaHonduras
Salvia wagneriana Guatemala, Costa Rica
Salvia discolorPeru
Salvia dolomiticaSouth Africa
Cleveland Sage (Salvia deltoides) San Diego, Baja California
Black Sage (Salvia melifera) Owens Peak, (northeast from Palomar Faculty).
Valley Sage (Salvia Funerea) Death Valley
Thistle Sage (Salvia carduacea)Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
San Diego County (central and Northern California): Creeping Sage, Salvia sonomensis
Munz Sage, (Salvia Munzii), San Diego County and Baja California
Salvia spathacea, Pitcher Sage and Hummingbird Sage. Sonoma County north of California to Orange County.
Rose Sage (Salvia Pachyphylla), Southern California
Wild sage (Salvia Lyrata) in the Jap region of America
Salvia tomentosa Mill. Mediterranean area
Salvia triloba, Salvia fruticosa and Salvia fruticosa are native to the Mediterranean and Center Jap nations.
There are many other wild and unclassified varieties of sage. Each of them are used differently in food, medicine, and rituals. Sage is widely used to treat digestive and inflammatory issues. The teas and extracts of sage are effective against bronchial asthma, coughing, blood circulation problems, etc. (1).
Benefits of Burning Sage
Smudging (or burning sage) is a religious tradition that dates back centuries. There may be a specific species of sage in it (9). Certain health benefits include increased alertness and antimicrobial qualities. Burning sage has been deemed a traditional treatment for anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. We’d still like to see more concrete results.
In a second study on cognitive science it was discovered that the active compounds in sage can enhance cognition (2). It will take more analysis to understand the mechanisms behind these effects.
Smoke from medicinal herbs has been shown to be able to remove up 94 percent of microorganisms in an area (10). It remains to be seen if sage will produce similar results. When sage is burnt, some believe that it releases unfavourable electrons, which can give people a positive energy.
The herb’s biochemical profile is responsible for all of these benefits. The active molecules act as anti-inflammatory agents, antioxidants, antimicrobials, and pain relievers. In the next part, we will explore them in detail.
What are the lively elements in Sage?
Sage leaves are a source of important oils. Oil contains about 28 different elements. They are grouped in many different places and types (1).
The principal components are, however, cineole (camphor), borneol (borneol), viridiflorol (thymol), phytol and geraniol (1).
The opposite polyphenolic substances present on this herb are salvianolic, rosmarinic, carnosolic, ursolic, and caffeic acids (1).
These phytochemicals work together to give you the health benefits listed above. It’s no surprise that the ancient Egyptians, Romans and Greeks all swore by Sage!
How will you use this holy herb? How can you harness the healing benefits of sage in your life?
Cook dinner using it just like the Mediteranneans!
Scroll down to find a quick, healthy, and delicious recipe that uses sage.
Sage Wholesome Recipe
What You Want
Spaghetti: Half pound or 250 grams
Butter: 4 tablespoons
Sage leaves in contemporary form: 10-12
Half a lemon, juiced
Parmesan cheese: 12 cup grated
Half a teaspoon of salt
Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
Skillet: medium-large sized
Boiling Pot: Medium-sized
Let’s Make it!
Follow the instructions on the package to prepare spaghetti.
Drain the water. Add about half a cup to each individual.
Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
Place a medium skillet over medium warmth.
Add sage to the butter.
Cook the meal until the butter turns brown and the leaves become almost crispy (about 7 minutes).
Add lemon juice to the mix.
Add the butter-tossed Sage to the pasta cooked and toss to coat.
Stir gently in the pasta water.
Cook the meal at medium heat until water is absorbed.
Mix the salt and pepper together.
Sprinkle the Parmesan on top.
Serve hot when the cheese has just melted. Enjoy it with some contemporary garlic bread (and possibly wine)!
Sage leaves can be used to season salads, make vinaigrettes and sauces or meat/fillet dressings.
If you’re a tea lover, this is one herb that you shouldn’t overlook. The leaves are just as useful in the form of sage tea.
The aroma can be overwhelming if you use too many leaves. Some people may also dislike the taste of sage in their food.
You can use thyme or marjoram in small amounts, as well as poultry seasonings, savory or rosemary. But be careful how much you use.
Do you have to be concerned about herb-drug interactions or dangers when using sage? It’s wild, after all. Find out in the next part.
Sage – Does it cause any drug interactions or facet results?
There are no reports of toxic effects or adverse results from sage. The US Food and Drug Administration (12) has generally deemed it safe. You can use it as a seasoning or spice in your meals.
The leaves contain thujone, a compound in excess quantities. Thujone in large quantities could have had opposite results (1).
The use of large quantities or prolonged use of sage oil or leaf could result in nausea, vertigo and salivation. It can also cause allergic reactions, seizures or tongue swallowing.
It is therefore important to discuss this herb with your doctor. Tell them about your dietary habits and medical history. To avoid unwanted reactions, follow the directions and dosage prescribed by your doctor.
In Brief
Sage is an old herb and spice. The use of sage in food and medicine dates back to ancient Egypt and Greece. This herb’s fragrant leaves are used for memory, digestion and immunity.
You can find sage in tinctures and liquids as well as tablets, capsules, and lozenges. It can be used as a tea or to spice up a variety of dishes. Talk to your doctor to find out what’s best for you.
Often Requested Questions
Can you get sick from eating too much sage?
The chemical thujone is present in sage and it may have an impact on your nervous system. Additional consumption of sage can result in restlessness and seizures. It could also cause vomiting, vertigo, tremors or a feeling of nausea.
Can I drink sage tea each day?
According to research, sage tea is safe for consumption between 3 and six cups per day (14).
Can I eat sage that has not been cooked?
Uncooked sage should not be consumed. It’s available in dried or fresh form, but it isn’t really consumed uncooked.
Does burning sage harm your lungs or not?
Some people believe that burning sage can remove microbes in the air. Others are concerned it could hurt their lungs. Please consult your doctor as the analysis is not clear.