Sage herb (Salvia officinalis) is perennial plants, which actually originate from the Mediterranean region. Growth is strong and bushy. Sage prefers a sunny site with permeable, calcareous soil. It is characterized by the aromatic scent that exudes the leaves. The main harvest of sage (Salvia officinalis) takes place before the plant begins to bloom here are sage herb benefits
Sage herb has many medicinal properties. It is a stimulant, a diuretic, and an expectorant, it has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and also serves as an appetite enhancer. Because of these characteristics of sage (Salvia officinalis), sage tea benefits provide many health benefits.
Types of Sage herb (Salvia officinalis)
There are countless varieties of sage herb (Salvia officinalis), of which the most common varieties grown for medicinal or culinary purposes include the following:
- Clary Sage herb: It is characterized by strongly aromatic leaves and mostly used in throat gargle infusions and perfumeries.
- Three-Lobed Sage herb: This is a large perennial shrub with lobed leaves. Native to the Mediterranean countries, it is mostly used for making sage tea.
- Pineapple Sage herb: The fresh sage herb leaves of this variety are used to add flavor to drinks and desserts.
- Azure Sage herb: This variety is native to Mexico. It is a large plant with blue flowers and is used as an herbal panacea.
Ways of Using Sage herb
- Sage herb is available as dried leaves, liquid extracts, and essential oils. Whenever possible one should use fresh sage leaves instead of dried ones for maximum flavor.
- Sage is most commonly used as a spice or herb (fresh and dry) and lends a sweet, warm and earthy flavor to food.
- It is often used along with herbs like thyme, basil, and rosemary.
- Sage leaves are used as a seasoning or even as a marinade. It makes digesting meat easy on the stomach. It can be used as a seasoning to salads, tomato sauce, stir-fries, egg dishes. But it should be added only at the end of the cooking process for maximum flavor.
- Sage tea can be prepared by boiling a handful of sage leaves in a cup of water. Drinking sage tea twice daily for a month can help ease symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and improve health very nice one sage tea benefits.
Sage herb benefits (Salvia officinalis)
Strengthen Immune system
There are some antimicrobial properties that have been identified in sage, and while sage is usually consumed in relatively small quantities, you can make a topical application of sage oil and use it to prevent bacterial and viral infections that attack the body through the skin.
Helps in Digestion
The herb is a carminative and a digestive tonic. Its regular consumption stimulates appetite and aids in the smooth functioning of the digestive system. Sage has been used for treating intestinal cramps, flatulence, and indigestion.
Treatment of Asthma
The anti-spasmodic effect of sage reduces tension in smooth muscles and sage oil can be used for steam inhalation to prevent asthma attacks. Sage herb benefits in removing mucous congestion in the airways as well as preventing secondary infections.
Diabetes Management
Sage contains certain extracts and chemicals that mimic the drugs typically prescribed for managing diabetes. Sage appears to regulate and inhibit the release of stored glucose in the liver, preventing major fluctuations of blood sugar, which can help to prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes, or at least manage the condition if it has already manifested.
Menstrual problems
Sage herb contains phytoestrogens which help to treat menstrual problems. In menopausal women, it provides relief from hot flashes and night sweats. It helps regulate menses and abnormal blood flow.
Prevent Cancer
Sage is rich in flavonoids like apigenin, diosmetin, and luteoin which help to prevent certain type of cancers.
Cardiovascular Benefits
Three lobed sage contains a flavone called salvigenin. Its vascular relaxant effect provides protection against cardiovascular diseases.
Sage herb benefits for bones
Sage is a rich source of vitamin K, an essential vitamin for the body that isn’t found in many common foods. Vitamin K helps developing bone density and ensuring the integrity of our bones as we age. If you suffer from early signs of osteoporosis or have lived a rather nutrient-poor, sedentary lifestyle, your bone health is likely low.
Improves Memory
Sage may improve mood and mental performance in healthy young people and memory and attention in older adults. Sage herb benefits to enhance thinking and learning in older adults with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.
Help sleep better
Sage contains magnesium, which is a mineral that is directly linked to improving the quality, duration, and tranquility of sleep. Sage herb benefits to help regulate the metabolism, to help reduce sleep disorders and the occurrence of insomnia.
Sore Throat
Sage infusion has been found to be effective in the treatment of inflamed throat and tonsils as well as ulcerated throat. For this purpose, boil a pinch of dried sage leaves in about 100 ml of water and infuse for 15 minutes. Strain the concoction and sweeten it with some honey. Using this as a gargle twice a day will provide relief.
Sage herb benefits for skin (Salvia officinalis)
Toner for Oily Skin
Sage oil can be used as a great toner by regulating sebum production in oily complexion. You can prepare a home-made toner by boiling a spoonful of sage in about 250 ml water. Steep for 30 minutes and strain the concoction. Dab it on your face after cooling.
Anti-ageing
The antioxidants in sage reverse the signs of ageing such as wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. These antioxidants provide protection against free radicals that damage skin cells, causing premature aging of the skin. This herb is loaded with calcium and vitamin A, which protect your skin against the assault of free radicals and aid in daily cell regeneration, minimizing and delaying the onset of facial wrinkles.
Hair benefits of Sage herb (Salvia officinalis)
Darkens Hair
Sage can be used to darken and intensify hair color. All you need to do is use it as a final rinse after shampooing. An infusion of fresh sage leaves can darken gray hair as well as deepen the color of brown or black hair and impart shine to it.
For Hair Loss
Sage contains beta-sitosterol, a 5-alpha reductase compound which has been found to be effective in treating male pattern baldness. It is advisable to mix 3 to 4 drops of sage essential oil with equal amounts of rosemary and peppermint essential oils and dilute in 1 tbsp olive oil. Massage your scalp with it twice a day.
