Sage the Miracle Herb - Benefits and Usage Methods
Sage is a herb that was appreciated for centuries by many cultures from around the globe. The aromatic mint-like herb is easy to grow indoors and outdoors, and survives winter cold with ease. Sage has always been valued for its ability to treat a wide range of ailments with its medicinal benefits. This includes coughs, asthma, bronchitis, angina, inflammation, depression, digestive, skin, and circulation disorders. Sage is primarily available in 5 different forms:
Fresh Sage Leaves
Using fresh sage leaves from your home grown sage plant is the most ideal way to use this herb. It can easily be added to your dishes to add flavour and aroma, and make any dish look fancy. Try lightly pan frying with butter for crispy and delicious luxurious add on.
Dried Sage Leaves
Fresh and dried sage leaves are easy to steep into a herbal infusion. The benefit of using dried leaves however come down to the ease of storage, and availability. Dried sage is easy to buy online, and in some groceries stores, in international isles. There are countless benefits to drinking sage tea like:
1. Increases intake of antioxidants including rosmarinic acid, and causes anti-inflammation
2. Accelerates wound healing and kills harmful bacteria and fungi
3. Prevents skin damage with its abundant camphor and carnosol compounds
4. Relieves oral pain and inflammation, as well as bad breath
5. Helps fight certain cancers
6. Decreases the chances of getting type 2 diabetes, and helps treat it by reducing blood sugar levels
7. Slows the development of Alzheimer’s disease, as well as improve mood and memory
8. Reduces breastmilk production in women who are weaning or have an overabundant supply
9. Reduces hot flashes in menopausal women
10. Diminishes the risk of heart disease by improving triglyceride and cholesterol levels
Sage Essential Oil
Sage essential oil is extracted from the leaves and buds of the plant, and has a distinct yet refreshing scent that can be used on the skin as a balm, or gently inhaled as part of aromatherapy treatment. The following are some benefits of sage essential oil:
1. Reduces stress and regulates emotions when sprayed using a mist bottle
2. Heals dermatological infections caused by bacteria when rubbed on in diluted amounts
3. Decreases depression naturally when diffused and inhaled
4. Reduces menstrual cramps if applied on using an essential-oil-infused cream
Disclaimer: Sage contains thujone, which can be toxic in high doses, so do NOT consume in essential oil format (10 drops have enough toxins to affect you)
The use of any type of essential oil should be discussed with your doctor before you start using it.
Sage essential oil should be avoided for people with low blood pressure.
Sage Water Distillate
Sage water is used in middle eastern traditions to treat nausea. It has an immediate effect on the person, and works best if it has a higher concentration. It is safe for consumption by kids, seniors, and even pregnant women. You would only need an espresso shot of sage water to have the effects kick in. After 4-7 minutes, you either vomit and feel relieved, or your nausea subsides depending primarily on the source of your nausea. Finding sage water might be the trickiest in this list, but if you have nausea on the weekly, monthly, or are pregnant, this is a must have product in your pantry.
Dried Sage Bundles
Sage bundles can be burned for smudging purposes. The smoke emitted has been traditionally used to safeguard against negativity that could interfere with our wellbeing, and our home setting. Sage contains compounds that help ease insomnia and soothe anxiety, so burning it helps improve sleep and emotional wellbeing.
For more information about Sage tea benefits check https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/sage-tea#The-bottom-line
For more information about Sage essential oil benefits check
https://www.healthline.com/health/clary-sage#benefits
For more information about Sage burning benefits check
https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-burning-sage#symptom-relief