From ancient times sage has been an essential spice in cooking. Sage is well known for its digestive aid but there is much more this simple herb can do.
Better Brain Function
For centuries Sage has been used to treat cerebrovascular diseases. Researchers have confirmed what herbalists have known for a long time; sage is a great memory enhancer. One of the cognitive tests concluded that consuming sage extract helps in memory and cognition. The other research found out that some modern drugs that fight Alzheimer’s disease include the active chemicals which are found in Sage. The results as said by researchers are very promising and they need to continue the research for more findings.
Sage is rich with essential oil with a very soothing smell. This oil is used in aromatherapy lessening the feelings of stress and depression. Sage tea is also considered to help anxiety. The research concluded that consuming 600 milligrams of sage helped subjects become more alert while being calm.
Anti-Oxidant/Anti-Inflammatory Actions
Sage contains rosmarinic acid which helps lessen inflammatory responses by altering the concentrations of inflammatory messaging molecules. The same acid also works as an antioxidant. The leaves and stems of the sage plant also contain antioxidant enzymes which help stabilize oxygen-related metabolism and prevent oxygen-based damage to the cells. Adding sage to food is recommended for people with inflammatory conditions as well as bronchial asthma, and atherosclerosis.
The essential oil of sage contains thujone, camphor, and cineole, which are antioxidant and antimicrobial agents. The volatile oils in sage kill bacteria, making the herb useful for all types of bacterial infections. Applying sage directly to the skin is helpful versus cold sores, acne, gum disease, and sore throat. The ability of sage to protect oils from oxidation has also led some companies to experiment with sage as a natural antioxidant additive to cooking oils that can extend shelf life and help avoid rancidity.
Possible Diabetes Prevention
Nowadays there are a lot of sugary treats we love and consume and the chance of getting diabetes is higher. Studies have reported that sage might be hypoglycemic, lowering the blood sugar by blocking the glucose stored in the liver. Although more research needs to be done to prove whether sage truly helps diabetes, it is still recommended not to consume it in high amounts if a person uses diabetes medication so that the blood sugar does not go too low.
Other things Sage can be good for
Sage contains phytosterols that might help reduce excessive sweating. It can help reduce the uterine bleeding and soothe the cramps. It also helps the properties that help dry up milk, as well as sage’s reported cooling action, also make it useful for treating diarrhea, colds, and excessive perspiration. It may be of value for menopausal hot flashes accompanied by profuse perspiration. Sage can dry up phlegm, and you can gargle with the tea to treat coughs and tonsil or throat infections. Sage also has been recommended as a hair rinse for dandruff, oily hair, or infections of the scalp. The herb reportedly restores color to gray or white hair. The essential oil of sage contains alpha and beta-thujone, camphor, and cineole, which are antioxidant and antimicrobial agents. The volatile oils in sage kill bacteria, making the herb useful for all types of bacterial infections.
