Sage is a perennial fragrant herb that has received recognition not only in culinary practice, but also in folk and evidence–based medicine.

Modern science has confirmed many medicinal properties of sage, known since ancient times.

It is used to prepare decoctions, teas, tinctures and lotions that comprehensively improve health and reduce the risk of developing the most dangerous diseases, including cancer, stroke and myocardial infarction.

How it is useful – 8 facts

8 facts about the benefits of taking sage for our body are described below (based on evidence)

1. It has a rich composition

Sage saturated biologically active substances:

Sage, in comparison with other medicinal plants, is the leader in vitamin K content. It also contains small amounts of vitamins C, A and E.

The high level of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances in the composition of the herb deserves special attention.

Antioxidants neutralize free radicals formed during oxidative stress. These aggressive molecules are capable of calling such chronic diseases as type II diabetes mellitus, depression, obesity, vascular atherosclerosis, etc. Installed there is a direct link between the abundance of free radicals and the incidence of malignant tumors.

The main antioxidant substances in the composition of sage plants are chlorogenic, rosemary, ellagic acids, rutin.

Anti-inflammatory properties have also been identified. Scientists from Britain and Tunisia confirmed reduction of key markers of chronic inflammation in the blood after ingestion of sage.

Specialists of Isfarayen University (Iran) claim that antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances underlie all the beneficial properties of sage.

2. Reduces cholesterol levels

The works of Portuguese experts show that taking 300 ml of sage tea 2 times a day for 4 weeks leads to a decrease in the concentration of total cholesterol in the blood by 16%, "bad" by 20%, as well as an increase in the level of beneficial lipids by 38%.

Similar data identified and Iranian specialists. They compare the effectiveness of the product with some medications, for example, statins.

Against the background of adequate lipid profile indicators, deposition is less common atherosclerotic plaques in the walls of the vascular bed and the development of pathologies such as coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction, stroke, chronic cerebral ischemia.

3. Improves skin health

Sage is a common facial and body skin care product in cosmetology.

This is due to the fact that the plant contains camphor in its composition. She needed for the coordinated growth and division of skin cells, preventing the formation of wrinkles.

According to German experts, sage (in the form of 2% ointment) can protect protect the skin from harmful solar ultraviolet radiation and help with infectious and inflammatory diseases.

Sage's ability has also been discovered facilitate the course of herpes infection, accelerate healing of any wounds and burns.

The healing properties described above are also realized due to pronounced antibacterial, fungicidal and antiviral effects.

4. Improves oral health

According to according to modern scientific ideas, sage is one of the most popular plants in dentistry. It is indicated for pain relief, treatment of inflammatory diseases and elimination of bad breath.

Its also common use to accelerate the healing of mucosal defects (after surgery) and eliminate the symptoms of colds and sore throats.

Pronounced antibacterial properties cause The expediency of adding sage to mouthwash after brushing teeth (for daily use).

5. Fights malignant tumors

Medicinal herb contains a number of anti-cancer compounds (carnosol, camphor, rosemary acid).

These substances demonstrated the ability (in laboratory conditions and in animal experiments) to destroy cancer cells without affecting healthy ones.

Greek scientists revealed reduction in the incidence of thyroid cancer on the background of regular consumption of tea with chamomile and sage.

Also detected the plant's ability to prevent malignant degeneration of colon cells. It is this form of cancer that has been breaking records in prevalence in recent years.

6. Reduces blood sugar levels

Sage is useful for people suffering from type II diabetes mellitus and people predisposed to this disease.

Specialists from one of the Iranian clinics installed that taking 500 mg of sage extract 3 times a day for several months leads to a marked decrease in the concentration of glucose in blood plasma and glycated hemoglobin, a marker of the glycemic background in the body over the past 2-3 months.

Scientists from Portugal discovered that the product can increase the sensitivity of peripheral tissue receptors to insulin. It is insulin resistance that underlies the development of type II diabetes mellitus.

Sage can do it on his own impact on insulin receptors (similar to the hormone insulin), thereby further reducing blood glucose levels.

At the same time, the effect of the herb is not associated with a change in the level of sex hormones and is equally effective in both women and men

7. Normalizes the work of the brain

In alternative medicine, the plant used to normalize the emotional background, Memory improvements and the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease).

The development of Alzheimer's disease is based on the formation of amyloid plaques in the tissues of the central nervous system. Rosemary acid, which is part of sage, is not only reduces there is a risk of formation of these proteins, but it can also reduce their number.

Research carried out under the supervision of scientists from the UK, show that taking herbs has a positive effect on cognitive sphere (memory, attention, thinking) and Improves mood .

Sage can be used to prevent any depressive disorders.

8. Supports reproductive health

In the countries of the East sage applies to relieve symptoms of toxicosis (e.g. nausea) during pregnancy. In folk medicine, it is also used to get pregnant.

Also a plant allows reduce the production of breast milk in situations where it is released in excessive amounts.

Underlined the effectiveness of the plant during menopause. With oral use, the probability of hot flashes decreases by 64%, and the symptoms are smoothed out.

Safety and harm

Sage is considered a safe and useful plant, although it has contraindications. Side effects are rare against the background of use.

But in rare cases, the development of undesirable reactions is possible:

1. Toxic transformation of brain cells. With excessive use of sage (more than 6-12 tsp. per day), the substances that make up the plant can cause poisoning.
2. Reduced lactation. Breastfeeding women who produce breast milk in normal or low volumes should refrain from eating the plant.
3. Allergic reactions. Are registered mainly among representatives of Asian appearance. They manifest themselves in a mild form (itching, rashes). If you have an allergy to sage in the past, it is contraindicated.

Sage in any form (except tinctures) can be given to children. The conducted studies have not revealed any harm to the growing body.

How to use it?

It is permissible to use sage fresh, in the form of tea, decoction, essential oil or tincture.

The pharmaceutical industry produces a number of drugs containing sage extract.

In cooking, sage grass is used to flavor and decorate soups and fried dishes (pork, beef, lamb, less often chicken), added to vegetable salads.

The plant has been widely recognized in folk medicine. Let's focus on the most important recipes:

1. Decoction. Pour 4 tsp. sage 500 ml of boiling water, put on a slow fire. Bring to a boil and cook for about 20 minutes, cool. Take 50 ml 3 times a day.
2. Infusion. Pour 1 tsp. herbs 200 ml of boiling water, tightly cover the container, insist for at least 1 hour. Take 2 tablespoons orally 3 times a day (20 minutes before meals).
3. Tea. Pour ½ tsp of sage leaves into a glass, pour 200 ml of boiling water, brew for 10-15 minutes. Drink 1 glass 2-3 times a day.
4. Mouthwash. Pour 1 tbsp. l. of the product 200 ml of boiling water, stand for 15 minutes, strain. Dilute with cold water to 300 ml. Rinse the oral cavity with this composition 1 time a day after brushing your teeth.
5. Gadgets. Prepare a decoction, moisten a cotton swab in it. Lubricate the affected areas of the skin (eczema, dermatitis, acne) 3 times a day.

Conclusion

1. Sage is a valuable medicinal plant rich in antioxidant and anti–inflammatory compounds, vitamin K.
2. The herb improves the health of the skin and oral cavity, lowers cholesterol, fights cancer, type II diabetes mellitus and pathologies of the heart and blood vessels.
3. In gynecological practice, sage is indicated to alleviate the symptoms of menopause and eliminate the phenomena of toxicosis during pregnancy.
4. Is a safe product, it can be given to children.