Sage and maintenance of good health

Sage, along with oregano, basil, thyme, and lavender belong to the same family; they are originally from Mediterranean. The health benefits of sage have been known for centuries now. From alleviating distresses that are mental in nature to gastro-intestinal, this wonder herb can do it all.

Here are a few noteworthy ways it helps to maintain good health.

1.      Delayer of cell death and combats chronic disease.

Sage contains flavonoids, phenolic acids, and oxidative enzymes which when they act in unison render its powerful capacity for stabilizing oxygen-related metabolism and preventing free radical based damage to the cells. The rosmairinic acid in sage has excellent anti-inflammatory effects and is also known to prevent rancidity. Hence for individuals suffering from chronic inflammatory conditions like atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and bronchial asthma. This antioxidant effect has been tapped by vegetable oil manufacturers and companies who use sage extract as an additive to increase its shelf-life.

2.      Memory enhancer

Sage extract when administered to patients suffering from the debilitating disease of memory, Alzheimer’s as a part of a study for a period of 4-6 months, there was a noted improvement in the retaining and recalling abilities in the test subjects in comparison to the control (non-test) group.

3.       Lowers blood glucose and bad cholesterol

Studies have revealed that sage also acts on lowering the blood glucose and triglyceride levels. Especially LDL levels (bad cholesterol) were lowered and HDL (good cholesterol) was seen to rise in levels.

4.      Alleviates mental discomforts

Sage Tea or sage leaves infused in boiled water is known to pack a powerful punch against delirium associated with fevers and in the neuronal hyper excitability that often accompanies cerebral and neurotic diseases.

5.      Combats cold and sore throats

Sage tea or tincture of sage have been used by herbalists in China and Germany to soothe symptoms associated with a sore throat and relieve feverishness since centuries. Its anti-inflammatory actions helps the recovery to happen faster.

6.      Anti-microbial action

The phenolic acids in sage are particularly potent against strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli ,Salmonella species ,against filamentous fungi and yeasts such as Candida albicans. Hence, it is one of the best natural remedies for dental infections like gum abscesses and ulcers. Its high tannin content is responsible for its astringent action and hence it is used in the treatment of infantile diarrhea.

7.      Sage excellent for women’s health

In women suffering from dysmenorrheal, amenorrhea and menstrual irregularities can include sage in their diet as it has unique estrogenic effects.

This grayish green herb is indeed a culinary and medicinal wonder.