The plant kingdom is vast, and in it we can find countless species of plants that form part of the rich range of living beings that populate the earth.
And many of these plants have shown to have interesting properties in very diverse areas, some of them being consumable for us and even beneficial for our health. Benefits that may include nourishing us, helping us fight diseases or improving our health or even improving our appearance.
Sage is an example of this, having been known and used since Ancient Greece. There are many properties of sage and that is why throughout this article we are going to focus on reviewing some of the most popular ones.
We call sage a well-known aromatic plant, which is part of the Lamiaceae family (like oregano or basil) and that is widely available and widespread in Mediterranean countries since ancient times.
It is a type of plant with great versatility in its use. For example, it is used decoratively in beads or in gardening, it is used as a condiment in different stews and dishes and is part of different incenses, perfumes and cosmetics due to its pleasant aroma as well as its effects on health.
Thus, the applications given to this vegetable are very diverse, and can range from from the cosmetic industry to food use or even as a medicinal plant With respect to the latter, it is in fact where its name comes from, which is derived from the terms salus and salvare (health and save respectively), always emphasizing its positive effects on the body.
Properties of sage
As you can guess from its constant use throughout history in a large number of areas, there are many properties that sage has. Below we are going to explain some of the most important ones, especially with regard to its effect on our health
Now, it must be taken into account that some of its properties may not be so positive: Its consumption is not indicated in people with kidney problems, allergies, epilepsy or in pregnancy or lactation (has abortifacient properties). Its oil should not be ingested, since it can be toxic due to components such as terpene ketones, thuyone or camphor. It can also contribute to seizures and in high doses can be neurotoxic.
Among the positive properties, the following stand out.
1. It has antibiotic effects
One of the healthy properties of sage is that it strengthens the immune system, helping to eliminate bacteria and serving as an antiseptic in case of wounds and infections (which is why it is used as a component in certain mouthwashes or creams).
2. Astringent
The fact that sage contains a relevant proportion of tannins makes it contribute to calm gastrointestinal problems being able, among other things, to help calm intestinal motility and reduce the emission of excrements (for example in case of diarrhea) given its astringent effects.
The advantage of using sage as a condiment is that it has an interesting amount of antioxidants that hinder oxidative damage to tissues contributing to healing, skin health (also in its cosmetic use) and even helping to maintain the health and functioning of the brain.
4. Reduces blood sugar
Another property of sage is that it is hypoglycemic, generating a decrease in blood glucose levels. This makes its use useful for diabetics when it comes to lowering their glycemic level Of course, as long as it is used only as an aid (never as a substitute for any medication).
5. Invigorates and stimulates appetite
Sage has been found useful for treat muscle weakness, lack of energy and asthenia It also stimulates appetite and activity. However, people who suffer from psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder should avoid its use in this sense, as it can favor the appearance of symptoms.
6. Relieves gastrointestinal discomfort
It has been seen that tea made with sage shows some usefulness in stopping the discomfort and discomfort of minor conditions of the digestive tract, reducing pain and reducing gastrointestinal motility.
7. Relaxing effect
Although apparently contrary to the previous effect, another of the properties of sage is that in infusion it allows muscle relaxation. It has been observed that helps combat insomnia, often used together with chamomile and seems to help reduce the level of anxiety despite being invigorating at the same time.
8. It is anti-inflammatory
Sage is a plant with anti-inflammatory properties, reducing, for example, discomfort from gastric or digestive tract problems and contributing to the relaxation of tense muscles
9. Contributes to improving gynecological problems
One of its most traditional uses is linked to gynecological disorders and alterations, especially with regard to hot flashes and climacteric alterations It also favors the menstrual cycle, contributing to the generation of estrogens. Likewise, the aforementioned anti-inflammatory effects also contribute to reducing the discomfort of the cycle.
10. Strengthens hair and skin
Sage is a component that we often find in cosmetics such as creams and oils, promoting the health of hair and being useful in some types of dermatitis and when it comes to keeping the skin disinfected (as well as promoting healing).
11. Promotes cognitive activity
Sage also seems to increase cognitive functionality and studies are even being carried out that seem to indicate that Alzheimer’s patients show a slight improvement in mental activity and functionality, for example in the case of memory.
