A silvery green herb in the mint family, sage has been used for medicinal and culinary purposes for thousands of years. The sage plant is named from the Latin salvare which means to heal or cure. In Arabic, sage is called salvia, the root word for salvation, as it was believed to bestow longevity and wisdom.
Therapeutic Benefits
The sage herb is used medicinally for a number of purposes. It has effective antioxidant properties and is used in may areas of the globe for its wide household uses, including a remedy for menopausal night sweats in England and as an anhidrotic (reduces or stops perspiration) and for an upset stomach in Germany. The astringency of the herb makes it beneficial in mild cases of diarrhea and as a digestive tonic and stimulant. In Chinese medicine, sage is a yin substance and is thought to both calm and activate the nervous system.
It has also been used to treat sprains, swelling, ulcers, toothaches, gingivitis, and bleeding. As a tea, sage is thought to soothe sore throats, coughs and asthma. Herbalists also use this herb for rheumatism, menstrual bleeding, strengthening the nervous system, improving memory, and sharpening the senses. Studies show that sage also has germ-fighting abilities and boosts glutathione, an important antioxidant in the body, by up to 700 percent, helping to protect the body against germ invasions.
Clinical studies show that the sage plant offers antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and antioxidant benefits. These properties are thought to be due to oils in the leaves of the herb containing the chemical substances alpha- and beta-thujone, camphor, and cineole as well as other constituents including rosmarinic acid, tannins, and flavonoids.
Using Sage At Home
To make a herbal mouthwash to soothe ailments such as inflammation of the mouth, cold sores, gingivitis, toothache and sore throats, add 3 grams of sage leaf to 150 ml of boiling water, strain after 10 minutes and then let cool. Gargle or drink the tea a few times a day. Also add sage to flavour cooking and roasts, especially in seafood and chicken dishes. To make a skin toner to decrease excessive sweating, add a 6 to 8 drops of sage oil in half a cup of water; apply with a cotton pad to skin and let dry. Additional uses of sage include:
- Soothes inflammation in gum disease, toothaches and canker sores
- Eases sore throats, coughs and asthma
- Helps with mild diarrhea and indigestion
- Reduces night sweats, hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms
- Decreases excess sweating
- An antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal agent
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