Do you know the sage? It is an aromatic plant with numerous medicinal properties.. Its use extends as far as Chinese medicine and traditional Indian medicine, although it is also widely used in Europe.
Its name comes from the Latin salvi, and in fact it is popularly known because it “saves” us from colds, coughs, menstrual cramps … and much more! In this article we tell you the 16 benefits and properties of this plant.
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Sage: what type of plant is it and what is it used for?
Sage is a type of aromatic, shrubby, perennial plant. Its origin is in the Mediterranean region. Its name comes from Latin (Salvia officinalis); “salvi” means to save. Popularly, it is known for its properties that “save” from bronchitis, strong colds, coughs, etc…etc.
Specifically, sage is the most numerous genus of the Lamiaceae family (family of flowering plants of the order Lamiales). Sage has important anti-inflammatory, healing, soothing properties… It is widely used to treat colds, as it helps to relieve coughs and cleanse the body of mucus. Sage is usually taken in infusions or teas and through inhalation.
Thus, sage has always been used to treat different symptoms, thanks to its medicinal properties. There are different species of sage: we can find this plant in cold regions and in desert regions. However, in this article we will talk about the benefits and properties of the most common sage species, Salvia officinalis.
Uses in Medicine: Europe, China, India and Mexico
Historically, the Romans already appreciated the great benefits and properties of sage.. Its use in alternative medicine is undeniable (and also as a complement to traditional medicine, for example in Europe).
On the other hand, in Chinese medicine, sage is on the list of the most beneficial plants. Its use also extends to traditional Indian medicine (called Ayurveda) and Mexican medicine.
Sage: benefits and properties
Now that we know a little more about this plant, let’s take a look at the 16 benefits and properties of sage below..
1. Rich in antioxidants
Sage contains large amounts of antioxidants. These substances help tissues from oxidative damage. In addition, they are beneficial to accelerate healing processes.
On the other hand, they contribute to a good functioning of the brain. The sap is also used as an ingredient in some cosmetic products, thanks to this amount of antioxidants.
2. Relaxing
Another benefit of sap is that it helps to relax thanks to its relaxing properties.. This is achieved if we make an infusion with this plant. Thus, it can help us sleep better (it can be complemented with chamomile) and reduce our anxiety levels.
3. Strengthens the hair
As we have already said, the sap is the ingredient of some cosmetic products, such as creams or body or hair oils. In this sense, is a plant that has very beneficial properties for our hair (it helps to strengthen and (it helps to strengthen it and helps it grow), but also for our skin.
4. Disinfects
The sap also has disinfectant properties for the skin (in addition, as we have seen, it helps to accelerate healing processes). On the other hand, it can also be beneficial for some cases of dermatitis (skin inflammation).
5. Reduces intestinal discomfort
Another of the properties of sage is its relieving effect on intestinal discomfort.. It is known to reduce such discomfort, especially those affecting the digestive tract. Thus, in case of having this type of discomfort, a tea with sage can help relieve the pain.
6. Improves menstrual cycle symptoms
In women, sage is very beneficial for relieving cramps produced during menstruation (period)but also to treat other symptoms such as: menstrual irregularity, menstrual scarcity, amenorrhea … In menopause is also useful because it reduces hot flashes typical of this stage.
7. Relieves cold symptoms
Sage is also used to treat colds, as it relieves their main symptoms: cough and throat inflammation. In addition, it also eliminates the mucus formed by the cold, making us breathe much better (ideally, to notice the effects, is to take sage tea every day for at least a week).
8. Relieves bronchitis and rhinitis symptoms
In addition to cold symptoms, sage also relieves the symptoms of bronchitis and rhinitis, sage also relieves the symptoms of bronchitis and rhinitis.. It will also help relieve the feeling of heavy or congested chest. In these cases, the ideal is to take it in the form of infusion or inhalation, mixed with saline.
9. Helps reduce cholesterol
On the other hand, the infusion of sage has been seen to help reduce cholesterol levels in cases of high cholesterol.. In addition, it also regulates cholesterol levels, whether good or bad (i.e., in general).
10. Beneficial for skin health
As we have seen, sage is very good for the skin (disinfects, heals …), and is therefore used in cases such as psoriasis, acne, eczema …. therefore it is used for cases such as psoriasis, acne, eczema… In other words, it is a plant that favors our skin health.
11. Treats oral mucositis
Oral mucositis is the inflammation of the tissues in the mouth.. This symptom is very characteristic of people receiving cancer treatments. Mucositis can create very painful wounds in the mouth.
Well, studies indicate that sage can help heal these wounds and relieve the symptoms of oral mucositis (it is done by rinsing the mouth with an infusion of sage).
12. Stimulates brain function
Another benefit of sage is that it helps to stimulate and improve the functioning of our brain, mainly by improving our memory and attention (concentration).mainly through the improvement of our memory and our attention (concentration). That is why it has been used in cases of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
13. Strengthens bones
The next benefit of sage is that contributes to the strengthening of our bones. This is thanks to its high content of potassium and calcium.
14. Helps to lose weight
Another of the benefits of sage is that it can help us lose weight.. This benefit is thanks to its digestive, diuretic and carminative properties (the latter prevent the appearance of gas and prevent belly bloating).
15. It is anti-inflammatory
Another of the known properties of sage is its anti-inflammatory effect.reducing pain in some areas of the body. Thus, in addition to helping us to reduce the discomfort caused by gastric problems, for example, it contributes to relax the muscles that we have in tension.
16. Helps control diabetes
Another interesting fact about sage is that it contains substances and extracts similar to those used in some diabetes medications. Thus, sage helps to regulate the release of glucose stored in the liver, and thus prevent imbalances in the blood sugar levels.and thus prevent blood sugar imbalances typical of diabetic patients.