Sage – the Plant of Salvation

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Contents

1. The Rich History of Sage
2. Supporting Healthy Blood Bugar and Lipid Levels
3. Support Mental Clarity and Focus
4. Supporting Hormone Balance
5. How to Take Sage

The rich history of sage

Native to sun-soaked countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, sage has one of the richest histories of any herb. Used in both cooking and in healing, the many properties of sage have been used for several thousands of years. Arab physicians believed sage promoted immortality and increased mental acumen; Native Americans used it for fertility and skin conditions; Chinese valued it as a stimulating tonic for both the nervous and digestive systems; Egyptians used it to promote fertility; Romans considered sage a sacred herb especially beneficial for the digestive system; and the French drank it often as a tea. Throughout history, the high esteem of sage has not faded. Years of research has shown that there are many benefits to sage which are not far from traditional use.

How can sage help you?

1. Supporting healthy blood sugar and lipid levels

Sage contains powerful antioxidant compounds that help protect cells from damage caused by excess free radicals, or oxidative stress. Research has discovered sage can support healthy triglyceride and HDL levels. This is also beneficial for metabolism, as sage can support a healthy blood sugar balance. Calming in nature, sage can aid proper digestion, stimulate stomach acid, bile flow and pancreatic function, for better digestive health.

2. Support mental clarity and focus

Like rosemary (another member of the mint family), sage has been used since ancient times to help to support mental clarity and focus. A tonic for the brain, sage helps to sharpen senses; provide clarity of thought, and promote vitality needed for proper mental skills. Research has found that sage can support mental clarity and focus in young adults and may even support the brain to cope with localised stress as we age.

3. Supporting hormone balance

Sage is a valued herb for those who need PMS, menstrual cycle, and menopausal support. For example, a number of scientific studies have shown sage to support those experiencing symptoms at various stages of a female’s reproductive life. Sage not only promotes a sense of calm, it may also be taken as restorative tonic for an exhausted nervous system. One of the most important herbs for temperature regulation and excess sweating, sage has been shown to support temperature balance. Sage is also beneficial to woman discontinuing breastfeeding as it can help reduce milk flow. For this reason, it is recommended that pregnant and breastfeeding women avoid sage.

4. How to take sage

There are many ways to reap the health benefits of sage. The silver-green leaves can be enjoyed in culinary dishes or taken as a tea either fresh or dried. Enjoyed as a tea, the leaves should be infused in hot water and covered for optimal benefit. Sage is a tonic to the nervous system, and the essential oil is commonly used in aromatherapy for relaxation. Sage can also be taken as a liquid tonic or in a supplement. Sage is commonly used by herbalists and in spiritual settings for cleansing and purification purposes. The main ingredient in smudge sticks, bundles of dried sage are used to cleanse rooms of negative energy and enhance healing.

For hot flushes, drink the juice of six fresh sage leaves soaked overnight in lemon juice (for a maximum of 2 weeks) to reduce heat and excess sweating.

Sage has the wonderful ability to support and heal both the body and mind. With many uses, it is no surprise that the traditional use of sage has continued within complimentary methodologies today. It is important to note however that as sage contains powerful active compounds, it should be used thoughtfully and avoided when pregnant or breastfeeding, unless otherwise instructed by a professional.