Benefits of Sage Super-Plant
What is Sage?
Sage (Salvia officinalis) is a perennial subshrub that produces evergreen, grey leaves, blue to purplish flowers, and woody stems. It originates from the Mediterranean region and belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. Sage has been in use for centuries because of its medicinal and culinary use. Sage has many species, but the two most common species are Spanish sage (Salvia lavandulaefolia) and common sage (Salvia officinalis). Sage has a strong scent and earthy flavor, and it contains several essential nutrients and compounds.
Uses of Sage
1. Sage, either fresh or dried, is used as a flavoring in food preparation to add taste to root vegetables and is commonly used especially in pork and poultry stuffing, and sausages.
2. Sage is used as ornamentals around the home because of the beautiful leaves and flowers.
3. Sage oil extract is used in aromatherapy due to its stimulating, mind-clarifying effects that provide a balancing, uplifting, soothing and strengthening effect on the mind’s senses. Sage oil is also known to promote memory and attentiveness.
4. Sage is used in the manufacturing of repellent against rodents, due to its strong odor which can serve as a natural mosquito repellent.
5. Sage is also used in the production of soaps as a natural cleaning agent.
6. Sage is used in the production of skincare and cosmetics products, giving the skin antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Traditional uses of Sage
For ages, sage species have been used in traditional medicine for many health conditions such as pain relief, protection of the body against oxidative stress, virus infections, free radical damages, inflammation, bacterial infections, etc.
Sage tea is used traditionally for treating cough, skin diseases, asthma, circulation and digestive disturbances, depression, excessive sweating, and many other conditions.
Sage essential oil possesses antiseptic, carminative, astringent, and antispasmodic properties. It is also used in treating illnesses relating to the digestive system, heart and blood circulation, nervous system, respiratory system, and metabolic and endocrine diseases.
Surprising facts about Sage
Sage's scientific name is Salvia, derived from the Latin word 'salveo' meaning salvation, 'to heal,' 'to be in good health,' or 'to save.'
Sage originates from the Mediterranean region but is now present everywhere in the world.
Sage is deep-rooted, measuring up to 100 cm (39 inches) and more in height
The Romans used sage in sacred ceremonies because they believed that sage could bring longevity.
Sage is believed to be good at repelling rodents.
If taken care of properly, Sage is a perennial plant that can produce for 6-10 years in a lifetime.
The use of sage essential oil can help to prolong fat and meat quality.
Health benefits of Sage and why myAir bars contain it
1. Sage can help to reduce blood sugar levels in the body
For a long time, typical sage leaves have been in use traditionally as a remedy for diabetes. Human and animal research suggests that sage may help to lower blood sugar levels in the body.
A study of the effect of the sage extract on the blood glucose levels in rats with type 1 diabetes shows a reduction in the blood glucose levels in the rats through the activation of a specific receptor in the body. This receptor activation aided in clearing excess free fatty acids in the blood, thereby improving insulin sensitivity.
Another study of mice with type 2 diabetes discovered that sage tea works like metformin by managing the blood sugar levels in the mice. In humans, too, sage leaf extract helps lower blood sugar levels, thereby improving insulin sensitivity having an effect like rosiglitazone.
Through insulin sensitivity, sage is proven to help lower blood sugar levels in men.
2. Sage contains antioxidants that can combat diseases
Sage contains antioxidants that can strengthen the body's immunity against dangerous free radicals that cause chronic diseases in the body. Sage contains more than 160 polyphenols that are plant-based and work as antioxidants in the body. Antioxidants such as rutin, caffeic acid, ellagic acid, chlorogenic acid, and osmarinic acid are all present in sage; they have good health benefits such as improving brain and memory function.
A study of drinking sage on the cholesterol levels in some models shows that drinking a cup of sage tea twice a day decreased total cholesterol level and "bad" LDL cholesterol and raised "good" HDL cholesterol in them.
Sage contains many antioxidants responsible for health benefits, such as improved brain and memory function.
3. Sage can help to ease menopause symptoms
Traditionally, common sage helps to minimize menopause symptoms. During menopause, there is a natural decline in the hormone estrogen of the body. This decline can lead to unpleasant symptoms such as excessive sweating, hot flashes, irritability, and vaginal dryness. It is believed that sage possesses estrogen-like properties that bind to some receptors in the brain, thereby improving memory and treating excessive sweating and flashes. A study of the effect of the sage supplement on menopause symptoms shows that using sage supplements daily for eight weeks reduced the number and intensity of hot flashes.
Sage can help to minimize the number and intensity of menopause symptoms such as vaginal dryness, irritability, and hot flashes.
4. Sage can help to combat microbes in the body
Sage possesses antimicrobial properties which can help to eradicate microbes that enhance dental plaque. A study of a sage-based mouthwash showed the effectiveness of the mouthwash in killing the Streptococcus mutans bacteria, which causes dental cavities. A test-tube study showed that sage essential oil could help to kill and alter the spread of a fungus known as Candida albicans, which may also cause cavities. A review also suggested that sage may help treat gums and mouth ulcers, dental abscesses, and throat infections.
Sage possesses antimicrobial properties that can help destroy and stop microbes responsible for the growth of dental plaque.
5. Sage can help to support the brain and memory health
Sage can help to support brain and memory health in many ways. Sage contains some compounds that can work as antioxidants in strengthening the brain's immune system. Sage can also help to alter the breakdown of acetylcholine which plays a vital role in memory (Alzheimer's disease causes acetylcholine levels to fall). A study of 39 participants with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease took either 60 drops (2 ml) of a sage extract supplement or a placebo for four months daily. The sage extract participants performed better in tests that measured problem-solving, reasoning, memory, and other cognitive abilities.
In some healthy adults, sage was said to improve their memory in low doses. Higher doses improved their mood, increased alertness, contentedness, and calmness. Sage can also help to improve brain and memory function.
Sage can help to improve brain function, memory, and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
6. Sage can help to improve bone health
Sage possesses and offers Vitamin K in massive amounts, which plays a vital role in bone health. Research shows that sage is capable of slowing down the breakdown of bone that contributes to osteoporosis.
Sage contains a large quantity of Vitamin K, which helps to prevent bone thinning and fractures.
7. Sage can help reduce 'bad' LDL cholesterol
In the US, for every minute that goes by, more than one person dies from a heart attack. Sage can help reduce 'bad' LDL cholesterol, which can grow in the arteries, causing damage. In a study of the effects of consuming sage tea on the body, the researchers discovered a reduction in "bad" LDL cholesterol and reduced total blood cholesterol. In contrast, "good" HDL cholesterol increased after two weeks. Many other human studies show a similar effect with the consumption of sage extract.
The consumption of sage and its extract can help to reduce "bad" LDL cholesterol levels and increase "good" HDL cholesterol levels.
8. Sage can help to enhance fast wound healing and a healthy skin
Sage is used as an ingredient in the production of cosmetics used as a remedy for natural skincare. Drinking sage tea may also provide such benefits. A test-tube study on mouse skin cells shows that camphor, a compound in sage, promotes healthy skin-cell growth, slowing the signs of aging and reducing wrinkle formation.
Additionally, an animal study discovered that some compounds such as carnosol and carnosic acid aided the treatment of inflammatory skin ailments and sun-related skin damage. Other animal studies show that sage extracts aids in healing cold sores and quick wound healing. Moreover, test-tube studies have proven that sage extracts can kill some dangerous fungi and bacteria that could cause skin damage.
Some compounds such as carnosol and camphor are embedded in sage; these compounds can help to kill harmful bacteria and fungi, prevent skin damage, speed up the wound healing process.
9. Sage is very high in nutrients that enhance good health
Sage contains a whole lot of minerals and vitamins that can promote good health. Just a teaspoon of ground sage includes 0.1 grams of fat, 0.1 grams of protein, 0.4 grams of carbs, 10% of Vitamin K of the reference daily intake, and 1.1% iron of the reference daily intake.
Additionally, sage contains small amounts of copper, zinc, vitamins A, C & E, and magnesium. Sage also harbors some compounds such as rutin, chlorogenic acid, ellagic acid, and rosmarimic acid, which are all beneficial to the health and well-being of humans.
Sage contains an abundant amount ofnutrients that can enhance good health.
Conclusion
Sage contains many health benefits; however, more research is still on to determine its full potency on man's health. Good news - myAir bars are packed with Sage!
Footnotes
Rosmarinic acid: modes of action, medicinal values, and health benefits
Mahmoud Alagawany et al. Anim Health Res Rev. 2017 Dec.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29110743
Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress as a major cause of age-related diseases and cancer
Nemat Khansari et al. Recent Pat Inflamm Allergy Drug Discov. 2009 Jan.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19149749/
Pharmacological properties of Salvia officinalis and its components
Ahmad Ghorbani et al. J Tradit Complement Med. 2017.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29034191/
Sage tea drinking improves lipid profile and antioxidant defenses in humans
Carla M Sá et al. Int J Mol Sci. 2009
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19865527/
The antibacterial effect of sage extract (Salvia officinalis) mouthwash against Streptococcus mutans in dental plaque: a randomized clinical trial
Maryam Beheshti-Rouy et al. Iran J Microbiol. 2015 Jun.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26668706/
In vitro effects of Salvia officinalis L. essential oil on Candida albicans
Tulare Sookto et al. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2013 May.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23646301
Salvia officinalis in dentistry
Nikhita Narayanan, Lakshmi Thangavelu
Salvia officinalis for hot flushes: towards determination of the mechanism of activity and active principles
Sinikka Rahte et al. Planta Med. 2013 Jun.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23670626/
A review of effective herbal medicines in controlling menopausal symptoms
Rahele Kargozar et al. Electron Physician. 2017.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29403626/
First time proof of sage's tolerability and efficacy in menopausal women with hot flushes
S Bommer et al. Adv Ther. 2011 Jun
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21630133/
Activation of the nuclear receptor PPARγ by metabolites isolated from sage (Salvia officinalis L.)
K B Christensen et al. J Ethnopharmacol. 2010.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20696231/
Metformin-like effect of Salvia officinalis (common sage): is it useful in diabetes prevention?
Cristovao F Lima et al. Br J Nutr. 2006 Aug
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16923227
Preventive effects of Salvia officinalis leaf extract on insulin resistance and inflammation in a model of high fat diet-induced obesity in mice that responds to rosiglitazone
Mohamed R Ben Khedher et al. PeerJ. 2018
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29333341/
The Neuroprotective Effects of Phenolic Acids: Molecular Mechanism of Action
Dominik Szwajgier et al. Nutrients. 2017.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28489058/
Salvia officinalis extract in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease: a double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled trial
S Akhondzadeh et al. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2003 Feb.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12605619/
Salvia officinalis extract in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease: a double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled trial
S Akhondzadeh et al. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2003 Feb.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12605619/\
Positive modulation of mood and cognitive performance following administration of acute doses of Salvia lavandulaefolia essential oil to healthy young volunteers
N T J Tildesley et al. Physiol Behav. 2005.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15639154/
Salvia lavandulaefolia (Spanish sage) enhances memory in healthy young volunteers
N T J Tildesley et al. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2003 Jun.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12895685/
Sage tea drinking improves lipid profile and antioxidant defenses in humans
Carla M Sá et al. Int J Mol Sci. 2009.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19865527/
Antihyperlipidemic effects of Salvia officinalis L. leaf extract in patients with hyperlipidemia: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial
S Kianbakht et al. Phytother Res. 2011 Dec
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21506190/
[Anticancer activity of Salvia officinalis essential oil against HNSCC cell line (UMSCC1)]
[Article in German]
S Sertel et al. HNO. 2011 Dec.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21894557/
Protection by Salvia extracts against oxidative and alkylation damage to DNA in human HCT15 and CO115 cells
Alice A Ramos et al. J Toxicol Environ Health A. 2012.