Introduction:

Sage (Salvia officinalis) is an aromatic plant that is usually dried and used as a culinary herb. For centuries, sage also has also been used in both Eastern and Western cultures as a medicinal plant.

In recent years, scientists have studied the use of sage, sage tea, or sage extracts in preventing or treating some common medical conditions, such as high cholesterol, inflammatory conditions, and hot flashes.

Nutritional facts of Sage:

• Calories: 2
• Protein: 0.1 grams
• Carbs: 0.4 grams
• Fat: 0.1 grams
• Vitamin K: 10% of the reference daily intake (RDI)
• Iron: 1.1% of the RDI
• Vitamin B6: 1.1% of the RDI
• Calcium: 1% of the RDI
• Manganese: 1% of the RDI

Sage contains a few different ingredients with health benenfits:

• Camphor: This oily substance gives sage its pungent aroma. Popularly used in topical creams and ointments, camphor actively stimulates nerve endings.
• Carnosic acid and carnosol: These have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-gamma). PPAR-gamma helps regulate blood sugar, lipids, and inflammation, among other things.
• Phenolic acids: These are plant-based chemicals that have antioxidant properties, protecting cells from the oxidative damage caused by free radicals.

Benefits of Sage:

Cancer Prevention

Scientists have shown that components of Sage can inhibit the growth of cancer cells in test tubes. These components include carnosol, rosmarinic acid, and ursolic acid. They’ve been shown to have activity against the following types of cancer cells:

Lowers Cholesterol

One study concluded that sage has cholesterol-lowering effects. According to the research, people given between 400 milligrams (mg) to 1500 mg of sage daily (in the form of either powder, tea, or a supplement) achieved an overall improvement in their blood lipids after three months.

Improved Memory

There is evidence, though limited, to suggest that sage can improve memory and information processing.

Studies have found that sage and its active ingredients were associated with improvements in:

• Short-term memory
• Alertness
• Speed recall
• Mood

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Sage may be beneficial in providing relief for inflammatory conditions such as sore throat and sunburn.

Hot Flashes

Hot flashes and night sweats are common symptoms of menopause. A study published in the International Journal of Medical Research and Health Sciences reported that taking a 100 mg daily dose of sage for eight weeks reduced the incidence of hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.

Safety of Sage:

When consumed as a spice in food, sage is considered safe for adults and children. As a supplement, sage does not usually cause side effects at recommended dosages.

Healthcare professionals generally agree that:

• Sage should be safe when taken in medicinal amounts for no more than two months.
• Sage applied to the skin is possibly safe when used for up to one week.
• Sage essential oil, inhaled as aromatherapy, should be safe.

Interactions with allopathic drugs:

Sage can make anticonvulsant drugs less effective if used in excess. These drugs include:

• Phenobarbital
• Mysoline (primidone)
• Depakote (valproic acid)
• Neurontin (gabapentin)
• Tegretol (carbamazepine)
• Dilantin (phenytoin)

Conclusion:

It can be easy to get enthused about an herb like sage, particularly when you hear about all the discomforts and maladies that some people swear it can either ease or cure.

The National Institutes of Health note that herbals may not work as claimed and may contain ingredients or contaminants that are not listed on the label. Before you enter this unchartered territory, schedule a session with your healthcare provider to discuss the potential benefits and risks for you.

Introduction:

Marjoram is a unique herb popular in many Mediterranean dishes.  It has long been used as an herbal medicine and contains several compounds that may offer health benefits.

Marjoram, also known as sweet marjoram, is an aromatic herb in the mint family that has been grown in the Mediterranean, North Africa, and Western Asia for thousands of years while similar to Oregano; it has a milder flavor and is often used to garnish salads, soups, and meat dishes.

Potential benefits:

Antioxidant properties:

Antioxidants help prevent cell damage caused by potentially harmful molecules called free radicals. Several compounds in marjoram, such as carvacrol, have been shown to have antioxidant properties.

Anti-microbial properties:

Marjoram has also demonstrated antimicrobial properties. Common uses include applying its diluted essential oil to your skin to treat fungal infections, as well as taking supplements to help treat overgrowth of gut bacteria

Digestive benefits:

Marjoram has historically been used to prevent digestive issues like stomach ulcers and certain food borne illnesses.

Menstrual cycle regulation:

Marjoram has been shown to stimulate menstrual flow.  Its extract or tea may help regulate your menstrual cycle, as well as regulate the menstrual hormone balance in non-pregnant women with an irregular cycle

Possible side effects:

Pregnant women and lactating mothers should avoid marjoram supplements.  Due to its influence on various reproductive hormones and menstruation, this herb may trigger negative side effects during pregnancy

May affect clotting:

Marjoram supplements may inhibit blood clotting. Marjoram may impede platelet formation, which is a key factor in blood clotting

Interaction with certain drugs:

Marjoram may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners and anticoagulants, to increase the risk of bleeding.

Conclusion:

Marjoram is an aromatic herb long used in cooking and traditional medicine.  It has several potential benefits, including reducing inflammation, relieving digestive issues, and regulating the menstrual cycle. It should however be used with caution and a health care practitioner should be consulted if there are some medical issues.

Introduction:

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) is an herb that has been used to treat various ailments, including ulcers, herpes, and cancer. Hyssop is native to southern Europe and central Asia, but can also be found growing in gardens throughout North America. 

Uses of Hyssop:

Anti-cancer properties:

A 2014 review found evidence that herbs in the Lamiaceae family, including hyssop, may be able to destroy cancer cells

Ulcer treatment:

Many traditional uses of hyssop involve indigestion, and one lab study uncovered a possible reason for that. Researchers found that hyssop acts against two chemicals in the body that are involved in developing peptic ulcer disease.

Antioxidant property:

Hyssop is thought to have antioxidant properties that may provide many benefits. Antioxidants are powerful components that can fight off harmful substances and free radicals in your body.

Anti viral properties:

Hyssop may have some use in preventing the spread of these and other viruses.

Other possible uses:

• Poor circulation
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Asthma
• Cough
• Sore throats
• Intestinal infections
• Indigestion
• Gall bladder disease
• Poor appetite
• Urinary tract infections
• Dysmenorrhea

Side effects of taking Hyssop:

• Upset stomach
• Anxiety
• Tremor
• Seizures
• Miscarriage
• Severe allergic reactions

Conclusion:

Hyssop is an herb from the Lamiaceae family that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine.  It may be beneficial for some to use due to its potential antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-cancer properties. However, no strong human trials have been performed on these and other claims surrounding hyssop uses. Therefore, take precautions and talk with your healthcare provider before starting hyssop.

Introduction:

Lemon balm – Melissa officinalis is a lemon-scented herb that comes from the same family as mint. The herb is native to Europe, North Africa, and West Asia, but it’s grown around the world.

Uses and benefits:

It can help relieve stress:

Lemon balm is said to soothe symptoms of stress, help you to relax, and boost your mood.

It can reduce anxiety

Lemon balm may also be used to help reduce symptoms of anxiety, such as nervousness and excitability.

Boosts immune function

Some studied have looked into the effects of lemon balm in improving cognitive function.  Participants were asked to do cognitive tasks involving memory, mathematics, and concentration. The results of these computerized tasks suggest that participants who ingested lemon balm performed better than those who didn’t.

It can reduce insomnia and sleep disorders

Combining lemon balm with valerian may help relieve restlessness and sleep disorders such as insomnia.

Helps treat cold sores

You can even apply lemon balm topically at the first sign of a cold sore.  Participants in an applied either a lemon balm or placebo cream on the affected area four times per day for five days. The researchers found that the participants who used the lemon balm cream experienced fewer symptoms and healed faster than those who didn’t.

May help reducing nausea and indigestion

In cases that have frequent abdominal pain and discomfort, lemon balm may have a positive effect on the digestion and helps relieve the distress. It also relieves the symptoms of nausea.

 It may help minimize menstrual cramps

There’s also research to suggest that lemon balm can be used to relieve menstrual cramps and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Reduces headaches

Lemon balm may also be useful in treating headaches, especially if they’re happening as a result of stress. It has relaxing properties that can help one to unwind, release tension, and relax the muscles.

Reduces toothache

Lemon balm’s pain-relieving properties may make it an a good choice for relieving toothache pain.

Side effects and risks

Lemon balm has the potential to cause the following side effects:

• headache
• painful urination
• increased body temperature
• nausea
• vomiting
• stomach pain
• dizziness
• wheezing
• skin irritation
• allergic reaction

It should be used with caution in patients who are on:

• glaucoma medications
• thyroid medications
• barbiturates
• sedatives
• drugs that affect serotonin

Conclusion:

 Lemon balm can’t replace any doctor-approved treatment plan that you’re currently following, but it may be an effective complementary treatment. Talk to your doctor about your individual case and the potential benefits and risks involved.