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.