Sageis an essential herb that is consumed in various cuisines around the world. Scientific name "Salvia officinalis " is. It belongs to the mint family, along with other herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and basil.
Sage herbIt has a strong aroma, so it is often used in small amounts. Despite it, it provides a variety of important nutrients and compounds.
Sageis an herb whose leaves are used to soothe mouth and throat inflammation, hot flashes, and insomnia.
It is also used as insecticide and cleaning agent. You can find this herb in fresh, dried and oil form. These all have health benefits separately.
In the article "What is sage, what is it for?" Answers to questions will be sought.
What is Sage?
Sage ( Salvia officinalis ) is a member of the 'mint' family (Lamiaceae). The plant has a unique aroma and beautiful flowers in different colors.
Salvia officinalis (sage or culinary / garden sage) sage type It is unique to the Mediterranean region.
Sage It was also used in ancient Egyptian, Roman and Greek medicine. In Native American rituals, dried sage leaves are burned to support healing, wisdom, protection and longevity.
The leaves are an excellent reserve of essential oils and phenolic compounds. These are thought to be responsible for the herb's medicinal value.
What is Sage Nutritional Value?
Sage herbis healthy and contains a variety of vitamins and minerals. One teaspoon (0,7 grams) has the following nutrients:
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
Even a small amount of this herb meets 10% of the daily intake value of vitamin K.
It also contains small amounts of magnesium, zinc, copper and vitamins A, C and E.
This aromatic spice contains compounds such as caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, rosmarinic acid, and ellagic acid, which play a role in beneficial health effects.
What Are the Benefits of Sage?
Contains high levels of antioxidants
Antioxidants are molecules that help strengthen the body's defenses and neutralize potentially harmful free radicals associated with chronic diseases.
This green herb contains over 160 different polyphenols, which are plant-based chemical compounds that act as antioxidants in the body.
Chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, ellagic acid - all found in this plant and benefit of sageThese compounds have impressive health benefits such as lowering cancer risk, improving brain function and enhancing memory.
One study found that drinking 1 cup (240 ml) of this herb tea twice daily significantly increased antioxidant defenses.
It also lowered both total cholesterol and "bad" LDL cholesterol, as well as increased "good" HDL cholesterol.
Protects oral health
This green herb has antimicrobial effects that can neutralize the microbes that cause dental plaque.
In a study, sage extract known to cause cavities in a mouthwash containing Streptococcus mutans It has been stated that it kills bacteria effectively.
In a test tube study, sage essential oil, a fungus that can cause tooth cavities Candida albicans It has been stated that it prevents and stops its spread.
A review study, sage coughstated that it can treat throat infections, dental abscesses, infected gums and mouth ulcers.
Relieves menopause symptoms
Menopause During, the production of estrogen hormone in the body decreases. This causes uncomfortable symptoms in many women. These include hot flashes, excessive sweating, vaginal dryness and irritability.
This medicinal herb can be used to reduce the effects of menopausal symptoms.
The compounds in the plant are thought to have estrogen-like properties that allow them to bind to certain receptors in the brain to improve memory and treat hot flashes and excessive sweating.
In a study, sage pillDaily use of hot flashes significantly reduced the frequency and intensity of hot flashes over the course of eight weeks.
Balances blood sugar
Sage leaf It has traditionally been used as a remedy against diabetes.
Human and animal studies show that it can help lower blood sugar levels.
In a study, sage extractdecreased blood glucose levels in rats with type 1 diabetes by activating a specific receptor.
When this receptor is activated, it can help clear excess free fatty acids from the blood, which increases insulin sensitivity.
Another study in mice with type 2 diabetes found that this herb acts like metformin, a drug prescribed to manage blood sugar in people with the same disease.
In humans, sage leaf The extract has been shown to lower blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity with a similar effect to rosiglitazone, another anti-diabetes drug.
Good for the brain
This herb benefits the brain and memory in a number of ways. First, it is loaded with compounds that can act as antioxidants, which have been shown to buffer the brain's defense system.
It also stops the degradation of the chemical messenger acetylcholine (ACH), which has a role in memory. ACH levels decrease in Alzheimer's disease.
In one study, 39 participants with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease had either one sage extract He consumed 60 drops (2 ml) of the supplement or a placebo daily for four months.
Those who took the extract performed better on tests measuring memory, problem solving, reasoning, and other cognitive abilities.
Low doses used in healthy adults improved memory. At higher doses, mood was positively affected and alertness was increased.
In both young and older adults sage improves memory and brain function.
High "bad" LDL cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease. This herb helps to lower the "bad" LDL cholesterol that accumulates in the arteries and can potentially cause damage.
In one study, twice a day in the form of tea sage users It lowered "bad" LDL cholesterol and total blood cholesterol, while increasing "good" HDL cholesterol after just two weeks.
Protects against some types of cancer
Canceris the main cause of death in which cells grow abnormally. Interestingly, animal and test-tube studies show that this herb can fight certain types of cancer, including mouth, colon, liver, cervix, breast, skin, and kidney.
In these studies sage extract It not only stimulated the growth of cancer cells but also cell death.
While these studies are encouraging, more human studies are needed to determine whether this herb is effective in fighting cancer in humans.
Relieves diarrhea
Fresh sage It is a traditional medicine for diarrhea. Test-tube and animal studies have found that it contains compounds that can relieve diarrhea by relaxing the gut.
Supports bone health
Vitamin K found in large amounts in this plant is beneficial for bone health. A deficiency in this vitamin can lead to bone thinning and fractures.
Treat a sore throat
Sore throat to cure, Benefits of sageIt is one of them. For this purpose using sage You should boil 100 ml of water with a few dry sage leaves and infuse for 15 minutes.
After that, strain the mixture and add some honey to sweeten the mouthwash. You should use it as a mouthwash every day for quick relief.
Reduces muscle tension
Sage It is beneficial not only for bone strength but also for muscle. The anti-spasmodic properties found in this herb provide the benefits of sage in reducing tension in smooth muscle.
Sage benefits for skin
Researches, sage It suggests that its and its compounds can help combat skin aging. Sagecan also improve wrinkles.
SageSclareol, a compound derived from, is widely used as a fragrance agent. Studies show that this compound prevents skin damage caused by UVB.
It can also restore epidermal thickness reduced by UVB rays. Sclareol-containing creams can improve wrinkles by increasing cellular proliferation.
Sage benefits for hair
SageIt is rich in antioxidants that can help prevent and reduce new gray hair growth.
Sage The natural oils in it strengthen the roots and accelerate healthy hair growth.
However, sageThere is no evidence that shows a direct effect of the drug on hair growth.
Will sage weaken?
It is linked to obesity, diabetes, hypertension, heart and kidney disease, and a number of chronic health conditions. Sage Such herbs directly affect lipid digestion and fat accumulation.
The active ingredients of this herb interfere with the activity of pancreatic enzymes. In this activity sage extractscarnosic acid and carnosol, which are diterpenes.
These molecules also stop the increase in serum triglyceride levels and slow weight gain. When used as an anti-obesity agent sageThere is sufficient empirical evidence to prove the safety of.
Burning sageis an ancient spiritual ritual. It has some health benefits such as focus and antimicrobial properties.
Some believe that burning sage is an important traditional remedy for treating mood disorders, depression and anxiety. However, more concrete research is needed to prove these effects.
Studies have shown that the smoke from herbs can remove up to 94 percent of bacteria in the air.
SageWhether it causes similar effects has not yet been investigated. Some, sage He believes that when burned, it releases negative ions that can give people positive energy.
All of these benefits can be attributed to the potent biochemical profile of the plant. Active molecules work as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and pain relieving agents.
How to Use Sage?
It can be used in a variety of ways. Fresh sage leaves It has a strong aromatic flavor and is used in small amounts in cooking. You can consume this herb as follows:
- You can add it to soups as a side dish.
- You can use it for baked meals and roasts.
You can add chopped leaves to tomato sauce.
- You can use it in omelet or egg dishes.
What Are the Harms of Sage?
You can safely consume this plant and different options such as oil and tea obtained from this herb without any side effects.
However, there is concern about thujone, a compound found in it. Animal studies show that high doses of thujone compound can be toxic to the brain.
However, there is no evidence that this compound is toxic in humans.
What's more, it's nearly impossible to consume toxic amounts of thujone through foods.
However, drinking too much tea of the plant or sage essential oilsTaking it can have toxic effects.
To be safe, it is necessary to limit the consumption of tea to 3-6 cups a day.
How to Brew Sage?
Sage brewfor k, a tablespoon dry in a mug sage leaf add. Fill the mug with boiling water. Cover and wait a few minutes. Strain the tea to remove the leaves.
Sage makingYou can also buy it in the form of tea bags to make it simpler and effortless.
As a result;
Sage It is a herb with many health benefits. It is high in antioxidants and helps to support oral health, improve brain function, and lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
This green spice can be added to almost any savory dish. It can be consumed fresh, dried or as a tea.
