Common sage (Salva officianalis) is a revered, special garden herb that has been used by herbalists for centuries due to its “cure-all” therapeutic actions. With powerful antimicrobial properties found in its essential oils, sage is an excellent herb for sore throats, coughs and colds. It can be drunk as a tea or you can add a few drops of sage essential oil into a cup of boiling water and inhale the vapour to clear your airways.
Sage Health Benefits
A digestive tonic that improves overall digestion and enables the body to process fats easier. Sage is also good for loss of appetite, flatulence, bloating, heartburn, stomach pain and diarrhoea.
Circulatory stimulant to promote healthy blood flow and break down fatty deposits in the arteries. In doing so, it can improve circulation to the brain to enhance memory and concentration, and also increase oxygen supply to the lungs which is particularly beneficial for those with respiratory conditions like asthma.
Exerts a tightening and toning effect on body tissues due to its astringent action, especially in the digestive tract and veins.
Strengthens and stimulates the hormonal system, specifically the adrenal and thyroid glands to support metabolism and the body’s stress response. Sage exerts a mild estrogenic action and has shown to help menopausal women with hot flushes, night sweats and insomnia.
Protects cells from damage and cancer-causing agents because of its high nutrient and antioxidant content. Antioxidants help to neutralise toxins and harmful substances and bolster the body’s defences.
How to use Sage
The easiest way to use sage leaves is by making a tea, either with fresh or dried leaves. Add one teaspoon of sage leaves to a cup of boiling water. Allow the leaves to steep for a few minutes to release their therapeutic properties and then sip on the tea slowly.
For additional health benefits, you can add thyme leaves and rosemary to boost immune health.
One of my favourite combinations is sage, lavender, rose, hawthorn berries and cinnamon.
- Lavender helps to balance mood, calm the mind and reduce anxiety.
- Hawthorn berries are the go-to herb for heart heath and circulation.
- Cinnamon is a warming, aromatic herb that is known to regulate blood sugar levels and cravings.
- Rose flowers lift the heart and spirit.
Sage Tonic Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tsp of dried sage
- 1 tsp of dried lavender
- 1 tsp of rose flowers
- 1 tsp of dried hawthorn berries
- 1 stick of cinnamon bark
- Boiled water in a teapot
(Serves one)
Method
- Add the herbs to the boiling water in the teapot
- Allow them to steep for 15 minutes.
- Sieve and drink. Sweeten with honey if required.
Notes/ Additional Information
Sage should be avoided if pregnant or breastfeeding. Check with a qualified Herbalist before taking larges dosages over a prolonged time period.
Dried herbs can be purchased from a reputable herb supplier online. Buy organic where possible.
References: Wood, M. (2004). The Practice of Traditional Western Herbalism. McIntyre, A. (2019). The Complete Herbal Tutor.
Author
Costas Papantoniou – Herbalist, ANP AMH
