By: Ivana Dragica |
The most healing herbs in the world – sage |
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Sage is one the most healing herbs in our world.
Its Latin name - Salvia officinalis - comes from the word meaning salvare, which means to save or heal.
This was the main herb used for embalming pharaohs in Egypt.
The Greek physician Dioscorides used it to treat many diseases such as bleeding, fever, urinary stones, and irregular menstruation.
At the time of Charlemagne, sage was planted in every garden and thought to be the most healing herb.
They used it to treat almost every disease, and sage had a status of a sacred plant.
Medicinal properties of sage
Sage is definitely one of the herbs that everyone should have in his/her home pharmacy.
It has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. It soothes, refreshes and revives, helps against pain and high fever.
Sage is a great means for filtering the blood and mucus discharge from the body. It strengthens the cardiovascular system, stimulates circulation, treat bleeding and inflammation.
Studies have shown that sage can lower blood glucose levels, making it useful in diabetes.
Recently it was proven that sage improves memory and can be used for treating Alzheimer's disease.
Because of its strong antiseptic properties it is used for treating ulcers, bad breath, throat and tonsil problems, tooth and gum decay. If you suffer from such problems - gargle sage tea.
Sage is a wonderful herb that:
- has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and antiseptic
- purifies the blood
- relieves depression and stress
- lowers temperature and alleviates pain
- reduces blood sugar level
- helps against bleeding and inflammation
- regulates the intestine and stomach
- helps against migraines and rheumatism
Sage is efficient against frequent vomiting and diarrhea, and helps in intestines and stomach treatments better than any other herb.
It has a beneficial effect on women’s problems. It enhances vaginal muscle tone, has antifungal properties, helps regulating menstruation, balances hormones and prevents menopause symptoms.
Sage promotes kidney functions and prevents the formation of edema.
This plant also has its place in cosmetics, it is an excellent tool for hair darkening and covering up gray hair.
Sage cultivation and usage
There are many varieties of sage, but only so-called healing sage - Salvia officinalis – is used for treatments. It is a plant which grows in the Mediterranean climate, but can easily be grown in pots.
Sage likes dry and sunny climate, so it should be placed in the warmest and sunniest place. It thrives in poor, sandy and nutrient poor soil.
The leaves are harvested in the spring or summer and should be dried in the shade.
Sage can be used as a tea, oil, our, decoction, wine, lotions and tinctures.
It is used as a spice for preparing sauces, soups and vegetable dishes.
Sage tea is prepared by pouring 2 dl of boiling water over a 1-2 teaspoons sage and letting the mixture stand for 10 minutes. Tea has quite a strong flavor and can be unpleasant to drink.
Sage oil can be prepared by soaking up a handful of dried flowers of sage in a liter of high quality olive oil and leave it in the sun for a month. Strain the mixture and use it for massages for treating digestive problems and rheumatism.
Sage oil can be used in inhalation therapy – it is a tranquilizer, improves memory and concentration and treats flu and colds.
Mix a small amount of sage oil with the base oil and use it locally for treating infertility, menopausal problems, for the prevention of urinary tract infections, for treating stiff neck and sore muscles.
Sage oil has a beneficial effect on extended pores, wound healing, psoriasis, dermatitis and ulcers.
Sage oil is best combined with rosemary, lavender, lemon and bergamot oils.
Note
High doses of sage tea are not recommended for prolonged usage. Sage oil has strong effects and you have to be careful when using it since it can be toxic.
Sage is not recommended for pregnant women, people prone to epileptic seizures, people with high blood pressure and nursing mothers should also be careful when using it.
Cottage cheese with sage
Sage is an excellent spice because it stimulates digestion. Try this recipe with sage:
Ingredients:
- half a cup of fresh sage
- 1 clove of garlic
- 250 g of cream cheese
- 3 tablespoons of lemon juice
Put sage and garlic in a blender and grind them. Mix sage and garlic with cheese and lemon juice. Leave it in refrigerator for a day in order to get a better taste.
Bon appetit!
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