Sage, also known as Salvia officinalis, is a fragrant herb that is commonly used in the culinary arts. However, it also has a variety of herbal properties that make it beneficial for health and well-being.
How is Sage Anti-Catarrhal?
Sage has anti-catarrhal properties, which means that it may help reduce excess mucus and phlegm in the respiratory system. This can be beneficial for people with conditions such as bronchitis, sinusitis, and coughs.
Sage contains compounds such as rosmarinic acid and camphor that have mucolytic and expectorant properties. Mucolytic agents break down the chemical bonds in mucus, making it less viscous and easier to expel. Expectorants help to thin out and loosen mucus, making it easier to cough up and clear the respiratory passages.
In addition to its anti-catarrhal properties, sage also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe and protect the respiratory system.
How is Sage Antiseptic?
Sage has antiseptic properties, which means that it may help prevent the growth and spread of harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Sage contains compounds such as thujone, camphor, and cineole that have been shown to have antimicrobial activity against a wide range of pathogens. These compounds can help to inhibit the growth and spread of harmful microorganisms, making sage a potentially useful natural remedy for preventing and treating infections.
Sage can be used as a topical antiseptic to clean and disinfect wounds and other skin irritations. It can also be used as a mouthwash to help prevent oral infections and bad breath. Additionally, sage can be taken internally as a tea, tincture, or dietary supplement to help boost the immune system and prevent infections.
How is Sage Antispasmodic?
Sage has antispasmodic properties, which means that it may help to relax and calm muscle spasms and cramps throughout the body.
Sage contains compounds such as rosmarinic acid, ursolic acid, and carnosic acid that have been shown to have muscle-relaxing effects. These compounds can help to reduce the intensity and frequency of muscle spasms and cramps, making sage a potentially useful natural remedy for conditions such as menstrual cramps, digestive cramps, and muscle pain.
Sage can be taken as a tea, tincture, or dietary supplement to help alleviate muscle spasms and cramps. It can also be applied topically as a cream or oil to help relieve muscle pain and tension.
How is Sage an Astringent?
Sage has astringent properties, which means that it may help to tighten and tone the skin and other tissues in the body.
Sage contains compounds such as tannins and flavonoids that have been shown to have astringent effects. These compounds can help to constrict and tighten the skin and other tissues, reducing the appearance of pores and wrinkles and making the skin look firmer and smoother.
Sage can be used as a natural astringent to help cleanse and tone the skin. It can be added to facial masks, toners, and other skincare products to help tighten and firm the skin. Sage can also be taken internally as a tea, tincture, or dietary supplement to help improve overall skin health and appearance.
How does sage suppress perspiration?
Sage contains compounds called tannins, which have astringent properties. When applied topically or ingested, these tannins can cause contraction of the skin cells and sweat glands, which reduces the production of sweat.
Additionally, sage contains compounds called rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid, which have been shown to have antiperspirant properties. These compounds are thought to work by inhibiting the activity of enzymes involved in the production of sweat.
Overall, sage’s ability to suppress perspiration makes it a useful herb for individuals who experience excessive sweating, a condition known as hyperhidrosis.
How is Sage a Carminative?
Sage is a carminative herb, which means that it may help to relieve digestive issues such as gas, bloating, and stomach cramps.
Sage contains compounds such as rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid that have been shown to have carminative effects. These compounds can help to relax the muscles of the digestive tract and reduce inflammation, which can help to relieve symptoms of digestive discomfort.
Sage can be used as a natural remedy for digestive issues such as indigestion, flatulence, and nausea. It can be consumed as a tea, tincture, or dietary supplement to help soothe and calm the digestive system.
How is Sage a Cholagogue?
Sage is considered to have cholagogue properties, which means that it may stimulate the production and flow of bile from the liver and gallbladder.
Sage contains compounds such as cineole and camphor that can help to stimulate the liver and improve its ability to produce bile. Bile is an important substance that helps to break down fats and aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. By increasing the production and flow of bile, sage may help to improve digestion and reduce symptoms of digestive discomfort such as bloating and constipation.
In traditional medicine, sage has been used as a natural remedy for a variety of digestive complaints, including indigestion, liver congestion, and gallbladder disorders.
How is Sage Oestogenic?
Sage is considered to be mildly estrogenic, meaning that it contains compounds that can mimic the effects of the hormone estrogen in the body. The main compounds in sage that are responsible for its estrogenic activity are called phytoestrogens, which are plant-based compounds that have a similar structure to human estrogen.
Phytoestrogens in sage can bind to estrogen receptors in the body and exert estrogen-like effects. This may help to alleviate symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings, which can be caused by a decline in estrogen levels.
Why should I not take sage while breastfeeding?
Sage contains compounds called thujones, which are thought to be responsible for its medicinal properties. However, thujones are also known to decrease milk production and can be harmful to infants if consumed in large amounts.
While there is limited research on the effects of sage consumption during breastfeeding, it is generally recommended that breastfeeding mothers avoid consuming large amounts of sage or sage supplements. This is because thujones can pass into breast milk and may decrease milk supply, which can be harmful to the infant.
However, using small amounts of fresh or dried sage in cooking is generally considered safe and should not pose a risk to breastfed infants. It is always important to speak with a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedies, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
How is Sage a Peripheral Vasodilator?
Sage contains compounds called terpenoids, which have been shown to have a relaxing effect on smooth muscle cells in blood vessels. This relaxation of the blood vessels causes them to dilate, which increases blood flow and can help to lower blood pressure.
As a peripheral vasodilator, sage can help to improve circulation in the body, particularly in the peripheral blood vessels located in the arms and legs. This can be beneficial for individuals with conditions such as Raynaud’s disease, where blood flow to the extremities is reduced.
For more culinary herbs and their properties, visit our article Culinary Herbs and Their Properties here.