Many of you might have heard about sage somewhere perhaps in a passing conversation as relates to herbs but what exactly is it? Sage is an evergreen shrub that has a blue to purplish flower which is very attractive. This herb has an earthy flavor and a strong aroma.
Sage has been used to cleanse places and people in spiritual rituals for ages by burning it and . was also used to freshen the beauty of elegant ladies in ancient times due to the oil from the leaves which causes the skin cells to contract.
Sage has its roots in the Mediterranean region where it is mostly sunny which is a necessary condition for this herb to flourish. When using it to flavor food you can either use it dry or fresh depending on what you may prefer.
You can find this herb at your local farmer’s market or you can choose to grow some in your home garden from cuttings. Seeds can also be used to grow sage but the only drawback is that they take about two years to mature making most people prefer cuttings instead.
When you begin to use this herb in your diet you will benefit from the following
- Research has found that the active components of sage protect against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Usage of sage oil is associated with increased cognition and improved memory.
It also helps improve one’s mood because the compounds in sage activate receptors in the brain elevating your moods and reducing stress.This makes it a very effective tool which can be used against depression.
- Sage has been used to combat digestive issues such as intestinal cramps, flatulence, and indigestion. Research also shows it is good in reducing cholesterol making it a necessary herb to include in cooking especially for people who are advanced in age and more likely to suffer from high cholesterol levels.
- Women find sage therapeutic as it helps in relieving pain especially during painful menstrual periods. It can also be used to correct excessive milk production in lactating mothers but one should be careful when using it so as not to deprive the infant of their food.
Care should be taken not to take sage in high amounts as some species of sage contain a chemical called thujone which can cause seizures and damage to the liver if taken in high amounts.
Sage may be unsafe to pregnant women because of thujone as this is what is responsible for reduced milk production when consumed. In general, if you have any medical issues, you should consider consulting a doctor before using this herb.
