Sage: properties and benefits of the cure-all plant par excellence
Sage is part of the Lamiaceae family of plants. The term "sage" comes from the Latin salvus, which means "healthy", "healthy". In fact, already in ancient times it was considered as an elixir for its healing properties, above all because it was considered capable of lowering fever and relieving cough, as well as treating many other diseases. Indeed, there were those who used sage for some magical and spiritual rites to resurrect the dead.
What not everyone knows is that there are approximately 900 different species of sage, although the most common on Italian balconies, gardens and vegetable gardens is the Salvia Officinalis. It is a very resistant plant, easy to grow and is versatile for any use, ranging from natural remedies for skin and hair or to treat the symptoms of certain diseases to its use in the kitchen as an aromatic herb. Finally, as for the Tea Tree, lavender and mallow, it is possible to extract an essential oil with a thousand benefits from sage.
The healing properties of sage
In the field of natural remedies for health, the most used species of sage are the Salvia Officinalis and the Salvia Tomentosa. In any case, what characterizes this type of plant are its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, balsamic, expectorant properties and more. The components that make it so effective are especially vitamins B1 and C, but also flavonoids, its enzymes, resins and its essential oil.
First of all, the anti-inflammatory and balsamic virtues have led sage to be still used today for the homeopathic treatment of respiratory tract diseases. As for sore throats, decoctions are used above all, while for colds and coughs, fumigations are preferred, made with a few drops of essential oil.
These properties also make it perfect in the natural treatment of oral tract infections, such as canker sores, gingivitis and laryngitis. In this case, it is advisable to prepare an infusion to make mouth rinses and gargles, which go to calm the inflammation of the affected cavities.
Infusions and herbal teas based on sage are also useful for problems related to digestion and intestines. Thanks to its digestive properties, this plant is able to promote digestion, also performing a gastro-protective function. reveals an "authentic female ally. Many women take a hot drink with sage extracts during their menstrual cycle to relieve cramps, swelling, headaches and irritability. In addition, to combat menstrual pain, sage can be taken not only as an infusion but also in the form of a tincture, which is a herbal preparation that proves to be a real cure-all even to counteract the symptoms of menopause. In this case, it is advisable to take the sage tincture twice a day, in order to promote hormonal rebalancing, among other things.
Finally, sage fights tiredness, exhaustion and apathy because it stimulates the central nervous system, giving an energetic boost to the organism, benefiting the memory and counteracting anxious and stressful states.
The benefits of sage for hair
The main virtue of sage in terms of hair is the strengthening one. For those who suffer from weak, dull and breakable hair, we recommend a sage-based decoction to be massaged on the skin and along the entire length of the hair after shampooing, and then rinse everything so as not to leave oily traces on the hair.
To counteract hair loss or alopecia, it is useful to add a few drops of sage essential oil to a neutral shampoo or you can make homemade lotions always based on essential oil obtained from sage flowers combined with a few drops of oil. of coconut and olive. This lotion should be applied at least twice a week and is to be rubbed only on the scalp. After 10-15 minutes, just rinse it off the hair using a mild shampoo.
Finally, thanks to its purifying and antiseptic properties, sage has many benefits for those suffering from oily hair. In the form of essential oil or as an infusion, it manages to regulate the production of sebum, relieve skin irritations and significantly reduce the appearance of dandruff.
The beauty properties of sage
The benefits of sage in the world of cosmetics are numerous and varied. First of all, it is known for its whitening properties and is therefore used in many toothpastes. However, a great natural remedy is to rub a sage leaf directly on your teeth. By doing it regularly, you will be able to see the first results after a few weeks.
Furthermore, its anti-perspiration and refreshing properties make sage one of the main ingredients of deodorants, especially for those who try to counteract excessive sweat secretion. Instead, its antioxidant components allow its use also in beauty creams, especially for anti-aging products. In the form of essential oil, this plant helps in the action against free radicals, protecting the skin from the signs of aging.
Finally, sage can also help you stay fit. In fact, taking it as a herbal tea or infusion has a significant impact on water retention and purification of the body from waste.
How to take sage
As already mentioned, to take advantage of its healing and cosmetic benefits, it is possible to consume sage as an essential oil, tincture, decoction or infusion. Sage essential oil is a precious ally for women, especially from the point of view of psycho-physical well-being. It is mainly recommended for external use, also as an ideal massage oil to counteract swelling of the legs. As for the internal use of this essential oil, it is prescribed by a doctor and is prohibited during pregnancy and lactation.
Sage tincture, on the other hand, is excellent for both external and internal use, under the guidance of an expert, to facilitate digestion, regulate sweating and decrease symptoms of the menstrual cycle and menopause. The decoction is the best ally to promote diuresis. To prepare it, just put a dozen sage leaves in half a liter of water and bring everything to a boil. In addition, adding a few slices of lemon increases the diuretic effect. After 10 minutes, filter the all and drink the decoction throughout the day, without adding a sweetener or using a natural one.
Finally, sage is known as an aromatic herb. Its flavor goes perfectly with most of the recipes of Mediterranean cuisine, from pasta to meat dishes. Very tasty and ideal for a snack are the pancakes made with sage or simply its breaded leaves.
Contraindications and side effects
Despite the importance and effectiveness of its active ingredients, sage cannot be used as a natural remedy by pregnant women and its use in cooking should be done with caution. This is because it could block the production and leakage of milk during the lactation phase. It is also not recommended for both those suffering from diseases related to the nervous system and in case of renal insufficiency.
Finally, its properties can interact with those of anticonvulsant drugs, so its intake should be avoided because it could reduce its effectiveness. Especially a prolonged use of the essential oil could cause neurotoxic manifestations that can also lead to episodes of epilepsy.
For more information on sage and its properties, consult the Humanitas website.
