Common sage (Salvia officinalis) is an aromatic plant that is usually dried and used as a culinary herb. For centuries, sage has also been used in both Eastern and Western cultures as a medicinal plant.
In recent years, scientists have studied the use of sage, sage tea, or sage extracts in preventing or treating some common medical conditions, such as high cholesterol, inflammatory conditions, and hot flashes.
A small amount of sage packs 10% of your daily vitamin K needs. Sage also contains small amounts of magnesium, zinc, copper and vitamins A, C and E. What’s more, this aromatic spice houses caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, rosmarinic acid, ellagic acid and rutin — all of which play a role in its beneficial health effects. Since it’s consumed in tiny amounts, sage provides only minuscule amounts of carbs, calories, protein and fiber.
Antioxidants are molecules that help fortify your body’s defenses, neutralizing potentially harmful free radicals that are linked to chronic diseases Sage contains over 160 distinct polyphenols, which are plant-based chemical compounds that act as antioxidants in your body.
Sage has antimicrobial effects, which can neutralize microbes that promote dental plaque.In one study, a sage-based mouthwash was shown to effectively kill the Streptococcus mutans bacteria, which is notorious for causing dental cavities.
During menopause, your body experiences a natural decline in the hormone estrogen. This can cause a wide range of unpleasant symptoms.
Symptoms include hot flashes, excessive sweating, vaginal dryness and irritability.
The leaves of common sage have been used traditionally as a remedy against diabetes. Human and animal research indicates that it may help lower blood sugar levels. In one study, sage extract reduced blood glucose levels in rats with type 1 diabetes by activating a specific receptor. When this receptor is activated, it can help clear excess free fatty acids in the blood, which in turn improves insulin sensitivity.
Sage can help support your brain and memory in several ways.For one, it’s loaded with compounds that can act as antioxidants, which have been shown to buffer your brain’s defense system. It also appears to halt the breakdown of the chemical messenger acetylcholine (ACH), which has a role in memory. ACH levels appear to fall in Alzheimer’s disease.
