BOOST YOUR HEALTH WITH THE BENEFITS OF SUPER SAGE

This fragrant herb is useful long before you've even picked its leaves or sprinkled it over food. Find out what sage can do for your garden, your health and your taste buds.

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There are more than 900 kinds of sage. Most originally come from the Mediterranean and are hardy, fragrant plants with colourful flowers. They are used in cooking around the world and get their aroma from an oily substance, camphor, used in many creams and ointments.

In the garden, sage acts as a natural repellent for some pests. It also attracts pollinators such as hummingbirds, bees and butterflies.

Related article: Keep your garden pest free, the natural way!

Fresh sage rubbed on an insect bite will relieve the pain. A few drops of sage oil in an essential oil burner has a soothing effect, while the rising vapours fight bacteria and germs in the air.

SAGE IS GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH



It’s a great antioxidant. Sage is loaded with nutrients and according to one study, a cup of sage tea twice a day increases your defence against antioxidants. It can lower total as well as “bad" cholesterol and raise “good" cholesterol.

Sage kills plaque. The antimicrobial effects of sage mean it can kill microbes that lead to dental plaque. In one study, a sage-based mouthwash was shown to get rid of the Streptococcus mutans bacteria, which causes dental cavities.

Sage can improve memory. In one study, people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease were better at mental functions such as problem-solving after taking a sage extract supplement daily for four months.

It could help with menopause. When taken as an oral supplement, sage may help improve symptoms of menopause, such as night sweats or hot flushes. Not much research has been done, though, so it’s not clear what dose will work best.

Goodbye diarrhoea! Fresh sage is a traditional remedy for diarrhoea. Test-tube and animal studies found that it helps thanks to compounds that relax your gut.

Related article: 12 Benefits of garlic we bet you never knew

SAGE CAN BE USED AS A TEA AND AN OIL



Sage oil could promote new hair growth. It improves circulation to the scalp, which means more nutrition gets to the hair follicles. Boil sage and rosemary in water for a herbal rinse that can revitalise dry and thinning hair. Use it daily for one week or once or twice a week for shine and thickness.

Sage tea could soothe throat and gum disease. You can also gargle with it to soothe a sore throat and treat gum disease. Simmer 2 teaspoons of fresh or 1 teaspoon of dried sage in water for 5-7 minutes. Strain it and have it with honey or lemon juice.

Sage oil can soothe aches and pains. Massages with sage oil can soothe painful ailments such as muscle stiffness and rheumatism. In aromatherapy, the oil is used for nervousness, stress, fatigue, tiredness, headaches and anxiety.

SAGE IS GREAT IN COOKING
Sage makes meals delicious! In the kitchen, sage is most often used to season pork, poultry and stuffings. Unlike more delicate herbs, sage is added early on during cooking since it has such a strong flavour.

You can sprinkle it on soup as a garnish, try it in tomato-based or creamy pasta sauces and with eggs in an omelette. Dried sage is a good rub for roasts.

Recipe idea: If you have fresh sage, try this classic. Melt 2 tbs butter in a pot over medium heat. Add about 30 fresh sage leaves. Cook until butter browns and leaves shrivel. Add cooked pasta, stir through and sprinkle with any grated hard cheese if you like.

Related article: The secret powers of turmeric

Sources: https://www.healthline.com, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com, https://www.organicfacts.net, https://www.verywellhealth.com, https://draxe.com, https://www.masterclass.com, https://www.healthbeckon.com