Sage, also known as Common sage or Garden sage, is a well-known herb with a typical sweetish flavor. It has been used in cuisines across the world and was considered a fertility drug in Egypt. It has several medicinal properties, mainly because of the volatile oil it contains.
Health benefits: Traditionally, sage has been used for its antiseptic, pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. It is considered effective for cough, bronchitis, asthma, fever, rheumatism and in overcoming sexual debility. Research studies show this herb to have several antioxidant compounds which are responsible for its marked anti-inflammatory properties.
How to use:Sage is used as to lend flavor to tomato sauce, pizza and omelets. It is also used to prepare salad dressings and baked chicken and fish dishes. Sage leaves are dropped into boiling water and the vapors inhaled for relief from nasal congestion.
Active ingredients:Sage contains flavonoids such as apigenin and luteolin, carotenoids, volatile oil and phenolic acids of which the most common one is rosmarinic acid and vitamin K. (Read: 5 natural sources of vitamin K)
Side effects:Sage may be consumed safely in small doses, but should not be consumed for long periods. Pregnant and nursing women and persons with epilepsy must not use this herb. (Read: Ketogenic diet for preventing epileptic attacks)
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References
1 Baricevic D, Sosa S, Della Loggia R, Tubaro A, Simonovska B, Krasna A,
Zupancic A. Topical anti-inflammatory activity of Salvia officinalis L. leaves: The relevance of ursolic acid.J Ethnopharmacol. 2001 May;75(2-3):125-32. PubMed PMID: 11297842.
2 Qnais EY, Abu-Dieyeh M, Abdulla FA, Abdalla SS. Theantinociceptive andanti-inflammatory effects of Salvia officinalis leaf aqueous and butanolextracts. Pharm Biol. 2010 Oct;48(10):1149-56. doi: 10.3109/13880200903530763.PubMed PMID: 20860437.
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