We hear about sage most often as an ingredient of most cosmetics or a spice that improves the taste of some dishes. There is a term in its Latin name to save meaning “healing”, “saving”. No wonder – thanks to the specific substances found in sage, it is very often used in medicine. In its leaves we find a unique essential oil, which includes cineol, camphor, bornel, thujone and pinene. If these names mean little to you, know that they have a healing effect on the body, improve the appearance and, in addition, have a fantastic effect on the well-being!
What’s more, sage is a source of bitterness and tannins, carotene, organic acids, resin compounds, as well as vitamins (A, B, C) and minerals such as zinc, iron, calcium, potassium, sodium and magnesium. Here are more properties of this amazing plant:
- skin care – substances present in sage leaves have a beneficial effect on the skin. The minerals and vitamins contained in them delay skin aging and the formation of wrinkles, have strong nutritional properties and fight oxidative stress. Flavonoids and essential oils are also effective in the treatment of ringworm, acne, psoriasis and eczema. That is why sage is so often present in the composition of creams and care cosmetics for problematic and mature skin. We can find it in every other face wash gel, lotion or serum.
- Fighting infections and infections – rinsing the mouth with sage infusion will be effective in the case of mouth ulcers, bleeding gums, tonsillitis, aft, thrush and sore throat. The tannins, carnosol bitterness and essential oil contained in it are a powerful weapon in the fight against infections. They inhibit the multiplication of bacteria, have antiseptic and fungicidal properties. The infusion can be used both for drinking and inhalation, thanks to which it will facilitate the cleaning of the bronchi from the secretions that remain in them.
- Stopping lactation – it will also be useful for mothers finishing breastfeeding who are struggling with the problem of milk flow. Drinking an infusion of sage leaves twice a day effectively inhibits lactation. It will also be effective in the case of food overload, which in excess can contribute to mastitis.
- Help with digestive problems – large amounts of bitterness, tannins and resin compounds improve metabolism and improve the work of the digestive system. It is worth adding sage leaves to fatty dishes – it will make them less hard to digest. After a hearty meal, it is also worth drinking sage tea, which will stimulate the secretion of gastric juice and facilitate digestion.
- Reduction of menstrual and menopausal ailments – sage contains a lot of phytoestrogens as well as tannins and essential oil. Thanks to this, it has a diastolic and anti-inflammatory effect, and therefore regulates heavy menstruation and reduces the accompanying pain. It will also be effective in alleviating hot flashes and mood swings that occur during menopause.
- It will reduce sweating – the substances contained in this plant perfectly limit the growth of bacteria, thanks to which the body copes better with excessive sweating resulting from various reasons: fever, neurosis or hyperthyroidism. To achieve this effect, you should drink an infusion of sage leaves. It works 2-3 hours after consumption, and the effect of its action can last up to three days.