Contents
Some basic information
The sage is perennial. Its name comes from the word “salvus” which means health. Sage is great not only as an ornamental plant, but also a medicinal plant and a great spice. We distinguish about 700 species this plant. Among them is the recently extremely popular sage Spanish (chia) and medical sage, which we will focus on in this article.
What does medical sage hide?
One of the varieties of sage, very popular in Poland, is the medical sage. The medical raw material here are leaves that contain volatile oils rich in, among others, in camphor, cineole, thujone and pinene. In addition, the leaves are rich in tannins, organic acids, flavonoids and, among others, such vitamins as vitamin C, B1 or vitamin PP.
How can sage help?
Sage has a multi-directional effect. Heals fever and sore throat. It is used in respiratory problems, digestive ailments or even skin problems. In addition, it supports the immune system and improves mental functions, because it strengthens the ability to concentrate and improves memory. It also prevents excessive sweating and inactivates some toxic compounds in the digestive tract. As you can see, it affects the entire body, although of course it will not always replace drugs, so you cannot abandon them in favor of sage. However, it is worth including sage in your diet to help treat various ailments.
Sage in the kitchen
We usually associate sage with tea and in this form it is of course highly recommended. However, not everyone knows that sage can also be used as a seasoning in the kitchen, both in dried form and in the form of fresh leaves. When used in moderation, it gives a great taste experience. It has a specific, slightly piney and spicy flavor. However, an excess of it can bring out an unpleasant smell from the food and add bitterness, so use it carefully.
Sage goes well with meat and fish (e.g. eel). It can also be added to flour dishes, e.g. stuffing dumplings or bread. It will also give an interesting flavor to vegetable soups, legumes and pasta. You can also prepare sage butter and spread it on sandwiches. Just mix the butter with the seasoning.
Who should watch out for sage?
Although sage is very healthy, not everyone can benefit from it. It is better for people who are taking anticoagulants to give up on it. Sage can interfere with the effects of these medications. You should also watch out for sage if you suffer from epilepsy or have acute gastritis. In addition, breastfeeding women (sage reduces lactation) and pregnant women should also give up the beneficial properties of sage. Also contraindications are tumors stimulated by estrogenic hormones.
It should also be remembered that sage is very healthy, but it should be used in moderation, especially in the form of infusions. Long-term drinking of sage infusions can lead to nausea and vomiting, as well as to dementia. So it’s better not to use it every day.
Main photo: Photo credit: InAweofGod’sCreation / Foter / CC BY
Photo from text: Photo credit: Cooking etc. / Foter / CC BY