The Chinese consider it “the Greek sprout” and regard it to be better than tea, the Latins perceived it as the “sacred plant of immortality”, the Arabs believed that it can cure everything and the Greeks use it forever.
It is rich in vitamins and minerals, and more specifically a teaspoon (0,7 gr) of ground sage contains:
Calories 2, protein 0, gr, carbohydrates 0,4gr, fat 0,1gr, vitamin K 10%, iron 1,1%, vitamin B6 1,1%, calcium 1%, manganese 1%, Also contains small amounts of magnesium, zinc, copper and vitamins A, C, E.
Properties
- Antioxidant. It contains more than 100 polyphenols, chemical compounds, which act as antioxidants. Thus, it contributes to the strengthening of the body’s defenses and is a shield against free radicals. Studies show that it reduces the body’s total cholesterol drastically .
- Aseptic. It is very rich in substances that constitute it an important antimicrobial and antifungal plant. For example, its salvine content, constitute it the perfect enemy against staphylococcus and E. Coli.
- Oral hygiene . Due to its antimicrobial properties it contributes significantly to the health of the oral cavity. It neutralizes microbes and bacteria which are responsible for dental plaque and other oral diseases. Relieves discomfort from injuries, aphthae and gingivitis.
- Respiratory. Sage has a mucolytic effect . Parallel to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, it effectively contributes to the treatment of cough, sinusitis and pharyngitis as it heals from infections.
- Menopause. Sage is one of the strongest pre-estrogenic herbs. This means that it has properties similar to those of estrogens . As a result it acts effectively on the symptoms of menopause and dysmenorrhea as it is an emmenagogue. In fact, it is extremely effective against the over sweating that is very common in menopause.
- Cognitive functions . Sage seems to have beneficial properties on the brain. Studies have shown that sage has an effect on a chemical substance, acetylcholine, associated with improving memory.
- Blood sugar. Research has shown that sage regulates blood sugar levels.
- Cosmetic application. It has excellent cosmetic application and that is why it is included in many cosmetic formulations. In fact, sage oil helps renew skin cells and increases blood circulation. It is rich in vitamin A, known for its properties on the skin. It is ideal for greasy skin and provides deep cleansing to skins with acne. It seems to have beneficial properties on acne .
- Hair. Sage contributes to hair health. It fights dandruff, improves weak and brittle hair and stops hair loss. It enables the body to better control the secretions of natural oils which lead to greasy hair.
- Other actions . Application to the skin as an insect repellent, relief from diarrhea , improvement of digestion, tonic action , action against rheumatism , arthritis and cramps. Muscle enhancement , deodorizing action for the feet.
*The higher altitude that herbs are collected from, the better , delicious and “stronger” they are. Greece has 47 mountains with a height of over 2,000m, 105 mountains between 1,500m-2,000m and 155 mountains between 1,000m-1,500m. The mountains below 1,000m have not been counted.
*Although herbs are generally considered safe and offer many benefits, there are also side effects under certain conditions. Some beverages are not recommended in cases such as pregnancies, breastfeeding because of the high levels of volatile compounds they contain. Generally, in cases of serious diseases, consult your doctor and not consider the decoction of the herb as a medicine or a means of treatment.