Medicinal properties of sage revealed

Wednesday, November 18, 2009 by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger Editor of NaturalNews.com (See all articles...) Tags: sage, herb, health news

(NaturalNews) Of all the culinary herbs, sage is perhaps the one with the broadest range of medicinal uses. As you'll see in the collection of quotes about sage shown below, sage is anti-hypertensive, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial; plus it helps cleanse your blood and may even prevent Alzheimer's disease.

You may not have known all these amazing health applications for such a simple herb. Check out the quotes below and learn what health experts like Dr. James Duke are saying about sage...

Medicinal benefits of sage

Sage was given the distinguished title of "Herb of the Year" in 2001 by the International Herb Association. The health benefits of sage are similar to those attributed to other members of the mint family. Sage is perhaps most similar to rosemary. The primary medicinal components in sage are volatile oils, flavonoids, and rosmarinic acid. Some of the distinct effects of sage that have been reported include anhidrotic (prevents perspiration); blood sugar-lowering effects in diabetics; antimicrobial; and drying up the flow of milk during lactation.
- The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods by Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D.

After taking the sage extract, the subjects felt more alert, calm, and contented, and the benefits lasted for several hours afterward. Dosage: For supplements, follow the label directions regarding dosage. For cooking, mince sage or use whole leaves to season chicken or turkey.
- The Food-Mood Solution: All-Natural Ways to Banish Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Stress, Overeating, and Alcohol and Drug Problems--and Feel Good Again by Jack Challem

Burdock, dandelion, hawthorn, licorice, pau d'arco, red clover, rhubarb, sage, shiitake mushroom, and Siberian and other ginsengs detoxify and cleanse the blood. These herbs can be used independently or in any combination. Cautions: Do not use licorice on a daily basis for more than seven days in a row, and avoid it completely if you have high blood pressure. Do not use sage if you have any kind of seizure disorder. Do not use Siberian ginseng if you have hypoglycemia or a heart disorder. Do not use any type of ginseng if you have high blood pressure.
- Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 4th Edition: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC

Oil of sage contains a compound called thujone, an effective agent against both salmonella and Candida. Sage also contains the phenolic acid rosmarinic acid, which is both an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory. For this reason, sage has been found to be beneficial for fighting such inflammatory conditions as gingivitis and rheumatoid arthritis. In animal research, sage was found to be antihypertensive (it lowers blood pressure). And in one study - yet to be confirmed in humans - it had an antidiabetic effect.
- The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth: The Surprising, Unbiased Truth About What You Should Eat and Why by Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S.

Drink an herbal sore-throat tea containing some or (preferably) all of the following: slippery elm bark, hyssop, licorice root, and sage. Hyssop and sage detoxify the blood; licorice and slippery elm soothe irritated mucous membranes and ease a sore throat. Take a cup of the tea three times daily for a couple of days or until you feel better. You can also cool the tea and use it as a gargle. Note: Do not use licorice on a daily basis for more than five days at a time, as it can elevate blood pressure. Do not use it at all if you have high blood pressure.
- Smart Medicine for Healthier Living : Practical A-Z Reference to Natural and Conventional Treatments for Adults by Janet Zand, LAc, OMD, Allan N. Spreed, MD, CNC, James B. LaValle, RPh, ND

Those with epilepsy, high blood pressure, or kidney disease may be adversely affected by the thujone content and should avoid large doses of sage. Sage is native to southeastern Europe but cultivated and naturalized elsewhere. A perennial, it often grows to a foot or more in height and has a squarish stem. The leaves grow in pairs and are grayish green in color, slightly hairy, and strongly veined. The purplish flowers grow in whorls. In the garden, sage does best in full sun and well-drained soil, with low to moderate amounts of water.
- The Desktop Guide to Herbal Medicine: The Ultimate Multidisciplinary Reference to the Amazing Realm of Healing Plants, in a Quick-study, One-stop Guide by Brigitte Mars, A.H.G.

Laura still hasn't told her doctor about the sage tea she drinks to help bring her blood sugar back to normal. But she didn't mind telling us. 'You know how doctors are - they don't want you taking anything that they haven't given you," says the 67-year-old retired medical attendant. After suffering from Type II diabetes for seven years, the Detroit resident read about the benefits of sage tea and decided to give it a try. The hard part was finding some: Sage tea sells out as quickly as it arrives at her local health-food store.
- Home Remedies: What Works: Thousands of Americans Reveal Their Favorite Home-Tested Cures for Everyday Health Problems by Gale Maleskey, Brian Kaufman

Calendula, cayenne, fennel seed, ginger, marshmallow root, sage, and slippery elm nourish the skin and promote healing. Caution: Do not use sage if you suffer from any kind of seizure disorder. Milk thistle aids the liver in cleansing blood. Nettle and rosemary improve skin tone, nourish the skin, and promote healing. Dosages may vary, depending on duration and severity of symptoms. Consult a qualified herbal practitioner.
- The Doctor's Complete Guide to Vitamins and Minerals by Dr. Mary Dan Eades

Recently published studies by a team of scientists from the Department of Microbiology and Chemotherapy at the Nippon Roche Research Center in Kamakura, Japan, indicates that powdered sage or sage tea helps to prevent blood clots from forming and is quite useful in the prevention and treatment of myocardial infarction and general coronary pains.
- Heinerman's Encyclopedia of Healing Herbs and Spices by John Heinerman

Rosemary enhances detoxification and also reduces inflammation. Sage can increase the flow of bile and liver detoxification. Garlic has abundant healing properties - it thins the blood, reduces blood pressure, lowers cholesterol, improves immunity, fights microbes, and may protect against cancer. Oregano has twelve antibiotic, antifungal, antiviral, and antiparasitic compounds. Cinnamon has antifungal properties. Burdock increases urine and sweat production.
- Ultraprevention : The 6-Week Plan That Will Make You Healthy for Life by Mark Hyman, M.D.

For heart palpitations, irritability, and insomnia with blood deficiency, combine 9 grams each of red sage root, zizyphus seeds, and Polygonum multiflorum stems. For coronary heart disease and angina, combine 9 grams each of hawthorn berries, motherwort, and red sage root.
- The Way of Chinese Herbs by Michael Tierra, L.Ac, O.M.D.

Forty patients were treated with neon laser acupuncture, retention enemas, and injection into the endometrial nodes with common sage root, which is a blood-vitalizing or blood-moving herb. In the 40 patients treated, the size of lumps diminished and symptoms disappeared in 17. Thirteen women conceived. Among these, six had suffered from fallopian tube blockage and seven from ovulatory dysfunction. There was a total amelioration rate of 97.5 percent.
- Get Healthy Now with Gary Null: A Complete Guide to Prevention, Treatment and Healthy living by Gary Null

Pau d'arco, ragwort, and wood sage can be combined and used to treat tumors and external cancers. Poke root is good for an inflamed or sore breast. Sage, like poke root, can help relieve breast inflammation and soreness.
- Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 4th Edition: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC

Bayberry bark, burdock root, milk thistle, nettle, pau d'arco, sage, and yellow dock purify the blood, fight infection, and aid in recuperation after the trauma of illness. Caution: Do not use sage if you suffer from any kind of seizure disorder. Birch leaves and lobelia both help to reduce pain. Caution: Do not take lobelia internally on an ongoing basis. Catnip tea is a nerve tonic. It can also be used as an enema to reduce fever.
- Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 4th Edition: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC

Anise, black cohosh, fennel, licorice, raspberry, sage, unicorn root, and wild yam root are natural estrogen promoters, as are soybean products. Caution: Do not use licorice on a daily basis for more than seven days in a row, and avoid it completely if you have high blood pressure. Do not use sage if you suffer from any type of seizure disorder.
- Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 4th Edition: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC

Cook using garlic, onion, thyme, oregano and sage. These seasonings contain very small amounts of phytoestrogens (plant-based estrogens, such as lignans and isoflavones, that occur naturally in certain foods) and can help restore hormone balance. Cut down on caffeine. Caffeine stimulates the adrenal glands, leading to a spike in blood sugar levels followed by a plunge in blood sugar to levels even lower than before. This stresses the body and aggravates menopausal woes. If you don't want to give up coffee completely, have one cup a day with food.
- Bottom Line's Health Breakthroughs 2007 by Bottom Line Health

Although they are not quite as effective, cinnamon, eucalyptus, garlic, lemon, oregano, sage, sandalwood, tea tree and thyme can be used for the same purpose. In clinical studies, aloe vera has been shown to increase blood flow to the injured area, thus accelerating the healing process. Antiseptic and healing herbs like these can be used in salves, sprays, diluted essential oils or poultices. The type of injury and its location dictate the most appropriate application. Salves, for example, adhere to the skin and form a protective layer to protect minor scrapes and cuts.
- Herbs for Health and Healing by Kathi Keville

In addition to waving aside the dessert cart, he suggests adding vitamin-and mineral-rich vegetables and grains, more fiber, aromatic spices like thyme and sage (which fight yeast overgrowth in the intestines) and copious amounts of garlic and yogurt, along with a good multivitamin/mineral supplement. "This sort of diet is the foundation of treatment for chronic yeast infections," he explains.
- Home Remedies: What Works: Thousands of Americans Reveal Their Favorite Home-Tested Cures for Everyday Health Problems by Gale Maleskey, Brian Kaufman

I'm hedging my bets now by drinking tea made from balm, sage, hyssop, or rosemary. To make the tea, I put a teaspoon or two of herb into a cup of freshly boiled water and let it steep for maybe 5 to 10 minutes. I strain out the herbs, add a squirt of lime juice, then drink up. I'm convinced that the tea is helping to preserve my memory and protect me from Alzheimer's. Another herb that may reduce your risk of Alzheimer's is ginkgo. It works by boosting bloodflow throughout your body, including within your brain.
- The Green Pharmacy Anti-Aging Prescriptions: Herbs, Foods, and Natural Formulas to Keep You Young by James A. Duke, Ph.D.