Herbal plants hold immense importance in various aspects of human life. Their significance lies in their medicinal properties which have been cherished for centuries. These plants offer a natural and holistic approach to healing and promoting well-being. From treating common ailments to managing chronic conditions, herbal plants provide a wide range of remedies without the side effects often associated with synthetic drugs. In this post of Plants Folder, we want to talk about Sage and its interesting properties. Stay with us!
Name and Physical Characteristics
Sage, scientifically known as Salvia officinalis, which is derived from the English word “salver” meaning healer, is an herbaceous perennial plant from the Lamiaceae family. It is also known as the sister plant of rosemary due to its strong resemblance to it.
It has stems covered with grayish scales that turn woody and brown over time. Its leaves are long and lanceolate, covered with delicate scales, and have a greenish-gray color. Most species of sage have a long flowering period, starting from late spring and continuing until autumn. The flowers of this plant are arranged in clusters and have a bluish-purple color, although sometimes white or pink flowers can also be seen. Its fruit is a light or dark brown nut-like structure. Different species of sage have some variations in their appearance. For example, medicinal species are usually seen in nature as self-sustaining herbs or shrubs ranging from 40 to 80 centimeters in height.
Sage has a warm nature and a slightly bitter taste. It is native to Mediterranean regions and its name has been mentioned in ancient Greek and Roman medical books. It is known as a detoxifying and insect-repellent plant, as well as a general tonic for strengthening the body. In the early 9th century, sage was also recognized by the inhabitants of Europe and later found its way to China. Today, this plant is cultivated in many parts of the world, from Russia to southern Europe and America. In addition to its medicinal properties in diabetes, colds, and infections, and its soothing effects, it is also known as a culinary seasoning in America.
Properties
Relieving Stress and Helping with Depression Treatment
According to research conducted by the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2016, sage with its specific compounds can activate certain receptors in the brain that play an important role in mood regulation, stress, and pain control. By burning it, you can overcome your stress and nervous tensions, and by drinking its tea, you can overcome negative emotions and thoughts and prevent depression.
Bone Health
Sage contains a significant amount of vitamin K, which plays a crucial role in the natural growth and regeneration of bones. Therefore, this plant promotes bone health and prevents osteoporosis. Keeping the bones healthy is highly effective in maintaining overall body balance and a healthy physique.
Improving Stomach Discomfort and Treating Indigestion
Sage is known in traditional medicine for treating stomach ulcers. Its antiviral and antibacterial properties make it highly effective in treating gastrointestinal infections. It can even be used to treat stomach bleeding. This plant acts as a stimulant and compensates for digestive system deficiencies, acting as a natural laxative for relieving constipation.
Health of the uterus and treatment of vaginal infections
Sage, with its disinfectant and antimicrobial properties, has a significant impact on the treatment of vaginal infections of bacterial, viral, and fungal origin.
Other properties
The use of sage during menopause can be very helpful because the phytoestrogens and phenolic acids present in it improve menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and sweating. It contains high amounts of vitamin A and calcium, which play a significant role in skin regeneration. Its consumption not only prevents premature wrinkles and lines but also helps treat chronic and rare diseases such as acne vulgaris with its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, by controlling oil production, like a natural toner, it removes excess oil from the skin.
Since continuous and controlled use of sage can be effective in improving memory, it is recommended for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. This plant, with its anti-inflammatory properties, is highly effective in treating throat and tonsil inflammation, throat and mouth mucous swelling, and sore throat.
Contraindications
Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers
Although it is effective in reducing the pain of natural childbirth, it contains tujone, which can cause uterine contractions and menstruation, leading to miscarriage. Therefore, its consumption is not recommended for pregnant women in any way. The use of this herb during breastfeeding may also affect the amount of breast milk. Tujone reduces breast milk production.
Patients with high blood pressure
While regular sage lowers blood pressure, some species of it may have the opposite effect and exacerbate hypertension. Therefore, individuals with high blood pressure should exercise caution when consuming it.
Seizure disorders
Tujone present in sage can trigger seizures. Therefore, if you have seizure disorders and are taking specific medications, avoid excessive consumption of this plant to prevent any interference.
Patients with hormone-sensitive diseases
The use of this herbal plant is not recommended for individuals with hormone-sensitive diseases such as breast, uterus, ovarian, or endometrial cancer because some species of it have estrogen-like effects and can exacerbate hormone-sensitive diseases.
Surgery
Since it affects blood sugar levels, it may manipulate blood sugar during and after surgery and interfere with its levels. Therefore, it is recommended to abstain from consuming regular sage at least two weeks before surgery.
Usage
Method of use for hair shine, growth, and prevention of hair loss
To prevent hair loss, mix 3 to 4 drops of its essential oil with a few drops of peppermint or rosemary essential oil and dilute the mixture with a quantity of olive oil. Use this solution to massage your scalp several times a week. This solution is particularly effective in the treatment of male pattern baldness.
To make your hair shiny, boil 1 teaspoon of dried plant leaves with a cup of water. After 5 to 8 minutes, strain it and let it cool. Use the cooled Maryam Goli tea to rinse your hair. This herbal tea is effective not only in making your hair shiny but also in treating dandruff.
sage improves hair growth by enhancing blood circulation in the scalp and providing nourishment to hair follicles. As a result, it rejuvenates and strengthens them. To prepare a solution to promote hair growth, make a decoction of sage leaves and rosemary plants, and after cooling, use it to rinse your hair. Gradually, you will notice thicker hair strands.
Leave a Reply