Sage is a popular and perfect herb that is used widely for culinary and medicinal purposes. It is a wonderful silvery plant, with a pleasing fragrance and belongs to the herb of mint family. The herb is native to Mediterranean regions and has long been cultivated there. Sage is a popular addition to kitchen herb gardens and is very popular in healing and kitchen cooking. Today, it is also planted in home gardens, as an ornamental plant. It has gained a sacred place throughout history for its preservative and medicinal properties and is a popular home remedy even today. Rich in vitamin A, iron, calcium and potassium, sage helps in preventing sprains, swelling, ulcers, and bleeding and also strengthens the nervous system. With this article, we will help you explore the benefits of the wonderful herb known as sage.
Health Benefits Of Eating Sage
- Sage improves and boosts the memory of an individual and proves to be an excellent herb for children.
- The herb is rich in vitamin A and calcium, which are extremely important for the growth of teeth, bones and skin.
- It flourishes the body with iron, by boosting the iron stores in the body and hence increases energy.
- The anti- microbial properties present in sage help in the treatment of fungal and microbial infections.
- The anti-bacterial properties of sage are a boon to various parts of the human body, like stomach, intestine, nose, throat, eats, genitals and eyes.
- The herb is extensively used in the healing process of surgical incisions, wounds and sores, as an antiseptic.
- The oil extracted from sage contains camphor and camphen, which prevent and cure fungal infections such as dermatitis, athlete’s foot and other skin diseases and infections.
- It possesses cholagogue and choleretic properties, which bring relief from acidity and promote digestion.
- Sage helps with allergies and mosquito bites.
- It packs many powerful antioxidants within itself, which protects cells from forming cancerous cells or getting damaged by oxidation.
- The herb helps in regulating menstruation cycle and proves to be a boon for all gynecological problems. In addition, it prevents excessive sweating in women after menopause.
- The cicatrisant present in sage is used in skin care creams and anti-marks cosmetics; a fortunate thing for cosmetic industry.
- The herb helps in the digestion of fatty foods that are difficult to digest and protein rich.
Caution
- Sage is not an allergic food and it does not contain measurable amounts of oxalates or purines. However, it is advised to use it in moderation internally, as it can be toxic.
Cooking Tips
- Sage is used as condiment to flavor dishes. However, it should be added only in the end, to retain its aromatic flavor.
- The herb flavors the food, by imparting it a peppy flavor and pleasant aroma. It can be mixed with onion, to make homemade stuffing.
- Sage can be used to season and flavor tomato sauce as well and it can even be cut and sprinkled on pizza.
- The herb can be added to boiling tea water, for a refreshing aroma and taste. Moreover, the astringent properties present in it help treat sore throat, diarrhea and gastritis.
- Sage can be enjoyed in salad as well, by combining it with cucumber, tomato, sweet onion, bell peppers and plain yogurt.
- Cut fresh sage in pieces and sprinkle it over omelets and frittatas, for a delicious taste.
- The herb can add flavor to chicken or fish, when placed in parchment paper, while baking them, as the meat will absorb the flavor.
- Sage is used for stuffing the turkey on Thanksgiving Day. In addition, it is served with roast turkey or roast goose on Christmas Day.