Sage: Applications, Treatments, Health Benefits

Sage (lat. Salvia) belongs to the labiates and is widespread throughout the world with nearly 1,100 species. Most people know sage from toothpaste commercials or from sage candies for hoarseness and sore throats.

Occurrence and cultivation of sage

Characteristic is the aromatic fragrance emitted by the leaves.

Sage is an annual or perennial plant that actually originates from the Mediterranean region. Their growth is strongly bushy.

However, sage now feels at home here as well. Sage prefers a sunny location with well-drained, calcareous soil. Characteristic is the aromatic fragrance emitted by the leaves. The main harvest of sage occurs before the plant begins to bloom.

Since sage, like all herbs, is sensitive to light and heat, sage should be dried and stored in an airy place. Either tie into bunches and hang or leave to dry on the stove at around 40 degrees Celsius. Harvesting on sunny days, as well as in the late afternoon, guarantees the highest content of essential oils of sage.

Effect and application

The Latin name already indicates the use of sage: salvia comes from the Latin “salvare” and means “to heal”. Sage is therefore a medicinal plant. Its anti-inflammatory, germicidal and analgesic abilities are confirmed.

Sage also plays a role in lowering blood sugar levels and as an antispasmodic. People in ancient times already knew about all these abilities. However, it was not until the Middle Ages that monks brought sage across the Alps and thus to Germany. Thus, the real sage has been used for centuries as a remedy, but is also used as a kitchen spice.

However, due to its strong seasoning power, sage should only be used sparingly in the kitchen. The aroma unfolds when sage is fried with meat dishes. Sage is also popular with offal, with fish, for pickling cucumbers and with salads and sour soups. Quite a few consumers also like sage on pizza and pasta.

The use of sage as a medicinal agent is varied. First and foremost is the processing of sage into tea. This tea can be taken internally. But also external applications take place, for example, for poorly closing wounds. For impure skin, steam baths and compresses made from sage can help. Cosmetics use sage for toothpastes and mouthwashes to refine the aroma. Baths with sage are recommended for festering, weeping skin diseases or for women with menstrual cramps.

Importance for health

The importance of sage in medicine is very great. Some even refer to sage as a panacea. Due to its astringent, disinfectant effect, sage is used in many areas. Sage is especially known in the form of tea for sore throats and also for all kinds of sore throats.

Another internal use of sage tea is for laryngitis, cough and general cold symptoms. Singers drink sage tea for hoarseness. Sage also supports digestion. It strengthens the stomach and stimulates the metabolism. This supports the reduction of excess weight. Sage is also said to have an antiperspirant effect. This is particularly beneficial for women in menopause, who often suffer from heavy sweating.

Sage also plays a major role for nursing mothers. Sage curbs milk production – this is important when weaning and preventing milk stasis. Used externally, sage helps with ulcers, eczema and poorly healing wounds. Problems with insect bites can be relieved as well as rheumatic pain. Sage wines help with diabetes and nervous exhaustion. Used in time, sage can even make chemical medications unnecessary.