I’m sure you know about sage, but do you know how valuable this herb is for your health and overall wellbeing? It’s one of those herbs we’ve all heard about but may not have in the pantry. After reading this, you may just decide to add it to your regular repertoire.
Sage, also known as Salvia officinalis, is a member of the mint family and native to the Mediterranean region. It has a piney aroma and notes of sweet, bitter, citrus and eucalyptus in its flavor. This potent flavorful blend can scare away amateur cooks, but when you know how to cook with sage you can reap its many health benefits.
Dr. David Friedman, Naturopathic Physician and author of
Food Sanity says “sage is chock-full of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds, including rosmarinic acid, carnosol, and camphor. Sage is a common ingredient in some mouthwashes because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.”
Those antibacterial properties help prevent plaque. Mouthwash containing sage has also been shown to
effectively kill Candida albicans, which can contribute to cavities and a host of other health problems.
Sage is a potent medicinal plant with wide-ranging effects. Let’s start with cognitive function. Sage is well known and scientifically
proven to enhance cognitive function, improve memory and prevent neurodegenerative disease. If you’re having problems focusing, sage may help. Sage is also packed with nutrients and
antioxidants which help support health by preventing or delaying cellular damage, which is probably why it has been shown to protect against
many types of cancer.
Suffering from pain or a chronic condition like fibromyalgia? The potent anti-inflammatory properties of sage can
help reduce pain and help the body restore its balance. It can even help improve metabolism and promote weight loss, which many people with chronic health conditions struggle with. Sage is known to treat a
host of other ailments including reducing menstrual cramps, alleviating hot flashes, heartburn, flatulence, reducing overproduction of sweat, treating depression, lowering cholesterol levels and so much more. Like I alluded to earlier; is there anything sage doesn’t help with?
If you’re not sure how to start using sage, try sprinkling some on top of soups or pasta. Just remember, a little sage goes a long way, so use it sparingly or in places where it’s flavor is complimentary. Sage pairs well with fatty food and meats, pasta, gnocchi, red and cream-based pasta sauces and can be used to make a delicious vegan cashew cheese sauce or spread. You can even make a flavorful sage tea and impart its health benefits that way. How will you include sage in your routine?
Jaya Jaya Myra is a wellness lifestyle expert and go-to media expert on mind-body wellness, stress management, mindfulness, food for mood, and natural, healthy living. She’s a best-selling author, TEDx and motivational speaker, and creator of The WELL Method for purpose-filled healthy living. Visit www.JayaJayaMyra.com 
