Sage, as defined by Merrium-Webster.com means “wise through reflection and experience; proceeding from or characterized by wisdom, prudence, and good judgment.” In my opinion drinking sage tea shows good judgment.
A little less than a year ago I wrote about how sage tea (salvia officinalis) was successful in getting rid of my hot flashes. When the hot flashes went away, I stopped drinking the tea. Here it is a year later and the flashes returned and so did my habit of drinking sage tea. The only difference this time around is I won’t give up the habit of drinking my daily cup of sage tea.
Upon further research I’ve found too many benefits to drinking sage tea. As a matter of fact, everyone in my household now drinks a cup a day. Listed below are some of sage’s benefits:
Benefits of sage (tea/essential oil/culinary herb):
- Anti-bacterial
Image Courtesy of Wikiedia
- Anti-fungal
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-microbial
- Antiseptic
- Astringent
- Can be smoked to treat asthma
- Can be used in netti pot to reduce mucus
- Carminative (reduces flatulence)
- Cold relief
- Darkens gray hair when applied topically
- Disinfects
- Essential oil helps to prevent cancer
- Essential oil inhibits HIV-1 infection
- Has anti-protease and anti-metastatic qualities
- Improves digestion
- Improves memory and treats cognitive diseases and improves attention
- Inhale tea vapors to reduce phlegm and catarrh
- Lowers blood sugar
- May improve liver function (at least it does in rats)
- Mood enhancer
- Pain reduction
- Reduces excessive sweating
- Reduces itching from insect bites
- Reduces LDL Cholesterol (Antihyperlipidemic)
- Reduces menopausal symptoms
- Regulates irregular periods
- Soothes sore throat (gargle)
- Treats acne (applied topically)
- Treats mild to moderate Alzheimer’s
Contraindications:
- Sage may increase blood pressure in people with high blood pressure. It does not cause high blood pressure in people who are healthy and do not suffer from high blood pressure.
- Do not take if breastfeeding because sage reduces milk production.
Nursing mothers use it to stop milk production during the weaning process.
If you’re not nursing or have high blood pressure, I’d suggest you trot on over to your health store and get a supply of sage. Organic loose sage is more economical than the pre-packaged tea bags. Along with the loose sage leaves, pick up a tea press and start brewing your daily cup of health.
A tip from experience: Sage leaves like to steep quickly. No need to steep for more than 4 or 5 minutes. Don’t let sage’s light tea color fool you. It may be light in color, but it’s heavy in health properties.
Final note: Sage, along with many other herbs, contains thujone. As such, I don’t recommend drinking 20 cups of sage tea each day. A cup or two a day works wonders. Remember that nature, unlike the synthetic drug culture, takes its time. A little each day is all that’s required.
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