Sage’s Medicinal Qualities Explained

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Florist Ephy
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Why would a man die who has sage in his garden, goes a medieval proverb. The above proverb is just one of the many ancient pieces extolling the virtues of sage. Throughout history, sage was perceived as a herb of domestic virtue and immortality. Below are sage’s medicinal qualities explained.

[Note: The Right Flowers is not a medical site. Knowledge of and information about the therapeutic benefits and applications of flowers, while known through the ages, does not constitute medical advice. If you are having health issues, you should consult with a physician.]

Salvia officinalis or sage is a romantic, woody, perennial plant in the Lamiacea or mint family. The shrub is native to the shores of the northern Mediterranean and goes by many other names including garden sage or common garden sage. While the word sage is associated with wisdom, its botanical name “salvia” means to save or to be in good health.

Basically, sage grows to about 2 feet high and has leaves varying from gray to green. Some cultivars are known to feature golden or purple leaves. The shrub flowers in early summer where it produces camphor-scented, blue to pink lavender-like flowers. Sage’s blossoms come out in whorls borne on short, upright spikes. Individual flowers have two lips and are frequented by butterflies, bees and the occasional hummingbird.

Loaded with antioxidants
Antioxidants fortify the body’s defense system against harmful free radicals linked to inflammation and chronic conditions. Sage is known to have more than 160 polyphenols that act as antioxidants. These include rosmarinic acid, rutin, caffeic acid, ellagic and chlorogenic acid. The compounds mentioned above are ideal for combating cancer and improving brain functioning.

One study concentrated on the effects of sage compounds on gingival fibroblasts. These are cells commonly found in the gum tissue. The study discovered that using sage extracts lowered the possibility of developing inflammation significantly.

Lowering cholesterol and blood sugar
A study involving 40 participants with diabetes and high cholesterol taking sage leaf extracts for 3 months discovered that at the end of the trial, the participants had lower fasting glucose and reduced blood sugar levels over a period of 3 months. The participants also exhibited lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels while their HDL or good cholesterol levels increased.

Antimicrobial
Sage is packed with compounds containing microbial properties. In one study, researchers realized that a sage-based mouthwash was highly effective in killing streptococcus mutans, a notorious bacteria responsible for causing dental cavities. Other studies have established that sage extracts are ideal for treating dental abscesses, throat infections, and mouth ulcers.

In keeping with the tradition of ancient wisdom, you need not suffer from common ailments as long as you have sage in your backyard. So, how about you order yours now!

Culinary sage

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