Sage is Good for More Than Stuffing

You may have been introduced to sage via your spice cabinet, but it was an herbal remedy long before it became popular for culinary use. Sage was a medicinal go-to herb for the ancient Greeks and Romans, and it's been used as an antibacterial agent and to promote soft tissue healing for centuries across Europe and in the U.S.

 Sage In Your Medicine Cabinet

Sage is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial that contains, among other things: borneol, camphor, cineole, flavonoids, linalool, pinene, salvene, tannis thujone.

A sage infusion (like a gargle or tea) can help reduce discomfort and irritations in the mouth: gums, tonsils or throat. It may also help clear a stuffy nose.

A poultice of sage can speed wound healing.

Sage tea may be effective in treating mild headaches and restlessness (as in not being able to relax because of racing thoughts -- lavender and sage tea work really well for this btw).

There are a number of studies currently being conducted to evaluate sage's usefulness in treating Type II diabetes.

Sage helps the body digest fats, so if you're planning on indulging (ice cream, steak, spareribs, fettuccini Alfredo), drink a cup of sage tea soon afterward.

Sage may encourage muscle contractions in the uterus, so avoid using it medicinally if you're pregnant.

Sage can Help Reduce Menopausal Symptoms

Sage is a natural source of estrogen and can be a big help in combating menopausal symptoms. I have suffered from night sweats for a while now, and have tried to avoid HRT (hormone replacement therapy). Sage is an easy way to add natural estrogen-like chemicals to your system and provide some relief. Even burning a sage aromatherapy candle can help.

If you suffer from night sweats, increasing the amount of flax seed and soy in your diet, taking a soothing bath to which you have added essential oil of lavender, and exercising moderately a few hours before bedtime can also reduce your symptoms.

If you get some relief with sage aromatherapy or tea, common sage is easy to grow in a sunny, well drained location. It is also dries well and produces a reliable crop of leaves for me every year.

More Information about Sage

You can find more information about uses for sage in my post:
Sage Tips and Facts