We can definitely say that we have here a plant which aptly bears its name inspired by the Latin “salvare” (to save). There salvia or sage is therefore the “plant that saves”, a reputation that has not been denied since Antiquity. Besides, doesn’t a Provençal proverb say that “he who has sage in his garden does not need a doctor”? Without going that far, it is true that it is a plant that has no equal in relieving many ailments. Here are the health benefits of sage and its most notable uses. Also find out at the end of the article how to make herbal tea with fresh sage and what the potential side effects and precautions for use are.
1) Fight sweating with sage
The transpiration excessive or hyperhidrosis occurs when there is excessive sweat production from the sweat glands. However, this little plant has useful antiperspirant properties. To use it, you can take tablets or capsules for 15 days. Then take a break for a week before possibly continuing. You can also make sweaty foot or hand baths with sage infusion. This infusion can also be applied to sweating areas using a compress. In addition, you can grind it into powder with a mortar to apply it to your hands (as you would with talcum powder). This will limit their humidity.
Grandma’s little extra thing: In perfumery, sage acts as a perfume fixative. You can therefore rub a leaf on the skin before applying perfume for long wear.
2) Sage helps remove dandruff
This outstanding anti-dandruff will not only cleanse and purify your scalp gently, but also bring lots of shine to the hair. To do this, prepare rinse water to use as a final rinse after shampooing and treatment. After infusing 50 g of dried sage in a liter of simmering water for ten minutes to a quarter of an hour. Then wait for it to cool and your little treatment to use 2 to 3 times a week for a month is ready!
3) Against female disorders such as menopause or painful periods
They say she is a estrogen-like plant because of its composition rich in phytoestrogens. In other words, it contains molecules similar to female hormones. This is what allows it to act on a wide spectrum of ailments linked to the female cycle. For example, it has the effect of limit hot flashes in mature women or period pain. However, she will also have other deeper effects on fatigue, mood swings and emotional fragility induced by hormones from puberty. It is therefore very effective in cases of difficult premenstrual syndrome. So, you can consume it as a herbal tea two days before the expected date of the painful period. Then during periods of menstruation and hot flashes, drink 1 to 2 cups per day.
4) Sage for sore throats
This plant is a real ally during the coldest months of the year! Indeed, autumn as in winter, it brings us its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. And what’s more, she can also reduce fever. Whether to soothe a smoker’s cough or sore throat, it helps calm irritated mucous membranes thanks to its vertus antitussives. To do this, gargling 2 to 3 times a day is ideal (you can go up to 5 maximum). Prepare your mixture by infusing 1 to 3 g of dried leaves in a cup of water for 10 minutes. Know that this gargle can also help treat canker sores!
Good to know: Its antiseptic properties also allow it to be used as first aid. Its fresh leaves allow disinfect wounds and promote healing. In case of bites and stings, it is also very useful!
5) This plant promotes digestion
Its virtues promoting digestion are numerous since it is carminative, aperitif and digestive while constituting a powerful antispasmodic. In fact, it will help relax the muscles making up the digestive system and promote bile secretion. Thus, it combats many aches and discomforts, including bloating, belching, stomach cramps and intestinal and/or gastric spasms. All this is notably linked to its richness in flavonoids which our digestive system and our body love very much. In short, like other plants friendly to difficult digestions, it is essential for track down intestinal pain. To avoid unpleasant sensations linked to digestive difficulties, simply take a sage infusion after a meal!
How to prepare sage tea?
In general, we simply infuse 1 to 1.5 g of dried sage leaves in 200 ml of simmering water. You can cover and let it steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Putting a lid on will allow keep all assets within the preparation. Following this, we wait until the herbal tea is at a more pleasant temperature before consuming it. Of course, you can add honey or agave syrup if you wish. Consume this infusion 1 to 3 times a day for 8 to 10 days maximum. And above all, always take a good break before starting to drink it again. Here, count 2 to 3 weeks break.
What precautions for use?
You will have understood: this very effective aromatic plant has interesting medicinal properties. But before you make a remedy and herbal teas, you need to know the contraindications!
Its phytoestrogen composition means that some people should not use it. Of course she is prohibited for pregnant and breastfeeding womenbut it is also not recommended for people suffering or having suffered from a hormone-dependent cancer (breast, etc.). In addition, excessive consumption is not recommended in the event of a heart problem. Note also that medicinal sage contains components with abortive and neurotoxic properties. Clary sage is less toxic. So, respect the recommended doses and the recommended breaks between two sage treatments. If in doubt or if your symptoms persist, consult a doctor.