What is sage?
And what are its components?
And what are its benefits?
What are the risks, especially for pregnant and breastfeeding women?
Sagebrush is two well-known types
Sage herb (sage) has several types.
The two most common types are Salvia officinalis and Spanish sage (Salvia lavandulaefolia), according to WebMid.
Sage belongs to the mint family, along with other herbs such as thyme, rosemary, basil, and thyme, according to healthline.
Sage has a strong aroma, which is why it is used in small quantities.
However, they are packed with a variety of important nutrients and compounds.
Available fresh, dried, or oiled, this green herb has many health benefits.
Before starting to review the benefits and harms of sagebrush, we emphasize that the information here is for guidance only and is not a substitute for consulting a doctor.
It is not a cure for any disease, so do not stop or change your medications or take sage if you are sick except after consulting a doctor.
sage ingredients
According to Healthline, 1 teaspoon (0.7 grams) of ground sage contains:
Calories: 2
Protein: 0.1 g
Carbohydrates: 0.4 g
Fat: 0.1 g
Vitamin K: 10% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI)
Iron: 1.1% of the RDI
Vitamin B6: 1.1% of the RDI
Calcium: 1% of the RDI
Manganese: 1% of the RDI
Sage also contains small amounts of magnesium, zinc, copper and vitamins A, C, and E.
Furthermore, this aromatic spice contains caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, rosmarinic acid, and ellagic acid, all of which play a role in its beneficial health effects.
Benefits of sage herb
Sage contains antioxidants
Antioxidants are molecules that help strengthen the body's defenses and neutralize potentially harmful free radicals associated with chronic disease.
Sage contains more than 160 distinct polyphenols, which are plant chemical compounds that act as antioxidants in the body.
Chlorogenic, caffeine, rosmarinic and ellagic acids, all of which are found in sage, have been linked to health benefits, such as improved brain function and memory.
Sage may support oral health
Sage has antimicrobial effects, which can neutralize the microbes that promote dental plaque.
In one study, a sage-based mouthwash was shown to effectively kill Streptococcus mutans bacteria, which is notorious for causing tooth decay.
Sage can relieve menopausal symptoms
During menopause, a woman's body experiences a natural decrease in estrogen.
This can cause a wide range of unpleasant symptoms.
Symptoms include hot flashes, excessive sweating and irritability.
Common sage has been used traditionally to reduce menopausal symptoms.
The compounds in it are believed to have estrogen-like properties, allowing it to bind to specific receptors in your brain to help improve memory and treat hot flashes and excessive sweating.
Sage can lower blood sugar levels
Research - conducted on humans and animals - indicates that sage may help lower blood sugar levels.
In one study, sage extract reduced blood glucose levels in mice with type 1 diabetes by activating a specific receptor.
And when this receptor is activated, it can help get rid of excess free fatty acids in the blood, which in turn improves insulin sensitivity.
However, there is not yet enough evidence to recommend sage as a treatment for diabetes.
More human research is needed.
Sage may support memory and brain health
Sage can help support memory.
They are loaded with compounds that can act as antioxidants, which have been shown to protect the brain's defense system.
Sage has a positive effect on the levels of the chemical messenger, acetylcholine, or ACH, which has a role in memory.
And levels of acetylcholine appear to be reduced in Alzheimer's disease.
Sage may lower bad cholesterol (LDL)
Sage may help lower the "bad" LDL cholesterol (LDL), which can build up in the arteries and cause them to become damaged.
In one study, consuming sage tea twice daily lowered “bad” LDL cholesterol and total blood cholesterol while raising “good” HDL cholesterol after just two weeks.
What happens when you drink sage daily?
One study found that drinking one cup (240 milligrams) of sage tea twice daily significantly increased antioxidants.
It also lowered both total and LDL cholesterol, as well as raised good cholesterol.
Sage herb side effects
Sage is generally considered safe when taken as an herb with food or as a tea in moderate amounts.
However, some are concerned about thujone, a compound found in sage.
Animal research has found that high doses of thujone may be toxic to the brain.
However, there is no good evidence that thujone is toxic to humans.
Also it is almost impossible to consume toxic amounts of thujone through foods.
However, drinking a lot of sage tea or ingesting essential oils - which should be avoided anyway - may have toxic effects.
As a precaution, limit your consumption of sage tea to 3-6 cups per day.
Otherwise, if you are concerned about the thujone in common sage, you can simply eat Spanish sage instead, as it does not contain thujone.
Sage and hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids
Spanish sage (Salvia lavandulaifolia) may have the same estrogenic effects.
And if you have any condition that could be made worse by estrogen, don't use Spanish sage.
Sage and blood pressure
Spanish sage may raise blood pressure in some people with high blood pressure.
Common sage (Salvia officinalis) may lower blood pressure.
Be sure to monitor your blood pressure if you eat sage in amounts higher than those found in food.
Sage and surgery
Common sage may affect blood sugar levels and interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery.
Stop using common sage as a medicine at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Sage damage for women
Sage and pregnancy
Eating sage during pregnancy is potentially unsafe due to the thujone found in some types of sage.
This substance can cause a menstrual period, which can lead to a miscarriage, according to Webmed.
Sage and breastfeeding
It may be unsafe to take sage during breastfeeding.
The thujone in sage might decrease the supply of breast milk.