Today we will explore the benefits of Sage as an option for health management, particularly in remote rural areas where the availability of medical professionals is poor. Findings suggest that Sage embraces indigenous knowledge and supports informal health service providers in decision-making and preventive and curative health care for strong primary health care.
Health status in many parts of the developing world continues to stagnate, and the pace to improve is slow. Health infrastructure that includes health facilities and trained medical professionals is still least available, especially in remote rural areas. As a result, many people who live in areas where health services are least available use complementary and traditional medicine for their health care.
In poor areas, the dramatic growth of private health services demonstrates the failure of the public health system to respond to changing needs for accessible health care.
Understanding Sage as a Medicinal Herb
Sage (Salvia officinalis), also known as garden sage, is a commonly grown herb both for its culinary uses and therapeutic properties.
In fact, there are many herbs that have a history of traditional medicinal use, with an improved understanding of their active chemical compounds having current implications for the treatment of diseases, as well as possibly mitigating health disparities in underserved and remote populations.
Such compounds include mainly volatile oils, flavonoids, alkaloids, anthocyanidins, and triterpenes, with the benefits including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, glucose level and lipid content regulation, cognitive improvement, mood elevation, antimutagenic, antihypertensive, antiviral, and nutritional modulation. The leaves and oil of S. officinalis have also shown potential to halt the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in the absence of known side effects or drug interactions.
In the case of health problems such as those previously mentioned, simply going to see a doctor is most likely not possible in many remote locations in this big country of ours. In those cases, the availability and public knowledge of which medicinal herbs can help alleviate certain symptoms or provide medicinal assistance are quite useful.
Historical and Cultural Significance of Sage
Sage, being native to the Mediterranean region, has been the chef’s favorite herb for hundreds of years. This strong-flavored herb was known by the name “Salvia officinalis,” derived from the Roman term “Salvare,” and over time, obtained the common name “Sage.”
The strong and hops-like fragrance of sage benefits human well-being as well as the flavor of food. It is considered a must-have ingredient in a wide variety of meat dishes and is often used for thickening rich meat sauces. It is highly demanded for inclusion in traditional English seasonings used with onion, bacon, or mincemeat. Due to its diversified uses, its importance in the past four to five centuries was huge, with dish names such as sage gravy, sage and onion stuffing, and sage Derby cheese. In the Middle Ages, this herb was considered beneficial in treating a variety of ailments and improving body functions, particularly in the long term.
Sage is one of the most well-known powerful herbal ingredients, having antimicrobial activities, particularly effective against American trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, and trichinosis. During the mid-14th century, there was a catastrophic epidemic known as the “Black Death,” in which millions of people were killed in Europe. People firmly believed that the plague was transmitted by air, which made the illness even worse.
In order to decrease the transmission of the plague from person to person, the herb was taken from each house’s pots or bowls and thrown into the middle of the street, thinking that sage could kill the bacteria in the air. The plants were boiled or burned since they were believed to be a powerful antiseptic.
Indeed, tests conducted in a laboratory revealed that sage’s steam could kill over 90% of bacteria cultured in a confined space and deliberately smeared with a microscope slide. Hence, we can say today that sage was one of the beneficial herbs during the plague, and due to its broad-spectrum action, it was used as an early topical disinfectant.
Health Benefits of Sage
The health benefits of sage are really impressive. There are more than nine low-density lipoprotein (LDL) compounds known to be present in sage, king among which is rosmanol. The rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid compounds, together with other active compounds, appeared capable of inhibiting free radical generation and quenching radicals.
This herb could be considered a good alternative for artificial antioxidants. Sage tea has the potential to elevate the activity of several important enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GRD), as well as non-enzymatic antioxidants such as vitamin C and GSH. The observed hypertensive lowering and lipid-lowering effects can be traced to the compounds salvianolic acid and caffeic acid, present in sage by the action of colon microbiota.
Sage is rich in polyphenolic anti-obesity compounds, and it can modulate the gut-associated microbiota in such a way as to benefit nutrient metabolism and reduce the formation of toxic substances. The beneficial effect of sage on lipid metabolism can be attributed to its ability to regulate a number of lipid metabolism-associated pathways in the body.
One of the components of sage, salvianolic acid, has been shown to alleviate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by enhancing the function of PPARα. The pharmacological and biological bioavailability of sage have not yet been fully studied.
The branches and leaves of sage are composed of volatile compounds and non-volatile substances, the former of which constitutes only one-fourth of the whole plant. When taken as an essential oil, the body’s absorption efficacy is modest. As a water-soluble tea, the bioavailability and absorption of non-volatile compounds are important for understanding and exploring sage as a potential therapeutic agent.
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Sage is well known for its capacity to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), among them superoxide, peroxides, nitric oxide, and peroxynitrites. These oxidative substances are toxic and produce a wide range of damage in cellular components.
The endogenous defenses are not enough to overcome the high levels of these reactive elements in cell tissues. For these reasons, the supplementation of exogenous antioxidant agents is quite necessary to counteract oxidative damage in the cells.
Additionally, except in the case of nitric oxide synthesis mediators, both enzymatic and non-enzymatic systems can be increased by their presence. The experimental studies show an enhancement of both activities of the studied antioxidants in diverse tissues, such as liver, heart, lung, kidney, stomach, and intestines, after the oral chronic administration of sage essential oils. Moreover, the predominantly active compound, 1,8-cineole, performed similar behavior in these enzymatic activities when it was administered alone.
The use of sage as an antioxidant agent was evaluated in vivo by several experimental studies. In one of the most recently published studies, rats were exposed for 120 hours to hypoxia and low pressure, conditions that produce oxidative stress in different organs. The sage extract and its principal components were able to decrease lipid peroxidation and increase antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, and reduced glutathione.
The same extract could also reduce the oxidative stress and lipidemia produced by chronic restraint stress in rats. The scratch assay in cell culture was used to analyze the protective properties of sage extracts against oxidative damage. The cell model used in this study was keratinocytes exposed to ultraviolet A light.
In addition to these antioxidant properties, the oral administration of essential oils obtained from different plants, including sage, produces a downregulation of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, a pro-inflammatory mediator. Briefly, the downregulation of this protein might lead to reduced levels of inflammation expression. Data reported show that all the studied essential oils attenuated either the pro-inflammatory proteins or cytokines studied and reduced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in vivo.
Finally, the same work reported that the principal components of these oils, trans-caryophyllene (in the case of sage), 1,8-cineole, (E)-β-ocimene, and β-pinene act as effective anti-inflammatory agents. These reports provide another perspective on the properties and potential uses of Sage and other plants that produce essential oils as therapeutic agents.
Cognitive Health and Memory Enhancement
The tryptophan in sage can have a similar effect on the brain as the 5-HTP that the body produces endogenously. The healthy fats in sage can increase brain function and, therefore, delay cranial vascular diseases, which can lead to harmful conditions such as Lou Gehrig’s disease. It can help reduce levels of stress and anxiety, which can often later lead to forgetfulness and dementia.
Sage contains antioxidants that promote the flow of blood to the brain and can improve memory and manage mental stress. Further symptoms of differing mental disorders such as declining brain function, processing of thoughts, concentration problems, and blurred memory can often lead to fatigue and tiredness. It is suggested that sage extract enhances attention and memory functions, and the dilation and response to stress and fatigue are delayed in the brain tissues.
Sage contains antioxidants to help protect the brain’s nerve cells. As a result, it can prevent tau proteins and amyloid-beta plaques from accumulating, which occur during the development of dementia and result in Alzheimer’s disease. Several substances in sage can help regulate the immune system and can reduce the inflammation that exists inside the nervous system. It can help the mind’s health by reducing this stress on the nerves.
The phytochemicals in sage can foster better mental health by increasing the productivity of the mind. It contains a series of eosinophils, tannins, and essential oils, which can increase strong chemical compounds in the brain like epinephrine, dopamine, and norepinephrine. These are necessary for mood control and for avoiding mood swings, and they can also be effective in treating Parkinson’s disease. The different chemicals in sage can improve overall mood by increasing the hormones that our brains will sense, making us feel more at ease and less gloomy. These compounds can bind easily to specific neurotransmitter neurons and act as a holder or cell blocker for the stimulation or inhibition of nerve impulse generation in the brain.
Digestive Health
Abdominal pain and bloating can have a dramatic effect on one’s quality of life. It’s possible that sage’s good levels of enzymes and a great deal of dietary fiber may assist the digestive system in properly processing food and functioning normally, which are among its properties. Throughout history, the use of sage to heal various digestive complaints has been typical and traditional in several cultures and spiritual medical societies.
In traumatic situations, the elimination of insecticides and molds can lead to true mold toxicity reactions, resulting in an impairment of the smooth functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and gastrointestinal candida, gas, and other symptoms that may exacerbate pre-existing anxiety problems.
Antimicrobial and Antibacterial Properties
Sage has natural antibiotic effects, and when taken during illness, it can help recover from infection more efficiently. Sage contains antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial properties. It is generally recommended to add it to dishes when recovering from infections or when immune system is low.
The folic acid contained in sage helps with the building of white blood cells, which are essential for a properly functioning immune system. The oil from sage leaves has been shown to possess antimicrobial properties and the herb contains camphor, camphene, cineole, pinene, and other volatile oils, that are accountable for health benefits.
Problems with the available antibiotics have led to immense research into natural alternatives thus emphasizing the need for discovering new antimicrobial compounds, which are safe without the side effects of current commercial antibiotics.
Some of the main functions of sage include increasing blood sugar control, fighting bacteria, and fighting inflammation, for which it is often used. Sage has also been found to kill virus and fungi, suggesting it may be a useful antifungal. As a result of the compounds included in this plant, many diseases have the potential to be cured. Sage has many uses, including the control of sugar levels, reducing Alzheimer’s cells, and the filling of ulcers and cuts through use right on the skin being addressed.
Practical Applications of Sage in Health Management
Practically, on a human, the leaves and stem of S. officinalis, i.e., that part of the plant that is above the ground, can be juiced and used in tea or steeped to extract, which can then be taken orally. Some of its parts can also be eaten raw directly, and the extracts of some kind of S. officinalis are available in the preparation of medicines, syrups, and tonics, which can be purchased over the counter at a good chemist.
The 1–2 tablet, i.e., 300–600 mg dose can be taken orally and may be prescribed 2–3 times a day by a trained physician. The recommended daily dose for dried spice, i.e., 2–4 g of sage, is sufficient for enjoying its benefits. However, it has been eaten for centuries and has been reported to have no adverse effects at higher doses.
The sage leaves can also be ground and the crude powder cand be used on the head to cure ailments without ingesting the medicine. One of the best-known advantages of sage is that it is not toxic, and up to 5 g of sage can be safely administered orally to see any better results regarding curing or minimizing the ailments. It can also be used as a poultice to treat ailments specifically, containing an appropriate dose for the difference in the disease state of the association’s involvement.
It is important for everyone to know that the sage plant contains different active constituents like monoterpenes, phenolic diterpenes, triterpenoids, and flavonoids, each of which has been tested very carefully in the laboratory.
Rosmarinic acid, genkwanin, ursolic acid, luteolin, carnosic acid, and carnosol are some of the best-known compounds of extract S. officinalis, and its derivatives are responsible for generating essential oil and extracts.
The leaves of sage may either be fresh or dried, which can be taken by children and adults for enjoying its benefits, food seasoning by adding it in small amounts so that it gives a unique flavor and exciting aroma, which is the most typical health benefit that can be enjoyed by everybody.
The herbal plant contains astringent, tonic, aperient, antihydrotic, antimicrobial, antifungal, and preservative properties and has tremendous therapeutic potential that is beneficial for most women during their childbearing days.
It also has excellent effects during gestation, and when there is a minor ailment, it is significantly used to ease discomfort and can benefit from serious health problems, although sage can abort the baby easily before delivery. Furthermore, when you’re sick, a few sprigs of sage cooked with food can help to control blood sugar levels. Even if you take it every day, you will probably experience beneficial effects regarding your cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems.
Tea Infusions and Culinary Uses
The tea infusion is the most common way to use sage, providing a soothing experience that is good for the heart, hormones, and overall well-being. The best part of sage is that it has this multiuse quality when held within the steeping process while changing colors. Comfort is derived the longer it is submerged in hot water. The smell permeates the air and affects the areas closest to its brew. That alone brings in the comfortable beauty of mindfulness by examining the subtle voice of scent preparation. Each individual has a particular requirement to be met or a need to be satisfied, and choosing the proper brew for your cup is a step to attaining that goal.
Each of the six colors of the leaf provides a different taste. Brown or oven-baked sage is a great way to unwind at the end of the day. Flowers and buds of the sage plant can also be used in cooking. Their visual appeal and culinary attractiveness make it especially appealing for such preparation. It provides a different texture and a distinct color that is a refreshing change in a culinary world dominated by food that is primarily sun-colored.
Topical Applications for Skin Health
The antimicrobial properties of sage administered as part of the diet are well established and were discussed in other sections of this article. There is also an emerging literature about the benefits of sage for common skin conditions. Salvia officinalis has been used for many generations for maintaining skin health.
Recently, there has been increasing scientific research documenting the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties of this and select other ethnopharmacologically used Salvia species.
Salvia officinalis L. is a well-documented plant that has been traditionally used for treating ailments such as stomach aches and headaches, among others. Recently, scientific literature, particularly in the in vivo and in vitro domains, has emerged indicating that sage extracts prepared from the aerial parts of the plant can inhibit the growth of dermatological pathogens. It appears that the observable broad-spectrum antibacterial potential of Salvia species is largely due to the presence of rosmarinic acid and certain essential oils.
In the context of oxidative damage, and more specifically photooxidation, sage appears to have no equal according to many biomedical and pharmaceutical researchers. When all this information is taken in its totality, it seems logical that sage should indeed be considered for maintaining and/or treating the skin.
Aromatherapy and Respiratory Health
Sage oil and extract both have a high content of cineole, camphor, and borneol. These are known antimicrobial compounds and have the ability to induce the action of the cilia, which is very helpful in moving or promoting the movement of mucus and phlegm in the chest and air passages and facilitating its expulsion.
The feeling of having stuck mucus or phlegm in the airways is an uncomfortable and irritating condition, and the use of sage, either by aerial diffusion, direct inhalation, or massaging the essential oil, will help the affected person in clearing the air passages, whether it is a cold and cough or chronic obstructive pulmonary dysfunction with stuck phlegm.
Direct application with proper dilution can be helpful in cases of irritating cough. Small children and older people can also get relief by placing a diffuser with sage oil and inhaling from it. Using a warm water bath with sage oil having appropriate dilution can also be effective in some cases. Additionally, adding a few drops of sage oil to the pillow and bedsheet is very effective in reducing the effect of respiratory distress in cases of asthma or inflammation of the airway.
Due to the presence of mucolytic activities, the use of sage extract and oil is also recommended to cure chronic respiratory disorders like asthma, COPD, emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, and bronchiectasis, to provide welcome relief to the affected people. In the use of sage for the treatment of various respiratory disorders, zero toxicity and allergic reactions were also found.
For children and physically challenged individuals, sage diffusion works very well. Its rich, warm, herbaceous scent has immense health benefits, and due to that, it is greatly used to combat bacterial infections, viral fever, asthma, bronchitis, and sinus infections. Keep in mind that too much inhalation may cause over-mucolytic action and mild side effects. Administration with proper dilution and at stipulated time intervals will help in curing chronic respiratory diseases with favorable results.
Precautions and Considerations
As effective as sage is in promoting health and healing, its strong astringent oil content renders it unsafe to use on children 3 years of age and younger. Their immature systems are not capable of effectively handling the astringent properties, and it can cause neurological damage.
Pregnant women should avoid excessive use of the herb. Essential oils are a labyrinth for the body to navigate, and during pregnancy, it is generally better to avoid cognitively demanding substances and instead focus on nutrient-rich foods flavored with herbs to achieve similar physiological benefits.
If planning to apply undiluted oil to the skin, first do a patch test to see if you have any sensitivities. Also, be aware that some individuals may have adverse reactions to the essential oil extracted from the sage plant once it begins to oxidize. Oil or powder products could cause lung issues for an asthmatic. Sage potentially interacts with diabetes medications and those used for hypertension.
Always consult with a healthcare provider if there are any concerns of interaction, especially if pregnant, breastfeeding, or living with a medical condition that requires medication.
Conclusion and Future Research Directions
Sage is a very important herb and health management tool, and sage tea is considered an elixir for many diseases or disorders. It would be difficult to replace the health management benefits of traditional herbal medicines like sage with modern medical treatment when we are far from medical professionals, and there is no technological application for primary people, especially in rural and forest regions. The majority of the evidence suggests that there is an absence of medical professionals in the rural areas.
Therefore, traditional herbal knowledge, which is practiced in rural areas, can give some relief to people suffering from diseases or disorders. The protection of natural resources that act as primary sources for health management is fundamental. Additionally, the cultural beliefs of the local people should be encouraged.
Future research should be directed towards experimental studies aimed at evaluating the pharmacological activities of sage and its secondary metabolites, using up-to-date technical instruments and newer techniques for the development of herbal formulations. There is a need to examine the applicability of olive oil as a core formulation element for herbal preparations, as it is emulsifying, stabilizing, and also able to retain biological activity when delivered via a herbal drug.
Moreover, there is a need for more detailed ethnopharmacological documentation of the sage species that are used by Native people living in remote and forest regions, which act as a source of derivatives that are also substitutes for medical treatment as an essential natural resource.
Nevertheless, sage species are promising for promoting human health and enhancing the use of primary energy, especially when there are no medical professionals or in impoverished public health and technical infrastructures in isolated regions. In conclusion, sage is a very important herb and health management tool.
This article has been written by James H. Redford MD for Prepper’s Will.
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