Sage: Can this aromatic herb unlock the secrets to wellness?

June 07, 2023

Did you know that plants from the genus Salvia have been used for centuries in traditional medicinal healing? Part of the mint family, Salvia plant species (including sage, oregano, basil, and rosemary) have powerful health benefits - in addition to their classic and pleasing aromas!

Fortunately, the historical uses of these plants are still applicable today for anyone interested in optimizing their well-being using natural herbal remedies. In this article, we focus on sage - also called Salvia officinalis, garden sage, kitchen sage, or common sage - and introduce you to some of the most well-known wellness boosts this popular herb offers.

Sage: a traditional herb with a classic aroma - plus a host of amazing health benefits that can impact your brain and body

There's no question about it: people have long known about the health benefits of sage. Indeed, this herb has had a place in traditional cultures throughout history, from ceremonial uses among Native Americans to a plant-based remedy for respiratory issues, stomach problems, and toothaches in ancient Egypt. Medicinal uses aside, sage also remains one of the culinary world's most beloved herbs, as it enhances both sweet and savory dishes thanks to its earthy, piney, and citrusy aroma.

And as it so often happens with traditional medicine, modern science is now backing up many of the long-heralded uses and benefits of sage. For example, a recent 2022 review paper published in Frontiers in Neuroscience notes that in addition to lavender and rosemary, sage has been shown in scientific studies (including randomized, placebo-controlled trials) to serve as an effective complementary medicine for people with common neurological disorders, including "Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, migraine, and cognitive disorders." The authors hypothesize that sage could have "significant beneficial effects on the function of the brain," including the ability of certain compounds in sage to protect against amyloid beta plaque toxicity. Sage has even been shown in a small randomized controlled trial from 2020 in Nutrients to improve cognitive performance, mood, and anxiety!

These findings are supported by an older paper published in 2014 in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, which notes that sage is a well-known source of flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds, which are known to have strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and antibacterial properties.

In addition to supporting brain and nervous system function, here are some other potential health benefits of sage based on its powerful healing properties:

May promote oral health
May promote healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels
May support thermoregulation and offer relief from things like hot flashes and night sweats in women experiencing menopause
May support healthy skin and bones
May decrease the rate of cancer cell division

How to use sage as part of your healthy balanced diet

While you can use dried or fresh sage in your cooking, some research suggests that using fresh sage will allow you to get the most out of its healing and healthful properties. No matter which variety you choose, here's some inspiration for you the next time you want to use it in your cooking:

Add as a garnish to soups, stews, salads, sauces, and side dishes
Mix into omelets
Chop and mix into grass-fed butter to make your own herbed butter
Use as a seasoning or rub on roasted veggies and meats
Mix up a refreshing mocktail (try a simple syrup, sparkling water, fresh lime juice, and fresh sage leaves!)

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