In many places it appears like any other herb and you can find it by the side of the road. It is recognized by its smell and its beautiful lilac flowers, but what it is best known for is its relaxing effects that help you concentrate.
Another of the most common uses is to use it as a spice, and also sage has a long history of use in alternative and traditional medicine.
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Benefits, properties and side effects of SALVIA TEA
Today we will talk about sage tea, which is full of potential health benefits. And I say ‘possible’ because scientific research on this beverage is still in its early stages.
But let’s go with some of his best and best known achievements.
Sage tea is rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds
The antioxidants in sage tea work by neutralizing harmful compounds called free radicals.
When free radicals build up in the body, they can cause chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and some types of cancer. (Study)
Sage tea is particularly rich in rosmarinic acid, which provides numerous benefits, including lowering inflammation and lowering blood sugar levels.
In addition, sage provides a good amount of vitamin K, which is essential for bone health, as well as for circulation and proper blood clotting.
Helps you maintain healthy skin and heal wounds
Did you know that sage is a very common ingredient in cosmetics that are applied topically as a natural skincare remedy?
Well, it just so happens that drinking its tea may provide some of the same benefits that occur when you apply it.
In a scientific study it was found that camphor, which is one of the compounds in sage, promotes the healthy growth of skin cells, this slows down the signs of aging and, at the same time, decreases the wrinkle formation.
Its extract has also been shown to kill some harmful bacteria and fungi that could harm your skin
Improves oral health
Another of the properties little known by people is that sage is one of the most popular herbs in dentistry, since it attacks pain, inflammation and bad breath, in addition to exerting antibacterial and healing properties in the mouth.
This is why gargling with sage tea is commonly recommended as a remedy for mouth sores and sore throats.
Has anti-cancer properties
Sage has several compounds that help fight cancer, such as carnosol, the aforementioned camphor and rosmarinic acid.
Helps control blood sugar
Sage may also help improve blood sugar levels and prevent or treat type 2 diabetes .
One study suggested that clary sage behaves similarly to insulin, the hormone that helps control blood sugar levels, by moving blood sugar into cells for storage.
Brain health and mood
Sage is widely used in alternative medicine to improve mood, improve memory, and help prevent brain-related disorders such as Alzheimer’s.
Additionally, multiple human studies note that sage extracts improve memory, brain function, mood, and focus.
PRO POINT: It is easy to add to the diet
sage tea
Sage tea is easy to add to your daily diet as it can be purchased in tea bags.
You can also make this aromatic drink at home with the following ingredients:
1 tablespoon (15 grams) fresh sage or 1 teaspoon (4 grams) dried sage
1 cup (240ml) water
sweetener to taste
fresh lemon juice (optional)
Preparation
Simply boil the water, then add the sage and let sit for about 5 minutes.
Strain to remove the leaves before adding your preferred sweetener and lemon juice to taste.
This drink is enjoyed hot or cold.
Precautions and possible side effects
Keep in mind that much of the research on salvia has been done in animals and test tubes and has used highly concentrated extracts.
While sage tea may provide some of the same benefits, its effects may not be so pronounced. In addition, more studies in humans are needed.
This drink can also have some drawbacks.
Sage contains a compound called thujone, which provides its strong aroma but can be toxic in high doses.
Drinking extremely large amounts of sage tea, or consuming this herb in other forms, over a long period of time can cause heart problems, seizures, vomiting, and kidney damage if ingested. more than 3 to 7 grams of thujone per day.
However, sage tea only contains 4 to 11 mg of this compound per 4 cups (1 liter), so you can drink several cups a day with little to no risk of thujone toxicity.
At the same time, you should avoid ingesting clary sage essential oil or adding it to your tea, as just 12 drops can be toxic (41Trusted sourceTrusted source).
Sage tea is generally very safe in normal amounts, but if you have any concerns, it’s best to consult your doctor.