Sage is a medicinal plant with a Latin name Salvia officinalis, and in our country it is known under the names of sage, medicinal sage, nightingale and kush. It grows wild in the areas of Croatia – the entire Croatian coast, in stony fields and stony pastures. It grows equally well on the continent, and in May, when it blooms, it takes on a light purple color. Name Salvia it got from the Latin word Salva which in translation means to be saved or cured. Name officinalis it was given because it has been used as an official medicine in herbal medicine for a long time.
The history of sage
There are records up to 4000 years old that talk about the medicinal properties of sage. The ancient Egyptians used it as a medicine for infertility, for serious diseases and for epidemics such as the plague.
For the ancient Romans, it was a sacred plant before picking which a certain ceremony had to be done. It was harvested with a special knife made of iron, and the collectors had to have clean clothes and feet and offer a food sacrifice.
Already at that time, it was used as a medicine for many diseases, and today it is recognized by the European Medicines Agency and is slowly taking the place it deserves.
Cultivation and harvesting of sage
Given that sage is a perennial crop, it is grown in crop rotation. It can be grown on the same surface for up to ten years, and it will succeed almost anywhere. Before planting, it is necessary to plow the soil at the end of summer. The best pre-crops for sage are those that will leave behind weed-free soil.
It is sown at the end of March or the beginning of April and will germinate in 10 to 15 days. When it germinates, it needs to be watered and weeded regularly. Seedlings are planted outdoors at the end of summer or in autumn.
Sage is a plant that belongs to a warm climate and needs a temperature of 10 to 15 degrees for germination. It will germinate somewhat slower at a lower temperature. In the beginning, it will develop very slowly, and there is a possibility that it will not bloom in the first year. During the growing season, wet and cold weather suits her. Young plants require normal soil moisture, and older plants tolerate prolonged droughts well.
Sage plantations are maintained by regular thinning, hoeing and filling of empty places, and protection from pests and diseases, as well as feeding.
Sage can also be grown in a jar, and it will grow best on a windowsill where the sun reaches it. It is suitable for dry conditions and needs to be provided with drainage, and sometimes watering can be skipped. There is a possibility that sage loses its strength after 3 to 4 years, and it can be grown again from cuttings that need to be taken in the spring. It is propagated by seedlings or seeds.
In the first year of cultivation, sage is harvested twice. The first harvest, i.e. mowing of sage, takes place in July, and the second harvest in October. Sage plants should be cut to a height of up to 10 cm.
If the sage is to be used for the distillation of essential oil, then it must be cut when it is in full bloom. At the end of June and August, the sage that is grown for seeds is cut.
In winter, there is a danger of snow and severe frost that can damage the young sage crop, so the sage can be covered as a preventive measure after the second mowing.
In the first year, the yield of sage will be small, and the highest yield will be achieved after 3 to 5 years. If planted on fertile soil and regularly irrigated, the yield can be doubled.
Preparation of sage tea
A teaspoon of dried sage leaves is poured over a cup of hot water and left for 10 minutes. The tea is then strained and drunk warm during the day, 2 to 3 cups in small sips as a remedy for many diseases such as tonsillitis, inflammation of the oral cavity and pharynx, purulent inflammation of the teeth and others.
A tea mixture with yarrow can be prepared from sage. Dried sage and yarrow are mixed in equal parts and one teaspoon is poured over a cup of hot water and left for 5 minutes. It is drunk strained, 2 to 3 cups a day to help with diabetes.
Sage decoction is prepared by boiling two tablespoons of sage leaves, fruits and flowers for 10 minutes in half a liter of water. This decoction is used to rinse the mouth and oral cavity, especially after tooth extraction. The decoction can be gargled, but not swallowed.
The use of sage
All the herbaceous parts of sage are densely permeated with fragrant essential oils, which we thank for its healing properties. There is a belief in our people that the most healing is the sage that “does not look at the sea”.
It has been valued since ancient times, when there is a record about sage that reads: “If you see death in the house, quickly get sage in the garden”.
It is considered that fresh sage is the most medicinal, and it helps in the following cases:
- inflammation of the tonsils, inflammation of the oral cavity and pharynx, pain in the neck
- purification of the oral cavity and respiratory organs and treatment of purulent inflammation of the teeth
- strengthening the teeth and strengthening the gums.
- cleaning mucus from the respiratory organs and stomach.
- treatment of spasms, tremors of the limbs and diseases of the glands
- against dental plaque
Wild sage contains more than 60 different substances and compounds that play a major role in its medicinal effect. In addition to minerals, sage also contains vitamins A, B and C and active substances that are crucial in the treatment of many disorders and diseases. Sage’s effectiveness has been confirmed by numerous medical studies, which has been proven throughout the history of its use.
Antiviral and antibacterial effects of sage
The research conducted on the antibacterial effect of sage against streptococcal bacteria showed that medicinal sage essential oil can be a good alternative to common antibiotics. Likewise, medicinal sage extracts can be a natural remedy for diseases of the mouth and teeth due to their bactericidal effect. Aqueous extract of medicinal sage shows good antiviral effects.
Anticancer effect of sage
Studies have shown that drinking sage tea can prevent the initial stage of colon carcinogenesis. Sage extracts have shown inhibitory effects on breast cancer, larynx and lung cancer cell lines and melanoma.
The beneficial effect of sage on cognitive functions and memory
Many studies have proven that sage affects the improvement of memory, cognitive functions and attention and mood, and one of these is a randomized controlled trial conducted by the scientist Akhondzadeh and his colleagues, during which they treated patients with a mild to moderate form of Alzheimer’s for four months with medicinal sage extract. diseases. The research showed that the patient’s cognitive functions improved.
Antidiabetic effect of sage
Medicinal sage has been used in many countries as a traditional medicine against diabetes because it affects the reduction of glucose. Sage tea has been shown to be as effective as metformin, an antidiabetic drug used for type II diabetes, because it reduces the production of glucose in the liver and increases the action of insulin.
The beneficial effect of sage on regulating hormones in women
Sage has a great effect on female hormonal disorders because it balances the work of hormones, helps and regulates the menstrual cycle and helps with polycystic ovaries. It also eases menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and increased sweating. The positive effects of sage for the treatment of menopausal symptoms have been demonstrated in many clinical trials conducted by various research centers.
Other important actions include:
- antifungal
- anti-inflammatory
- antimutagenic
- antioxidant
Possible side effects of consuming sage tea
Some types of sage contain different chemicals, as well as thujones, which can damage the liver and kidneys and cause seizures if a large amount is consumed. Side effects of sage tea are rare, but it is still good to be aware of possible complications. There is a risk of a drop in blood pressure in people who are already taking anti-hypertensive drugs such as warfarin.
Although sage tea is often used to reduce and manage symptoms in patients who have diabetes, it will interact poorly with other medications, eventually resulting in hypoglycemia.
The liver and kidneys can be negatively affected in the long term by certain active compounds found in sage, therefore the consumption of sage tea is by no means recommended for people with kidney or liver disease.
It is also not recommended for people suffering from diseases related to seizures such as epilepsy, as it can cause convulsions if consumed in large quantities. Regardless of whether you suffer from any of the listed diseases or not, be sure to consult your doctor before consuming sage tea for medicinal purposes.
Drying and storing sage tea
Sage leaves can be dried in two ways:
- naturally – in some airy place so that the bundle of harvested sage is hung upside down
- in the drying room
When drying in an oven, the temperature must be maintained at 55 °C for the first 2 to 3 hours, and then at 40 or 45 °C.
When the leaves are dry, they are stored in paper bags or glass containers and stored in a cool, dark and dry place.
Source: Moja Zimnica, Photo: congerdesign/Pixabay