Sage Herb
Basic Facts about the Sage Herb
The sage herb is also called red sage, broadleaf sage and kitchen sage. It is a smallish perennial shrub of evergreen type, with stems that are woody, leaves that are grayish in color, and flowers that run from purple to blue. It was originally found in the region of the Mediterranean, and it is commonly used as an ornamental plant, a medicinal herb and a kitchen (cooking) herb. The sage herb is also grown in some parts of Europe.
Sage herb is said to have a slightly peppery flavor. In western cooking, the herb is used for helping to flavor meats that may be fatty, and it is used as a marinade. It is also used in some types of cheese, and for drinks. In Britain and the United States, these herbs are used along with onion for sauces, and for pork or poultry stuffing. In France, it is used in vegetable soups and in cooking white meat. Germans frequently use it in dishes with sausage. Herbs are commonly used in Italian cooking as well. The sage is sautéed in butter and olive oil until crisp, and then pasta is added. Sage is used for roasting mutton in the Middle East and in the Balkans.
Sage herb is also used for medicinal purposes. Its botanical name in Latin means “to heal”. It has long been debated whether sage has medical values, but it has been taken for many years, for various ailments. It is still sometimes used for a tonic, a hypoglycemic, estrogenic, antispasmodic, astringent, antifungal, antibiotic and anhidrotic. Evidence supports that it does help in some of these cases. This type of herb has even been proven in studies to be effective in the treatment of moderate and mild Alzheimer's disease.
The most helpful part of the herb, medically speaking, is the oil in the herb, which contains thujone, borneol and cineole. The leaf of the sage herb also contains estrogenic substances, flavonoid glycosides, flavones, nicotinamide, niacin, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, fumaric acid, cornsolic acid, ursolic acid, oleic acid and tannic acid. Use this herb only with caution and contact your physician if you are taking central nervous system depressants or stimulants, as the sage may interact with these medications.
Sage herb has been used for thousands of years. It has been used in the treatment of bleeding, ulcers, swelling and sprains. Mixed as a tea, sage can help coughs and sore throats. Herbalists have also found the sage herb useful in treating excessive menstrual bleeding and rheumatism. It is also said to sharpen the senses, improve memory and strengthen the nervous system.
Herbs contain chemical substances that interact with compounds in the body, and, as seen above, they have been very useful in treating various maladies. Check with your health care provider before you start any herbal or other medications.