Why You Need to Add Sage to Your Diet for Health
Sage is perhaps one of the herbs that in the beginning I knew the least about. Obviously the Simon and Garfunkel song comes to mind yet again. And perhaps, a reference to someone wise being referred to as a “sage.” Beyond that, I really had no point of reference. However, the more this herb is explored, it is easy to see why rosemary is considered the “twin herb.”
Like rosemary, sage is rich in a compound called rosmarinic acid which is considered to be a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants are known to slow the the oxidation process. In other words, they are reducing the exposure to substances that if left unprotected would otherwise deteriorate and perhaps destroy cells within the body.
HOW TO GROW
The herb can certainly be started from seeds, but more success will come from using seedlings to get a crop started. Ideally, (if growing indoors) seeds or cuttings should be started 6 to 10 weeks before the last frost of Spring. If growing this herb outdoors, then one to two weeks before the last Spring frost would be the best time to get seeds or cuttings under cover. With proper lighting (partial to full sun) and soil temperature, sage plants can grow anywhere from 12 up to 30 inches in height. New plants should be watered regularly to insure they don’t dry out.
HOW TO DRY
Sage is simple to dry. Take any clippings collected and allow them to dry in the sun. Once leaves are completely dry, remove from stem and then store securely in a container that is airtight. Here’s a link demonstrating how to dry it.
VIDEO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uhe1utGBcEU
What are the Medical Benefits of Sage?
Often sage is only thought of as being a culinary herb, but little attention is paid to the many medical benefits sage can provide for different body systems.
- Memory Agent – Like rosemary, sage increases circulation making concentration and or focusing easier to do. Anyone seeking to boost their ability to remember things should look into either consumption of or the inhalation of sage.
- Reducing Inflammation – Flavonoids and phenolic compounds are active agents in reducing inflammation in arthritis conditions, gout and basically anything related to the cardiovascular system.
- Antioxidant Agent – Majorly reduces oxidative damage that can occur from free radicals – protecting cells in the heart, joints, skin, muscles and more on a cellular level.
- Bone Health – Boasting high levels of Vitamin K, sage can be beneficial in improving the density of bones.
- Diabetes Health – Believed to affect the release of glucose from the liver, helping regulate the amount of sugar in the bloodstream.
In conclusion, sage is yet another culinary herb that is often overlooked for its medicinal benefits. Because of the high presence of rosmarinic acid, it can serve a memory stimulator. It can reduce inflammation, improve bone density and even help regulate levels of sugar within the bloodstream. It would be a wise thing to do to add this powerful herb to any kitchen pantry.
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