Sage tea benefits have been well-known in much of the Mediterranean and Asia, though awareness to these have been slowly creeping in America and the rest of the world.
Sage tea made from the leaves of the plant is known to contain antiseptic, astringent and anti-spasmodic properties, among others.
The Herb
Sage is an herb that is most commonly used as an infusion, extract, tincture, poultice and spice. The oil from sage can be used as a carminative or a stimulant.
Known by its scientific name of salvia officinalis, sage is an evergreen shrub - a perennial - that possesses long oblong-shaped grayish green leaves, light purple flowers and woody stems. It is believed to have originated from areas in southern Europe but through the centuries has been grown in many parts of the globe.
Sage has traditionally been used as an essential culinary spice in the Old World and is extensively used in Italy and England. It possesses a peppery and savory flavor and used to flavor chicken, turkey and pork-based dishes.
The leaves of the sage contain the following active constituents:
tannic acid
oleic acid
carnosol
carnosic acid
niacin
flavonoids
fumaric acid
caffeic acid and others
How to make Sage Tea
Sage Tea can be made simply by pouring 1 pint of boiling water on to about 1 oz. of the dried herb. Let this mix stand for 30 minutes. To soften the peppery taste of the infusion, lemon and sugar are typically added to give it a citrusy twist. The result is a pleasant drink, cooling in fevers, and also a cleanser and purifier of the blood.
The infusion without the lemons and sugar, may also be utilized as a lotion for ulcers and to heal raw abrasions of the skin. It has also been popularly used as an application to the scalp, to darken the hair.'
'The fresh leaves, rubbed on the teeth, will cleanse them and strengthen the gums. Sage is a common ingredient in tooth-powders.'
Among the other health benefits that are believed to be derived from Sage tea or infusion of Sage include the following:
Sage tea is a remedy in the delirium of fevers and in the nervous excitement frequently accompanying brain and nervous diseases;
Sage tea may help function as a stimulant tonic in debility of the stomach and nervous system and weakness of digestion generally;
Sage tea may help fight typhoid fever;
The drink is considered an agent in fighting liver and kidney troubles;
It is typically used to fight asthma attacks and is used to clear mucus congestion in the air passageways;
Sage tea combats hemorrhage from the lungs or stomach;
Sage tea can be used for pains in the joints, lethargy and palsy;
Sage tea can be used as medication for sore throat, mouth sores and mouth ulcers;
Sage tea can also help check excessive perspiration.
"He that would live for aye, must eat sage in May." ~ Old English Proverb
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