What is dried Sage?

Sage has been used in the past and is still used to create an environment of wellness in the body and the surrounding environment. In case you doubt the powers of this ancient herb on your mind and body, be assured that it has been scientifically proven, and research is still ongoing on its anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and relaxing properties. So far, sage has been found to have nothing but positive effects and a majority of beneficial organic compounds that are well-needed by you, me, him, and her, by your entire body. 

 

What Is Dried Sage?

Belonging to the mint family and scientifically termed the Lamiaceae, Mediterranean sage is an insistent and ornamental plant that has occupied hundreds of acres in the Boulder and Garfield area of Colorado. Historically, it is a native of Africa and, as the name suggests, the Mediterranean. This is why other references may refer to it as the African sage.

Its leaves are large with a pungent, fragrant, and aromatic smell. Protruding from these leaves are beautiful white flowers that bring a showy airy feel to any field the plant has invaded.

A closer look at the flowers reveals what may look like "two lips" that are both yellow and white. Given that it is a biennial plant, these flowers produce four little leaves that are pretty smooth with prominent dark veins.

Sometimes it may be confused with the meadow sage, but the difference between both is that the latter has blue flowers instead of a yellowish-white color.

The common forms of dried sage

1. Whole-These are the dried sage leaves exactly as they were picked.

2. Ground-The dried whole leaves are crushed into a fine powder, making it highly concentrated.

3. Rubbed-The brittle whole leaves are rubbed together to produce a light mix that is less concentrated than ground sage.

What is Dried Sage Good For? 

The dried form is better quality than freshly picked Mediterranean sage since it has been cleaned and well-processed. In addition to this, it is quite aromatic with a nice piney flavor upon tasting. Dried Mediterranean sage leaves aren't exactly a bubble gum experience, but it is, in every way, the most productive form of obtaining the elements within the herb quickest. In addition, a hot brew of sage leaves has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties that heal the body from within.

1. DRIED SAGE AS AN ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

A frequent cup of steaming sage brew has been known to release inflammation and soreness in the respiratory tract. Even focusing on the adjacent gastrointestinal tract, sage has organic antioxidant compounds that boost metabolism and neutralize free radicals that invade the body's healthy cells, causing diseases such as cancer. The apigenin, rosmarinic, and luteolin acid found in sage are the compounds that neutralize free radicals, which are the most common causes of many chronic and degenerative conditions such as arthritis. Similarly, sage relieves inflammations related to the cardiovascular system due to the excessive oxidation of healthy cells.

2. IMMUNE BOOSTING

Yes, sage can boost your immune. Most people assume that pathogens make entry into the body through the orifices we have, but the skin is also covered in little numerous 'orifices' called pores. A salve made of dried sage (a topical ointment) can be used to prevent skin bacterial infections. Similarly, sage's anti-microbial properties inhibit viruses from entering the body through the skin.

3. HEALTHY SKIN

Frequent topical usage allows the user to experience healthier skin free from the bacteria and viruses that cause acne, such as the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes (p. acnes). Owing to sage's anti-microbial properties, topical applications to affected areas can reduce the unattractive scars of psoriasis or eczema by relieving inflammations and soothing sore skin.

4. MANAGEMENT OF DIABETES

Regarding the gradual treatment of diabetes, Mediterranean sage is widely known to manage the disease. The organic compounds of sage mimic the effects of the coming-of-age drugs that are usually prescribed for managing diabetes.

According to research, sage has been found to regulate the body's sugar levels by inhibiting the excessive release of glucose in the liver, subsequently normalizing sugar levels in the blood.

This timeless property of sage can effectively offset Type 2 diabetes if it is already apparent or prevent its inception once and for all.

5. DIGESTION

Referring to its antioxidant compounds, especially rosmarinic acid, effectively inhibits the onset of gastric spasms. For patients with diarrhea, constipation, and even gastritis, frequent ingestion of sage normalizes the digestion process, gets rid of inflammations within the gut, and promotes a healthy gastrointestinal environment.

6. INCREASING BONE DENSITY

In case you did not know, dried sage is filled with Vitamin K, and not many foods have that vitamin within them. Sage, however, has an augmented level of Vitamin K that increases the strength of bones, preventing the onset of osteoporosis in elderly individuals. In children, it aids bone development by increasing the bulk within bones.

Adding dried Mediterranean sage to food daily is known to cover at least twenty-seven percent of an individual's intake of the recommended amount of Vitamin K.

 

7 COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT -

Yes, dried Sage has a powerful effect on the user's mind. Not leaving behind the ancient wisdom on the positive power usage of the plant, scientific research and information have now informed its infamous properties. Memory Boost and Alzheimer's Disease Do you have a problem with your memory? Are you worried that you forget things as quickly as you learn them? Please do not worry!

As early as the 1500s, rumor was that sage was excellent for the head. The Spaniards named it the Salvia lavandulaefolia, the protector of the little messengers that transmit information in the brain. The scientist Culpeper wrote that the herb sage warms the brain and quickens the user's senses, thereby healing their memory.

Centuries later, clinical studies have ascertained these claims. At the University of Newcastle, forty-four adults were given capsules of sage oil compared to a control group that was given pills without the oil. Approximately six hours later, after the performance of a recall test, the group under intervention was found to remember at least 8 to 10% of the memorized words as compared to the control group.

Since Alzheimer's involves the decrease in acetylcholine, sage slows down acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that crashes the chemical messenger acetylcholine. Of importance is the fact that no side effects were noticed in the adults who used sage oil.

2. RELAXING

Burning dried sage as incense can optimally increase an individual's relaxation. It is often used for meditation as the aroma increases the concentration in the brain, subsequently reducing anxiety.

 

HOW TO PREPARE SAGE?

1. Cut the fleshy stems of a Mediterranean sage plant with the use of shears, as many as needed.

2. Make sure to harvest them in the morning hours after the dew has lifted.

3. Tie up the stems in bunches leaving the leaves out to hang undisturbed.

4. Suspend the bunches in a dry and warm area.

5. When the leaves are dry and crispy to the touch, remove them.

6. You can either crush the leaves into a fine powder or crumble them to make a fluffy mix.

7. Otherwise, the leaves can be used whole as they are, depending on the purpose they are intended for.

SAGE BREW/TEA

1. Boil one cup of water or as desired.

2. For every cup used, add a teaspoon of dried sage leaves...

3. Steep the concoction for around 5 minutes and strain into a separate container. 4. Serve the tea/brew while still hot.

SAGE OIL/SALVE

1. Starting with clean dried Mediterranean sage leaves, place them in a sterilized glass jar with a tight lid.

2. Heat oil (the base oil) in a separate container. You can use either olive or almond oil or whatever suits your taste...

3. Empty it into the jar until the leaves are covered.

4. After the oil cools, tighten the lid over the jar.

5. Place it in an cool dark spot for at least three weeks.

6. Frequently shake up the jar at least three times a week.

7. After three weeks, strain the oil into its final storage container.

NOTE THAT dried sage with no aroma upon initial smelling is no longer effective and must be replaced. Therefore, any user must be grounded with a highly aromatic and fragrant product in order to reap maximum benefits.

IN A NUTSHELL, dried Mediterranean sage is very good for your mind and body, whether you inhale it, ingest it or topically apply it. Not only will you experience a greater sense of cognitive boost, but your body will remain refreshed from the inside to the outside.

Given that it is not generally allergenic, persons with allergic reactions to herbs in the mint family must consult a physician before use.