What could be so powerful, and so healing? A substance you may have in your spice rack . . . sage. And it’s no accident that its Latin name, salvia, means "to heal."
There are numerous health benefits from this 'miracle herb.' Sage, for example, is a remarkable antioxidant, which fight destructive free radicals within the bodies’ cells. Scientific researchers have found that the oil of
sage contains antibacterial properties and can be effectively used as antifungal and antiviral agents. These same studies discovered that sage can calm the nerves, relieve tension headaches, and sharpen the senses.
Want some sage advice? Try adding this herb to your favorite soups, stews, and casseroles. In the June 2003 issue of Pharmacological Biochemical Behavior, scientists confirmed that that sage can enhance your memory. In this placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study, 45 young adults were given either placebo or a standardized essential oil extract of sage in doses ranging from 50 to 150 microls. Cognitive tests were then conducted one, two, three, four, five, and 6 hours afterwards. Those given even the smallest dose of sage had much better recall than those given the placebo.
Moreover, sage extract is used to treat sore throats, inflammations of the mouth and the gum disease gingivitis.
Some people even chew fresh sage leaves to clean their teeth and strengthen their gums. It’s no surprise, then, that sage is an ingredient in modern toothpastes.
This is all good news considering that sage is used around the world to stimulate even the blandest cuisine. For example, a common British use is to cook sage with onion for pork, chicken and turkey stuffing. A popular French use is for cooking in vegetable soups. The Germans use it to flavor sausage dishes. Ancient China used it for tea (instead of their traditional tea). And in Western cooking it is widely used as a major ingredient in meat marinades and to flavor a variety of foods. It is considered one of the most significant culinary herbs in Western cooking. You may spice up your foods by adding sage to your: tomato sauces; omelets and frittatas; slices of pizza; baked chicken or fish; or even some plain yogurt.
However, not all sage is created equal. Even through dried herbs and spices like sage are widely available in supermarkets, you may want to explore some specialty shops to get the highest grade possible.
