Salvia: benefits and properties of this plant

Do you know sage? It is an aromatic plant with numerous medicinal properties. Its use extends to Chinese medicine and traditional Indian medicine, although it is also widely used in Europe.

Its name comes from the Latin salvi, and in fact it is popularly known because it "saves" us from colds, coughing episodes, menstrual cramps... and much more! In this article we will tell you the 16 benefits and properties of this plant.

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Salvia: what kind of plant is it and what is it used for?

Sage is a type of aromatic, shrubby and perennial plant. Its origin is in the Mediterranean region. Its name comes from the Latin (Salvia officinalis); "Salvi" means to save. Popularly, It is known for its properties that "save" from bronchitis, bad colds, cough, etc.

Specifically, sage is the most numerous genus of the Lamiaceae family (family of flowering plants of the order Lamiales). Sage has important anti-inflammatory, healing, relaxing properties... It is widely used to treat colds, as it helps to relieve coughs and cleanse the body of mucus. Sage is normally taken in infusions or teas and through inhalation.

Thus, sage has always been used to treat different symptoms, thanks to its medicinal properties. There are different species of sage: we can find this plant in cold regions and in desert regions. However, in this article we will talk about the benefits and properties of the most common sage species, Salvia officinalis.

Uses in medicine: Europe, China, India and Mexico

Historically, the Romans already knew how to appreciate the great benefits and properties of sage. Its use in alternative medicines is undeniable (and also as a complement to traditional medicine, for example in Europe).

On the other hand, in Chinese medicine sage is on the list of the most beneficial plants. The use of it also extends to traditional Indian medicine (called Ayurveda) and Mexican medicine.

Salvia: benefits and properties

Now that we know a little more about this plant, let's see the 16 benefits and properties of sage below.

1. Rich in antioxidants

The sap contains large amounts of antioxidants. These substances help the tissues not to be damaged by oxidation. In addition, they are beneficial to accelerate healing processes.

On the other hand, they contribute to the proper functioning of the brain. The sap is also used as an ingredient in some cosmetic products, thanks to this amount of antioxidants.

2. Relax

Another benefit of the sap is that it helps to relax thanks to its relaxing properties. This is achieved if we make an infusion with this plant. Thus, it can help us sleep better (it can be complemented with chamomile) and reduce our anxiety levels.

3. Strengthens hair

As we have already said, sap is the ingredient in some cosmetic products, such as hair or body creams or oils. In this sense, it is a plant that has very beneficial properties for our hair (helps to strengthen and grow), but also for our skin.

4. Disinfects

The sap too has disinfecting properties for the skin (In addition, as we have seen, it helps accelerate healing processes). On the other hand, it can also be beneficial for some cases of dermatitis (inflammation of the skin).

5. Reduces intestinal discomfort

Another of the properties of sage is its soothing effect for intestinal discomfort. It is known to reduce such discomforts, especially those affecting the digestive tract. Thus, in case of having this type of discomfort, a tea with sap can help us to alleviate the pain.

6. Improves the symptoms of the menstrual cycle

In the women, sage is very beneficial in relieving cramps produced during menstruation (period), but also to treat other symptoms, such as: menstrual irregularity, shortage menstrual, amenorrhea... In menopause it is also useful, since it reduces the typical hot flashes of this stage.

7. Relieves cold symptoms

Sage is also used to treat colds, as it relieves their main symptoms: cough and throat swelling. In addition, it also eliminates the mucus formed by the cold, making us breathe much better (the ideal, to notice the effects, is to drink sage infusion every day for at least a week).

8. Relieves symptoms of bronchitis and rhinitis

In addition to cold symptoms, sage also relieves symptoms of bronchitis and rhinitis. It will also help relieve the feeling of a heavy or congested chest. In these cases, the ideal is to take it as an infusion or with inhalation, mixed with physiological saline.

9. Helps lower cholesterol

On the other hand, sage infusion has been seen to help reduce cholesterol levels in cases of high cholesterol. In addition, they also regulate cholesterol levels, be it good or bad (that is, in general).

10. Beneficial for skin health

As we have seen, sage is very good for the skin (it disinfects, heals ...), and therefore it is used for cases such as psoriasis, acne, eczema… That is to say, it is a plant that favors our skin health.

11. Treat oral mucositis

Oral mucositis is inflammation of the tissues in the mouth. This symptom is very typical of people receiving cancer treatments. Mucositis can create very painful wounds in the mouth.

Well, studies indicate that sage can help heal these wounds and alleviate the symptoms of oral mucositis (it is done by rinsing the mouth with an infusion of sage).

12. Stimulates brain function

Another benefit of sage is that it helps stimulate and improve the functioning of our brain, mainly through the improvement in our memory and our attention (concentration). That is why it has been used in cases of dementia and Alzheimer's.

13. Strengthens bones

The next benefit of sage is that contributes to the strengthening of our bones. This is thanks to its high potassium and calcium content.

14. Helps to lose weight

Another benefit of sage is that it can help us lose weight. This benefit is thanks to its digestive, diuretic and carminative properties (the latter prevent the appearance of gases and prevent bloating).

15. It is anti-inflammatory

Another of the known properties of sage is its anti-inflammatory effect, reducing pain in some areas of the body. Thus, in addition to helping us reduce the discomfort caused by gastric problems, for example, it helps to relax the muscles that we have in tension.

16. Helps control diabetes

Another interesting fact about sage is that it contains substances and extracts similar to those used in some diabetes medications. A) Yes, sage helps regulate the release of stored glucose in the liver, and in this way prevent blood sugar imbalances typical of diabetic patients.

Bibliographic references

• Bozin, B. Mimica-Dukic, N. and Samojlik, I. (2007). Antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of rosemary and sage (Rosmarinus officinalis L. and Salvia officinalis L., Lamiaceae) essential oils. Journal of agricultural, 55 (19): 7879-7885.

• Esquivel-Gutiérrez, E. and Noriega-Cisneros, R. (2012). Plants used in traditional Mexican medicine with antidiabetic and antihypertensive properties. Biological, 14 (1): 45-52.

• Lu, Y. and Foo, L.Y. (2001). Antioxidant activities of polyphenols from sage (Salvia officinalis). Food Chemistry, 75 (2): 197-202.