This week’s miraculous herb is sage – one of the most appreciated plants in traditional medicine. It is closely related to rosemary, and they both share calming effects, such as pain relief and mental clarity.
You can consume it fresh, ground, or rubbed. The latter form is least known, and consists in the powder that comes off the leaves. All three forms provide the same benefits, but the fresh leaves have the best effects.
Sage is best known for its oils, which have antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Moreover, they are one of the few natural preservatives that you can use in your kitchen. Because they are plant-derived, the oils are easily absorbed into the body, and provide quick effects.
Another particularity that makes sage truly miraculous is that it contains ketones. They are a special type of fat that can be used by the brain if there are not enough carbs in the diet, or if the brain can’t process them (such in Alzheimer’s patients). Ketones are directly handled by the brain, unlike all the other fatty acids, which go in the liver first. It boosts focus and improves the attention span, enhancing the short-term memory at the same time.
Besides these properties, it also has a generous nutritional luggage – it is an important source of fiber, contributing to proper digestion. The quantity of B vitamins per 100g is above the minimum daily recommended dosage, and it also provides you noticeable amounts of Vitamins A, C, and E. These vitamins have powerful antioxidant properties, protecting your cells against the free radical damage that usually leads to cancer if not handled properly.
The tea is usually consumed as remedy against depression, anxiety, and other similar issues. You can brew one a day if you’re feeling down, or sprinkle the ground leaves on one of your meals. If including it in your diet is not an option, you can try aromatherapy – just make sure you have some sage – scented candles nearby!