The Secret Garden: Is Sage What You’ve Been Missing?

Saliva, the genus name for sage, is derived from the Latin word salvere, meaning “to heal” or “to save.” So it comes as no surprise that we often feel the need to sage our problems away. The aromatic herb has been at the center of medicinal customs and spiritual beliefs for years. From cleansing power to healing diseases, herbalists maintain sage is worth a place in your feel-good arsenal of natural remedies. So, what are the benefits of sage?

Full of Antioxidants

Sage is full of antioxidants that flourish anti-inflammatory properties and help protect against free radicals.

Antimicrobial Compounds

Historically, people have used sage as a cleansing herb. Sage is generally seen as highly aromatic and therefore loaded in antimicrobial compounds. Research also suggests that essential oil made of sage can be used as a useful disinfectant against airborne microorganisms, can treat wounds and skin infections, and can banish body odor when used as a deodorant.

Helps Cognition

Sage’s heating and drying element can help with improving memory. In addition to this, smelling its essential oil can improve your mood and reduce your anxiety.

Helps with Digestive Complaints

The herb can help with digestive complaints. Research shows that sage extract can help with an upset stomach, so next time you’re feeling sick, leave the Pepto Bismol in the medicine cabinet and try some sage!

Helps Women Especially

Women often use sage as a natural way to reduce hot flashes during menopause.

Burning Sage

The practice of burning herbs in rituals has gained new life in modern wellness culture — especially when it comes to sage. You can burn garden sage you grow at home or the grocery store and still enjoy the fresh air perks of smoke medicine. You can turn to burning sage as a ritual of your own. Clear the air and walk through your home, welcome your purposes and mindfulness. The sage’s smell can help you relax and introduce a fresh start to a dull space.