11 Best Benefits Of Salvia Officinalis
Salvia officinalis, commonly known as sage, is a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region, prized for its savory flavor and numerous health benefits.
The bioactive compounds responsible for its benefits include flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenoids, particularly rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid.
These compounds have been shown to reduce inflammation, relieve anxiety, and improve cognitive function, making sage a valuable addition to a healthy lifestyle.
By incorporating sage into one's diet or using it as a natural remedy, individuals can potentially alleviate symptoms of anxiety and improve their overall cognitive well-being.
Featured Study
According to Journal of traditional and complementary medicine, Salvia officinalis has been found to have several health benefits, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antimutagenic, antidementia, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic effects.
This page lists the most important health benefits of Salvia officinalis.
Table of Contents
1. Reduces inflammation
Salvia officinalis reduces inflammation, which is a natural process in the body that helps to protect tissues from damage caused by injury, infection, or other forms of stress, and promotes healing and recovery.
This benefit is important because chronic inflammation can lead to a variety of health problems, including arthritis, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, which can severely impact a person's quality of life and increase their risk of developing serious health conditions.
The anti-inflammatory properties of Salvia officinalis are attributed to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including triterpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which have been shown to exhibit potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.
To take advantage of Salvia officinalis's anti-inflammatory benefits, it can be consumed in the form of herbal teas, capsules, or tinctures, which can be easily incorporated into a daily regimen, or used as a topical application in the form of creams or ointments, allowing for targeted relief from inflammation and pain.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Infused oil
- Tea
- Salve
- Infused vinegar
The following table displays the major constituents of Salvia officinalis and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces inflammation.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Rosmarinic acid | Arthritis, gout, rheumatism |
| Apigenin | Inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, eczema |
| Ursolic acid | Asthma, chronic bronchitis, allergies |
2. Relieves anxiety
Salvia officinalis relieves anxiety by providing a calming and soothing effect on the mind and body, characterized by a reduction in feelings of worry, nervousness, and fear.
This benefit is crucial as anxiety can significantly impair daily life, causing issues such as difficulty sleeping, decreased productivity, and strained relationships.
The plant's ability to relieve anxiety is attributed to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including rosmarinic acid, apigenin, and luteolin, which have been shown to possess anti-anxiety properties.
To experience the anxiety-relieving benefits of Salvia officinalis, it is best to consume the plant in the form of herbal teas, tinctures, or capsules, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Tea
- Tincture
- Infused oil
The following table displays the major constituents of Salvia officinalis and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Relieves anxiety.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Rosmarinic acid | Generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder |
| Salvianolic acid a | Anxiety-induced insomnia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder |
| Carnosic acid | Anxiety-related depression, gastrointestinal anxiety, restless leg syndrome |
| Carvacrol | Anxiety-induced tremors, anxiety-related headaches, nausea and vomiting |
| Ursolic acid | Anxiety-related palpitations, anxiety-induced sweating, anxiety-related muscle tension |
3. Improves cognitive function
Salvia officinalis improves cognitive function by enhancing memory, attention, and processing speed, allowing individuals to think more clearly and effectively.
This benefit is particularly important in today's fast-paced world, where mental clarity and focus are essential for achieving academic and professional success, such as staying focused during exams or meeting tight deadlines in the workplace.
The cognitive-enhancing properties of Salvia officinalis are attributed to its bioactive constituents, including rosmarinic acid, luteolin, and apigenin, which have been shown to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
To harness the cognitive benefits of Salvia officinalis, it is best to consume it in the form of herbal teas, capsules, or tinctures, where the bioactive constituents are extracted and concentrated to provide a potent and sustained effect.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Tea
- Essential oil
- Capsules
- Extract
The following table displays the major constituents of Salvia officinalis and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Improves cognitive function.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Carnosic acid | Alzheimer's disease, dementia, memory loss |
| Rosmarinic acid | Cerebrovascular disease, parkinson's disease, stroke |
| Ursolic acid | Anxiety, depression, cognitive impairment |
4. Reduces stress
Salvia officinalis reduces stress through its ability to promote relaxation and calmness, effectively mitigating feelings of anxiety and tension.
This benefit is important because chronic stress can have severe consequences on mental and physical health, leading to conditions such as insomnia, digestive problems, and a weakened immune system.
The plant's stress-reducing properties are attributed to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including rosmarinic acid, luteolin, and ursolic acid, which have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
To harness the stress-reducing benefits of Salvia officinalis, it can be consumed in herbal preparations such as tea, capsules, or tinctures, or used as a culinary herb to add flavor to meals.
Top Preparations:
- Tea
- Infusion
- Tincture
The following table displays the major constituents of Salvia officinalis and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces stress.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Salvianolic acid | Anxiety disorder, depression, sleep disorder |
| Rosmarinic acid | Elevated cortisol levels, insomnia, mood swings |
| Tannin | Hyperarousal, hypervigilance, restlessness |
5. Improves memory
Salvia officinalis improves memory, which refers to the enhanced ability to encode, store, and retrieve information from memory.
This benefit is crucial as it can improve cognitive function, enhance learning, and reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline, thereby allowing individuals to perform daily tasks more efficiently, such as remembering appointments, phone numbers, and even recipes.
The plant's bioactive constituents, including rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid, and ursolic acid, have been shown to have neuroprotective and antioxidant properties that contribute to its memory-improving effects.
To reap the benefits of Salvia officinalis for memory, it is best to consume it in the form of herbal teas, capsules, or tinctures, which can be easily incorporated into one's daily routine, such as drinking a cup of tea before a challenging mental task or taking a supplement before bedtime to promote better sleep and memory consolidation.
Top Preparations:
- Extract
- Tincture
- Capsules
- Tea
- Oil
The following table displays the major constituents of Salvia officinalis and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Improves memory.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Ursolic acid | Alzheimer's disease, dementia, brain fog |
| Carbonyl carnosic acid | Memory loss, cognitive impairment, neurodegenerative diseases |
| Rosmarinic acid | Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, mental fatigue |
| Carvacrol | Anxiety related memory loss, depression related memory loss, post-traumatic stress disorder |
| Carnosic acid | Cerebral ischemia, stroke, traumatic brain injury |
6. Kills bacteria
Salvia officinalis kills bacteria by exhibiting antibacterial properties, which is the ability to inhibit the growth of or destroy bacteria.
This benefit is important as it can help prevent the spread of infections, reduce the risk of food spoilage, and promote wound healing in both humans and animals.
The antibacterial properties of Salvia officinalis are attributed to its bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and rosmarinic acid, which have been shown to exhibit potent antimicrobial activity.
To harness the antibacterial benefits of Salvia officinalis, it can be used in herbal preparations such as tea, tinctures, or infusions, which can be consumed orally to support immune function and prevent infections.
Top Preparations:
- Essential oil
- Infused oil
- Tincture
The following table displays the major constituents of Salvia officinalis and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Kills bacteria.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Ursolic acid | Pneumonia, urinary tract infections, staph infections |
| Carnosic acid | Skin infections, gastroenteritis, sore throat |
| Oleuropein | Respiratory infections, gingivitis, tonsillitis |
| Rosmarinic acid | Food poisoning, ear infections, dental abscess |
7. Lowers blood sugar
Salvia officinalis lowers blood sugar by reducing the level of glucose in the bloodstream, making it a potential therapeutic agent for managing hyperglycemia.
This benefit is crucial as it can help prevent and manage complications associated with elevated blood sugar levels, such as diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy.
The bioactive constituents responsible for this effect include rosmarinic acid, salvianolic acids, and ursolic acid, which have been shown to possess antioxidant and insulin-mimetic properties.
To reap the benefits of Salvia officinalis for blood sugar management, it is best used in herbal preparations such as teas, infusions, or capsules, which can be consumed after meals to help regulate blood sugar spikes.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Tea
- Infusion
The following table displays the major constituents of Salvia officinalis and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Lowers blood sugar.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Salvianolic acid | Diabetes, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance |
| Carnosic acid | Diabetic neuropathy, hyperglycemic shock, pancreatitis |
| Rosmarinic acid | Hypoglycemia, insulinoma, pancreatic diabetes |
8. Improves sleep
Salvia officinalis improves sleep by promoting relaxation and reducing sleep disturbances, ultimately leading to better quality rest and rejuvenation.
This benefit is crucial as it can help alleviate conditions such as insomnia, daytime fatigue, and decreased productivity, allowing individuals to function optimally in their daily lives.
The plant's sleep-promoting properties can be attributed to its bioactive constituents, including salvinorin A, rosmarinic acid, and luteolin, which have been shown to possess sedative and anxiolytic effects.
To utilize salvia officinalis for improved sleep, individuals can consume herbal preparations such as teas, capsules, or tinctures made from the plant's leaves, which can be taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before bedtime to promote a restful night's sleep.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Infused oil
- Tea
- Essential oil
- Herbal extract
The following table displays the major constituents of Salvia officinalis and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Improves sleep.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Carnosic acid | Insomnia, sleep deprivation, restless leg syndrome |
| Rosmarinic acid | Anxiety-related sleep issues, nervousness before bed, sleep apnea |
| Ursolic acid | Sleep disorders, fatigue, mood disturbances |
| Salvianolic acid | Insomnia, sleep deprivation, circadian rhythm disorders |
9. Boosts immune system
Salvia officinalis boosts immune system by enhancing the body's natural defenses against pathogens and infections, thereby reducing the risk of illnesses and diseases.
This benefit is important as a strong immune system can prevent conditions such as the common cold, flu, and other viral infections, which can be particularly severe in vulnerable populations such as the elderly and young children.
Salvia officinalis has this benefit due to its rich content of bioactive constituents including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and rosmarinic acid, which have been shown to exhibit immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties.
To harness the immune-boosting properties of Salvia officinalis, it is best to consume it in herbal preparations such as tea, capsules, or tinctures, ideally in moderate amounts and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Tea
- Infusion
- Extract capsules
The following table displays the major constituents of Salvia officinalis and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Boosts immune system.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Thymol | Common cold, flu, pneumonia |
| Caryophyllene | Fungal infections, bacterial infections, viral infections |
| Ursolic acid | Cold sores, herpes, wound infections |
10. Improves digestion
Salvia officinalis improves digestion by enhancing the body's ability to break down and absorb nutrients from food.
This benefit is crucial as it can help alleviate symptoms of indigestion, bloating, and other gastrointestinal issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
The plant's ability to improve digestion can be attributed to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including volatile oils like carnosic acid and ursolic acid, as well as antioxidants like flavonoids and phenolic acids.
To harness the digestive benefits of Salvia officinalis, it is best to consume it as a tea or in supplement form, where the bioactive constituents can be effectively extracted and utilized by the body.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Infusion
- Tea
- Capsules
- Digestive oil
The following table displays the major constituents of Salvia officinalis and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Improves digestion.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Thujone | Indigestion, bloating, irritable bowel syndrome |
| Rosmarinic acid | Peptic ulcer, gastroesophageal reflux disease, dyspepsia |
| Ursolic acid | Chronic inflammatory bowel disease, gastrointestinal inflammation, ulcerative colitis |
11. Reduces anxiety in children
Salvia officinalis reduces anxiety in children by calming their nervous system and promoting relaxation.
This benefit is particularly important for children who experience anxiety disorders, such as separation anxiety or school-related stress, which can hinder their ability to focus, make friends, and perform well academically.
The plant's anxiolytic effects can be attributed to its bioactive constituents, including rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, and linalool, which have been shown to have a calming effect on the nervous system and reduce inflammation.
To harness this benefit, parents can use Salvia officinalis in the form of herbal teas, tinctures, or supplements, under the guidance of a healthcare professional, to ensure safe and effective dosing for their child.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Tea
- Calming syrup
The following table displays the major constituents of Salvia officinalis and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces anxiety in children.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Rosmarinic acid | Separation anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, situational anxiety |
| Carvacrol | Anxiety attacks, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder |
| Carnosic acid | Sleep anxiety, gad in children, anxiety in autistic children |