Sage Tea Uses And Health Benefits That Will Surprise You
Sage tea is derived from the Salvia officinalis plant’s leaves, belonging to the mint family, which is native to the Mediterranean region. Sage is alternatively used as a spice and as an ingredient in ancient medical systems. The tea concoction is a fragrant blend of the culinary herb that is made by adding two teaspoons of the plant’s leaves in boiling water, after which the leaves are strained to leave an aromatic liquid behind.
Scientific research is not enough to say the tea offers many health benefits. But the common sage leaves' antioxidant compounds, ellagic acid and rosmarinic acid are said to improve various health conditions. Sage tea bags are available for purchase online and in organic stores. Here are some of the benefits of the tea to enjoy.
Heart Health
Consuming sage tea could help bring down LDL or low cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In one study, six women drank 300 ml of sage tea twice a day, and they witnessed improvements. The total cholesterol level had come down by 16 percent. Further research needs to be done on this matter and nothing can be said for certain, however.
Brain Health
Drinking sage tea could potentially decrease the development of neurodegenerative diseases, especially Alzheimer’s. It also improves the mood, memory and focus. Amyloid plaques formed in the brain due to Alzheimer’s are delayed due to the rosmarinic acid content of sage tea. However, more research is needed on the tea’s benefits on the brain and nervous system.
Anticancer
Sage tea has many compounds with cancer fighting effects such as carnosol, camphor and rosmarinic acid. Animal studies and test-tube studies have indicated the cancer fighting properties of the compounds. It helps fight cancer cells and prevents the spread of free radicals. Studies have shown that sage tea could decrease the risk of thyroid and colon cancer, though more research remains to be done.
Blood Sugar
A test-tube study said that sage performs a similar function to insulin, by helping with the transport of blood sugar into the cells. Thus, bringing down the threat of type 2 diabetes and improves blood sugar levels.
Oral Health
Gargling sage tea is seen as a remedy to treat wounds in the mouth and sore throats. Due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it is also added as an ingredient to mouth washes.
