However, more human research is needed to make comprehensive recommendations (11). In humans, sage leaf extract has been shown to lower blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity with a similar effect as rosiglitazone, another anti-diabetes drug (18). It also lowered both total cholesterol and “bad” LDL cholesterol, as well as raised “good” HDL cholesterol (6). • Good in cheese spreads, vegetable soup, chowders and eggplant. Overview Information Sage is an herb. Sage is also very good in dressings, stuffings, and bean dishes and as a seasoning for potatoes and tomato sauces. Sage is known for the distinct taste it gives to classic holiday stuffings. Every minute, more than one person in the US dies from heart disease (26). This sage herb tea benefits to ward off dandruff. It belongs to the mint family, alongside other herbs like oregano, rosemary, basil and thyme (1). With a hint of lemon and a slight pepper flavor, this spice is also great in a variety of holiday recipes. Sage works especially well with fatty meats such as sausage and lamb because it aids in the digestion. For other mothers it can dry up the milk supply. However, there is still not enough evidence to recommend sage as a diabetes treatment. Classic Holiday Stuffing: A classic holiday recipe made with sliced crusty bread, butter, onions, … It's absolutely wonderful and simple! Holiday Dressing Rating: Unrated 258 This recipe was given to me by my friend Gloria 15 years ago. Tea – To make a tea from sacred sage, place two teaspoons of fresh sage leaves (or 1 teaspoon of dried sage leaves) in a mug. While this research is encouraging, human studies are needed to determine whether sage is effective at fighting cancer in humans. Her recipes range from Grandma’s favorites to the latest food trends. Cooking mellows sage, so for fullest flavor, add it at the end of the cooking process. Common sage was traditionally used to reduce menopause symptoms (12). Celery, diced • Onion, diced • Apples: peeled, cored & diced • Butter or margarine • Chicken or veggie broth • Seasoned bread cubes, I used a sage and onion pepperidge farms brand • Dried sage or up to 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage Combined with mashed potatoes or squash for a more earthy flavor. Fresh sage leaves also can be covered in olive oil and stored in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. When this receptor is activated, it can help clear excess free fatty acids in the blood, which in turn improves insulin sensitivity (15, 16). We’ll tell you what the research says about…, Mayo is a popular condiment for sandwiches and often used as a base for salad dressings and sauces. … In these studies, sage extracts not only suppress the growth of cancer cells but also stimulate cell death. These appear thick, rough and wrinkled, giving a pleasant and delicious aroma to the touch, that is much appreciated in the kitchen. 1 bunch fresh sage 1 ⁄ 4 cup olive oil ; Coarse salt Instructions. Whatever material you choose, it’s really about intention. It has been investigated for its potential in treating cognitive impairment and Alzheimer disease, vasomotor symptoms, cancer, inflammation, and hyperlipidemia. Pinch off leaves from sage. Sage is also used as a natural cleaning agent, pesticide and ritual object in spiritual sage burning or smudging. Use it with a light hand if you're experimenting. Those taking the sage extract performed better on tests that measured memory, problem-solving, reasoning and other cognitive abilities (21). Sage comes dried as leaves, rubbed or ground. Interestingly, animal and test-tube studies demonstrate that sage may fight certain types of cancer, including those of the mouth, colon, liver, cervix, breast, skin and kidney (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40). Read on to learn more…. Rubbed sage is made by rubbing dried whole sage leaves to create a light and fluffy mix. Sage can be enjoyed as a decoction. Sage is also very good in dressings, stuffings, and bean dishes and as a seasoning for potatoes and tomato sauces. Antioxidants are molecules that help fortify your body’s defenses, neutralizing potentially harmful free radicals that are linked to chronic diseases (4). In one study, daily use of a sage supplement significantly reduced the number and intensity of hot flashes over eight weeks (14). Sage is perhaps most notably used in the preparation of sausage, although it pairs well with any meat, especially poultry. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Dried sage leaves can be used in cooking as a spice. Preparing Your Leaves for Drying Pull the leaves from the stalk. Dried sage should be added earlier to allow the flavor to mellow out since it is more pungent. In one study, consuming sage tea twice daily lowered “bad” LDL cholesterol and total blood cholesterol while raising “good” HDL cholesterol after just two weeks (6). Once prized for its medicinal value, sage can be used in many other dishes besides turkey dressing. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It can be enjoyed fresh, dried or as a tea. To be on the safe side, limit sage tea consumption to 3–6 cups a day (47). Uses of White Sage. This green herb is available fresh, dried or in oil form — and has numerous health benefits. • Use in pot roast or stew of beef or venison. Which Essential Oils Promote Better Sleep? Carefully allow the flame to go out so that the tips of the dried leaves are smoldering slowly, and let the smoke billow up. Symptoms include hot flashes, excessive sweating, vaginal dryness and irritability. Whole sage leaves are surprisingly delicious when … Sage has been used in traditional medicine for its antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and antioxidant effects. Animal research has found that high doses of thujone may be toxic to the brain (47). It’s native to China and Japan, and the dried red roots of the plant are used for medicine. A sage rosemary hair rinse can be prepared by boiling the two herbs i… One jar of Litehouse Instantly Fresh Sage is equal to 2 bunches of fresh. The leaf is used to make medicine. Otherwise, if you are concerned about thujone in common sage, then you can simply consume Spanish sage instead, as it does not contain thujone (46). Sage has antimicrobial effects, which can neutralize microbes that promote dental plaque. Sage has a strong aroma and earthy flavor, which is why it’s typically used in small amounts. Secondary options include substituting with marjoram, rosemary, and savory. May have anticancer properties. At the same time, the flavor is less concentrated than ground sage, so you'll need to adjust quantities when using rubbed sage as a substitute for ground sage in recipes. Chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, ellagic acid and rutin — all found in sage — are linked to impressive health benefits, such as a lower risk of cancer and improved brain function and memory (1, 3). Sage comes in several forms and can be used in a variety of ways. Higher doses also elevated mood and increased alertness, calmness and contentedness (23). In one study, sage extract reduced blood glucose levels in rats with type 1 diabetes by activating a specific receptor. Dry ground sage is the least appealing of the three. A combination of sage and rosemary is excellent for making your hair thicker, shinier and stronger. To keep sage fresh, wrap the leaves in paper towels and store them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator; use them within four to five days. It … Sage is often paired with other herbs such as thyme, marjoram, and rosemary and harmonizes well with garlic, onion, oregano, parsley, and bay leaf. Use dried sage within six months for the best flavor. The name salvia which is derived from salvare, the latin word for healing is a great indicator of its history of medicinal use. Sage can help support your brain and memory in several ways. Freezing intensifies the flavor of the herb so proceed accordingly. ACH levels appear to fall in Alzheimer’s disease (21, 22). Fresh sage, sun-dried tomatoes, prosciutto, and cream give this pork tenderloin dish its rich flavor. Sage is particularly effective in encouraging new hair growth as it improves circulation to the scalp, providing more nutrition to the hair follicles. Since it’s consumed in tiny amounts, sage provides only minuscule amounts of carbs, calories, protein and fiber. What’s more, it’s nearly impossible to consume toxic amounts of thujone through foods. It’s high in antioxidants and may help support oral health, aid brain function and lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels. The leaves of common sage have been used traditionally as a remedy against diabetes. Here are some ways you can add fresh sage to your diet: Dried sage is often preferred by cooks and comes ground, rubbed or in whole leaves. All rights reserved. It may help relieve the symptoms of some conditions. It is now best-known as a culinary herb for the dishes of Autumn, from roast turkey to sausage stuffing to pumpkin soup. It has a sweet yet savory flavor, and its most popular use is in stuffing or dressing for Thanksgiving. Since sage has a thick leaf, it dries … What Are Essential Oils, and Do They Work? Use dried sage within six months for the best flavor. 1 tablespoon fresh chopped sage = 1 teaspoon dried, 10 thin fresh sage leaves = 3/4 teaspoon dried sage. One study found that drinking 1 cup (240 ml) of sage tea twice daily significantly increased antioxidant defenses. i don't use sage all that much, so i'd … Sage is an herb that is native to the Mediterranean region. Use 1/2 tsp. This article reviews whether mayo is safe when…. The phenolic compounds in sage may have an antioxidant effect and reduce free radicals. When should you use fresh sage and when should you use dried sage? Its other names include common sage, garden sage and Salvia officinalis. In one study, a sage-based mouthwash was shown to effectively kill the Streptococcus mutans bacteria, which is notorious for causing dental cavities (7, 8). Many delicious ingredients are also exceptionally healthy. Buy it, it’ll burn just fine. If you really like sage, thread fresh sage leaves in between meats and vegetables for shish kebabs. Chopped ham can be used if prosciutto is unavailable. Burning sage (also known as smudging) is an ancient spiritual ritual. Essential oils are claimed to offer many health benefits. Sage is an herb with several promising health benefits. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, its Danshen are known as “super grade herbs” because they lack observable toxicity and have been used for over 2,000 years to treat a range of health conditions. The volatile oils in dried Sage will dissipate somewhat over time—but I’ve used Sage sticks that were hiding in my altar cupboard for years and no one was the wiser. It turns out that sage may help clear the air of … In healthy adults, sage was shown to improve memory in low doses. Heat oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat until hot. White sage is a fairly common variety used for space clearing, but you can also use bundles of cedar or herbs like mugwort. It tends to be pillowy soft and retains flavor well. to 4 cups bread cubes for stuffing. Most commonly, the dried bundles, known as smudging sticks, consist of white sage, which is distinct from the garden-variety sage, though dried common sage could be used as well. In some beliefs, the smoke from the sage creates a barrier that prevents negative spirits from entering the room in which the ceremony is performed. However, these benefits have not been extensively researched. Sage’s Magickal Origins. Sage owes its healing properties to the influence of Jupiter. Here are some ways you can use dried sage: You can also purchase sage products, such as sage tea and sage extract supplements. How to Convert Fresh to Dried Herb Measurements. However, drinking too much sage tea or ingesting sage essential oils — which should be avoided in any case — may have toxic effects. This article explains everything you need to know about essential oils and their health…, Can you lower your blood pressure, eliminate hypertension, and improve heart health with essential oils? The earthy taste of sage creates … It is one of the earliest known medicinal plants, and has so many uses. Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, also known as red sage or Danshen (or Dan Shen), is a perennial plant in the mint family, like common sage. That said, there is no good evidence that thujone is toxic to humans (48). Sage belongs to the Salvia plant family and is derived from the Latin word salvere, which means "to heal." Sage also contains small amounts of magnesium, zinc, copper and vitamins A, C and E. What’s more, this aromatic spice houses caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, rosmarinic acid, ellagic acid and rutin — all of which play a role in its beneficial health effects (3). Another way to use sage is in a smudge stick, which is a bundle of dried herbs that is burned to help purify the air and kill airborne bacteria. Sage tea can be used as a hair rinse to impart shine and luster to your locks. Litehouse Freeze Dried Sage gives recipes full, fresh flavor with the convenience of a dried herb. This difference dictates the right time in the cooking process to add it to a dish. For one, it’s loaded with compounds that can act as antioxidants, which have been shown to buffer your brain’s defense system (19, 20). While fresh sage is pungent enough to hold up to long cooking times, the best results come when it … You can prepare it by boiling 1 tablespoon of dried sage leaves in a cup of water. Cancer is a leading cause of death in which cells grow abnormally. Sage is effective in the treatment of an inflamed throat and tonsils as well as … This sage-infused olive oil is great for sauteeing. One review noted that sage may treat throat infections, dental abscesses, infected gums and mouth ulcers. High “bad” LDL cholesterol is a key heart disease risk factor, affecting one in three Americans (27). However, the sage leaves are used in a silvery gray color, which can be used fresh or dried. As with all dried herbs, store any form of dried sage in a closed container in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. In the textbooks of Tradit… Sage is also used as a natural cleaning agent, pesticide and ritual object in spiritual sage burning or smudging. Here are 12 surprising health benefits of sage. You can use them for up to one year. Another study in mice with type 2 diabetes found that sage tea acts like metformin — a drug prescribed to manage blood sugar in people with the same disease (17). If you need sage immediately and you don't have any, you can substitute thyme or poultry seasoning, which contains some sage, but the flavor won't be quite the same. Sage is considered safe with no reported side effects (46). For example, blue sage is used in cleansing and healing rituals, while desert sage is used for purifying and protection. There are many species of sage. © 2005-2020 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. This can cause a wide range of unpleasant symptoms. There is some evidence that sage tea may help fight cancer cells. Sage and its compounds are linked to several other health benefits. It is available in the spice aisle of your local grocery store. Fresh sage leaves should have no soft spots or dry edges. Remember that sage can easily overpower a dish. Even so, it’s packed with a variety of important nutrients and compounds. If you prefer just a hint of sage flavor, add it at the beginning or use fresh sage, which has a milder flavor than dried. However, some people are concerned about thujone, a compound found in common sage. Dried sage, especially white sage, was traditionally used by Native Americans for a whole host of benefits, most specifically as a method of purification. Get daily tips and expert advice to help you take your cooking skills to the next level. Fresh sage leaves have a strong aromatic flavor and are best used sparingly in dishes. 5 Easy Ways to use sage In a decoction. Dried sage is preferred over fresh by most cooks and comes in a whole leaf, rubbed, and ground form. Several other human studies illustrate a similar effect with sage extract (28, 29, 30). In one study, 39 participants with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease consumed either 60 drops (2 ml) of a sage extract supplement or a placebo daily for four months. This green spice is also easy to add to almost any savory dish. Rubbing sage releases the herb's essential oils and turns dried sage into a much more flavorful ingredient. Sage was used medicinally in Egyptian, Roman, and Greek medicine. a turkey recipe that i'm going to use calls for dried rubbed sage; can i substitute it with ground sage instead? One of the traditional uses for sage is in Italian cooking where it is used with butter in sauces for pasta like gnocchi and with potatoes. Soothes a Sore Throat. More human research is needed. Sage packs a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. Using Dried Sage Purchase dried sage. By ANNACOYNE. To freeze fresh sage leaves, wash and pat the sage sprigs dry, remove the leaves from the stems, and pack them loosely in freezer bags. Sage is a staple herb in various cuisines around the world. And of course, sage is the perfect flavor enhancer for poultry. Sage contains over 160 distinct polyphenols, which are plant-based chemical compounds that act as antioxidants in your body (5). Sage grows well in most temperate climates. So get familiar with this splendid herb and use it all year long. 11 Benefits of Burning Sage, How to Get Started, and More, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, 10 Delicious Herbs and Spices With Powerful Health Benefits. Squash Fritters and Fried Sage. Ingredients. But it also is a flavor powerhouse in bean dishes, tomato sauces, omelets, polenta, chicken risotto, pesto, and sage butter for pasta and trout. You can substitute one type of sage for another with these conversions: Peggy Trowbridge Filippone is a writer who develops approachable recipes for home cooks. You can learn how to make a smudge stick in … Rubbed is dried sage leaves that have been quite literally rubbed off the stems. Sage may help lower “bad” LDL cholesterol, which can build up in your arteries and potentially cause damage. As explained above, there are various uses for white sage, including brewing a tea, binding dried leaves and burning them as incense, or applying them as a topical compress on the body. Human and animal research indicates that it may help lower blood sugar levels. However, no quality clinical trials are available to … "Aside from the metaphysical uses of smudging, research is showing that sage can also be used to benefit physical, mental, and emotional well-being," says Reshma Patel, PA-C, MMS, CEO and founder of Ananda Integrative Medicine. The most-used sage types have antimicrobial properties. Ground sage is made by grinding the entire leaf into a fine powder like any powdered herb. During menopause, your body experiences a natural decline in the hormone estrogen. In both younger and older adults, sage appears to improve memory and brain function (24, 25). Here are 10 of the world's healthiest herbs and spices, supported by science. Complimentary flavors are onion, garlic, thyme, oregano, parsley, bay leaf, and rosemary. It turns out that sage is a fantastic herb to have too much of. It’s believed that compounds in sage have estrogen-like properties, allowing them to bind to certain receptors in your brain to help improve memory and treat hot flashes and excessive sweating (13). Its velvety leaves release their fragrance when rubbed. 1 teaspoon dried Sage = 2 teaspoons fresh sage • Sage is well known for its use in stuffings for poultry, fish, game and other meats. Rubbed sage has a light, velvety texture, whereas ground sage is more of a free-flowing powder. Sage can also be taken internally as a liquid, spray, lozenge, capsule, or tablet. In a test-tube study, a sage-based essential oil was shown to kill and halt the spread of Candida albicans, a fungus that may also cause cavities (9, 10). If you are a nursing mother, use sage in medicinal quantities with caution, until you understand how you personally react to it. Sage Cooking Tips Sage works especially well with fatty meats such as sausage and lamb because it aids in the digestion. It also appears to halt the breakdown of the chemical messenger acetylcholine (ACH), which has a role in memory. One teaspoon (0.7 grams) of ground sage contains (2): As you can see, a small amount of sage packs 10% of your daily vitamin K needs (2). Like many herbs, the fresh version of sage has a milder flavor than the dried version. Sage is a popular garden herb with a sweet and savory aroma. 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