The health benefits of include its ability to lower anxiety, prevent cancer, mitigate menopausal symptoms, detoxify the body, aid in weight loss, reduce blood sugar levels, boost appetite, soothe the stomach, and stimulate the immune system. Sage does contain a volatile chemical compound called thujone that can be dangerous when consumed in large quantities. However, moderate consumption of sage tea, particularly if you don’t have any existing liver or kidney conditions, should not have any adverse side effects.
What is Sage Tea?
Sage tea is made from the leaves of the sage plant, scientifically known as Salvia officianalis, which is native to the Mediterranean region and has become one of the most beloved used in culinary applications around the world. However, the high concentrations of vitamin A, C, B-family, K, and E, as well as copper, fiber, , iron, and magnesium make this a very popular herb in medicinal applications, such as a delicious, rejuvenating cup of sage tea!
Health Benefits of Sage Tea
Sage tea is very beneficial for people struggling with high levels of oxidative stress, anxiety, obesity, high toxicity, , digestive issues, weak immunity, low circulation and sleep issues, as well as women going through .
Reduces Menopausal Symptoms
Perhaps the best-known use of sage tea is as a menopause regulator, specifically in the case of hot flashes. Studies have shown a definitive drop in hot flashes in menopausal women using this tea on a regular basis, in addition to reductions in other menopausal symptoms, such as mood swings and overactive bladders.
Weight Loss
Although sage tea can be an appetite stimulant, it is also well known to reduce levels of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol), which can help reduce your overall obesity and increase the rate of your metabolism. The rich blend of antioxidants also helps to prevent oxidative stress and wear on the metabolism, which can lead to fat deposition.
Detoxifies the Body
As a natural diuretic and stimulant for the liver and kidneys, sage tea is able to speed the process by which toxins are eliminated from the body through urination. This can lower the strain on the lymphatic system, as well as the kidneys and liver. This tea also induces sweating, which further helps to detoxify the body through the skin.
Controls Diabetes
This herbal tea is able to lower the resting blood sugar level in the body, which can help ease the strain on the pancreas and prevent the dangerous spikes and drops in glucose and insulin that diabetic patients fear. For those without diabetes, but at risk of developing the disorder, sage tea can be an effective preventative measure.
Boosts Circulation
Significant levels of iron in sage tea mean that it can help to stimulate circulation since iron is a key component in red blood cells. With additional RBCs, the body can more effectively oxygenate cells and extremities of the body to improve repair and function.
Antioxidant Effects
Sage has a number of powerful antioxidants, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, as well as a number of antioxidant enzymes, all of which can seek out and neutralize free radicals before they can cause oxidative stress, mutation, and apoptosis in the body. This can help prevent and mitigate the severity of chronic diseases and premature aging, among many other things.
Relieves Anxiety
Sage tea is considered a stimulant, but it can also have relaxing qualities on mood and nerves, while also improving focus and memory. Research has shown that the effects of sage can help with performance in high-stress situations and reduce chronic anxiety.
Boosts Appetite
For those recovering from an accident, surgery, or long-term illness, it may be important to eat a lot of to gain back your energy. Sage tea has appetite-stimulating properties that can help you put those pounds back on.
Aids in Digestion
Anti-inflammatory properties found in sage and its antioxidants are able to soothe an upset stomach and promote healthy digestion. The antibacterial and antiviral qualities of this herb can also help balance out the microflora in the gut, which will help relieve excess flatulence, bloating, cramping, and .
How to Make Sage Tea?
Making sage tea is quite easy at home, and requires nothing more than fresh or dried sage leaves, water, and honey if you want to sweeten the strong flavor. If you have sage in your herb garden, simply pick some of these leaves and wrap them in a damp towel in your refrigerator until you are ready to use them. You can also purchase dried sage leaves, which should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons of fresh sage leaves (or 1 teaspoon of dried sage leaves)
- 1 cup of water (filtered)
Step 1 – Bring the water to a high simmer in a small pot, then remove the water from heat.
Step 2 – Add the sage leaves (fresh or dried) to the water and allow them to steep for 5-7 minutes.
Step 3 – Strain the mixture to remove the sage leaves.
Step 4 – Pour the tea into a mug, add honey or lemon, as desired, and enjoy!
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Side Effects of Sage Tea
Certain types of sage contain different levels of chemicals, including thujone, which can results in liver and kidney damage, as well as seizures, if consumed in excess quantities. While side effects from sage tea are rare, it is important to be aware of possible complications.
- Blood Pressure – Due to the hypotensive nature of sage, if you are already taking blood pressure medication, such as warfarin, there is a risk of your blood pressure dropping too low, which can result in lightheadedness and is very dangerous if you are undergoing surgery.
- Blood Sugar – Sage tea is often prescribed to lower blood sugar levels and regulate symptoms in diabetic patients. This can interact poorly with other medications set to lower blood sugar, resulting in hypoglycemia.
- Seizures – The chemical thujone can cause seizures when consumed in high quantities, so if you suffer from a seizure-related illness, such as epilepsy, sage tea may not be the best herbal tea choice.
- Hormone Imbalance – As this tea can affect hormonal balance, and have estrogen-like effects on the body, certain cancers can be worsened by excess estrogen, so speak with your oncologist before adding this herbal remedy to your diet.
- Kidney or Liver Condition – Certain active compounds in sage can negatively impact the liver and kidneys over the long term, and with excessive consumption. So if you have pre-existing liver or kidney weakness, sage tea may do more harm than good.
