Sage
A herb commonly found in different cuisines worldwide, sage is known for its earthy flavor and intense aroma. It also has various compounds and nutrients and, thus, offers a multitude of health benefits. For starters, it’s loaded with a significant amount of antioxidants, which are the molecules responsible for fortifying the body’s defenses and neutralizing potentially dangerous free radicals associated with chronic diseases. In addition, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, rutin, rosmarinic acid, and ellagic acid—commonly found in the herb—are linked to many impressive benefits, ranging from improved cognitive function to lower cancer risks.
Research has found that a cup of tea with sage two times a day significantly increases antioxidant defenses. It also reduces TC or total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol while raising HDL cholesterol. It can also ease symptoms of menopause, including excessive sweating, hot flashes, irritability, and vaginal dryness. It may also alleviate diarrhea, improve bone health, and fight skin aging. Lastly, there’s evidence supporting its efficacy in treating fever blisters.
A study found sage cream helps heal cold sores in a week, making it comparable with products like acyclovir cream that can treat the condition in the same time frame. Thus, it’s an alternative remedy worth considering.
