The beneficial properties of sage have been known since ancient times: considered a symbol of fertility and used to embalm the dead by the Egyptians, the Greeks used it for its stimulating properties (so much so that they banned it during sports competitions), the Romans used it to treat wounds and ulcers, and as a decoction to stop bleeding. In the Middle Ages, however, it was considered a true “panacea,” used for all kinds of ailments, for example, to relieve sore throats, improve digestion, and as a remedy against aging. Is there any truth to these uses, or is it just superstition?
It’s all true, and a look at its nutritional profile confirms it: sage leaves are rich in antioxidants and antibacterial substances, containing flavonoids, bitter substances, and phenolic acids, particularly caffeic, vanillic, and rosmarinic acids. The essential oil contained in sage, which is credited with most of the plant’s beneficial properties, is rich in ketones, borneol acetate, pinene, and camphor; the leaves contain a moderate amount of vitamins and minerals (especially sodium), while the amounts of proteins, fats, and sugars are negligible. It’s no coincidence that it’s the subject of numerousscientific studies aimed at exploiting its potential in the medical field, but even taken daily, it can help your body feel better. How? Here are all the benefits of sage.
1. Helps the Intestines
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