
These include:
- Camphor: This oily substance gives sage its pungent aroma. Popularly used in topical creams and ointments, camphor actively stimulates nerve endings. ...
- Carnosic acid and carnosol: These have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. ...
- Phenolic acids: These are plant-based chemicals that have antioxidant properties, protecting cells from the oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
What kind of plant is sage?
sussialfredsson/Twenty20. Sage is an evergreen shrub with dusty gray-green leaves and woody stems. There are many varieties of sage, but the species used for culinary purposes as a seasoning is known as common sage, garden sage, or Salvia officinalis.
What kind of sage is used for seasoning?
Sage is an evergreen shrub with dusty gray-green leaves and woody stems. There are many varieties of sage, but the species used for culinary purposes as a seasoning is known as common sage, garden sage, or Salvia officinalis.
What does Sage look like when it's dried?
Fresh sage is often dried to preserve the flavor and can be purchased either as whole leaves or "rubbed" into small pieces. Because of the fine, velveteen hair-like projections on sage leaves rubbed sage has a slightly fuzzy or fluffy appearance.
What is the difference between sage and fresh sage?
Sage is a pungent herb that adds a feeling of warmth to dishes. It has an earthy taste, combining the scents and flavors of citrus and pine. The fresh version is more vibrant and less bitter than dried. To cook with fresh sage, remove the leaves from the stems, rinse with cold water, and dry well.
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Can this common herb improve memory and reduce cancer risk?
Jennifer Moll, MS, PharmD, is a pharmacist actively involved in educating patients about the importance of heart disease prevention.
What Is Sage Used For?
Among the components of sage believed to have therapeutic properties are camphor, carnosic acid, carnosol, and phenolic acids.
Possible Side Effects
When consumed for culinary purposes, sage is considered safe in adults and children. By contrast, when used for medicinal purposes, sage or sage extract can be harmful if overused or used for a long period of time. This is because sage contains thujone, a neurotoxin responsible for the mind-altering effects of the alcoholic beverage absinthe.
Dosage and Preparation
When used for health purposes, sage can be found in oral extracts, gel caps, and capsule formulations as well as topical creams and ointments. There is no standardized dosage, but doses of up to 1,000 milligrams per day are generally considered safe and well tolerated.
What to Look For
Dried and fresh sage can be found at most grocery stores. Sage powders, capsules, extracts, teas, essential oils, and homeopathic remedies can be readily sourced online or at retail drugstores and health food outlets.
Other Questions
While it may seem safe to assume that sage tablets or gel caps are vegan- or vegetarian-friendly, it's not always the case. Gel caps, in particular, are sometimes made animal gelatins rather than vegetable cellulose. To be safe, only purchase products labeled "vegan" or "vegetarian."
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