The Health Benefits of Sage and Burning Sage to Cleanse your Space

Cleanse the Home and Body with Sage

Sage, a woody herb derived from an evergreen shrub, has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries because it has many health benefits. Use it for in-home and personal applications to reap these benefits.

The Health Benefits of Sage

Sage contains rosmarinic acid, an organic compound that is responsible for many of the herb's health benefits. It's known for boosting cognitive function and ingesting sage can improve retention and focus. Sage also has notable anti-inflammatory properties due to the herb's assortment of phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Many people use remedies made of sage leaves to mitigate the inflammation associated with gastrointestinal issues, arthritis and cardiovascular issues.

Sage is also a good source of antioxidants. This herb contains apigenin, luteolin and rosmarinic acid, all of which provide protection against free radical damage. This can reduce oxidative stress and mitigate the cellular effects of aging. Sage may also be beneficial for people with Alzheimer's disease. Its antioxidant protection wards off oxidative stress in the brain, and its cognitive impact can help boost memory creation.

Topical applications of sage help improve skin health in general. The leaves have antimicrobial properties, which may help strengthen the immune system. When sage is applied topically, it can reduce one's risk of getting an infection via a compromised skin barrier. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, sage may help skin conditions like acne and eczema.

People interested in improving bone health may also want to explore the health benefits of sage. Because the herb is high in vitamin K, an essential nutrient for bone density, it helps to prevent osteoporosis.

Using Sage

There are many ways to use sage. Most people simply use it as a savory seasoning, which gives them a small dose of its benefits. For more potent concentrations of sage, however, people can try brewing tea with sage leaves or applying sage oil to the skin.

Sage can also be used as an in-home cleanse. For centuries, people of various faiths have burned sage as a form of ritual cleansing. To do so, place a sage bundle in a heat-proof surface and light it so that it starts to smoke.