20 Amazing Benefits Of Sage Herb For Skin, Hair And Health

There is a shift in the way we think and view the world. The trend today is to go natural. Nature has everything we need. And if we value our life, it makes sense to minimize the amount of chemicals we pump into our body.

Herbs have been valued since ancient times because of their variety of culinary uses as well as medicinal value. Most of them form an important part of our diet. Sage is one such herb, which is known since ancient Roman times. In fact, it was specifically used in the traditional Thanksgiving Dinner hosted during the fall season. Also called garden sage or common sage, it is basically a perennial evergreen plant belonging to the Lamiaceae (mint) family along with herbs like oregano, rosemary, lavender, basil and thyme. It is native to the Mediterranean and south-eastern Europe. It derives its scientific name from the Latin word “salvere” which means “to be saved.”

This herb grows to a height of a foot or more. It has greyish green lance shaped leaves with a silvery bloom and prominent vein running throughout. The flowers are generally blue, purple, pink or white in color with a pleasant aroma. They mostly blossom in August. In fact, all parts of the plant have a strong odor and a warm and somewhat bitter flavor due to the presence of volatile oils in its tissues. The amazing health properties of this legendary herb have made it a staple in traditional European and Chinese medicines. Besides, due to its uniquely pleasant aroma, it is used as a fragrance in the manufacture of soaps and cosmetics. It is available in fresh, dried, and powdered forms throughout the year.

Types of Sage:

There are countless varieties of sage, of which the most common varieties grown for medicinal or culinary purposes include the following:

Clary Sage: It is characterized by strongly aromatic leaves and mostly used in throat gargle infusions and perfumeries.

Three-Lobed Sage: This is a large perennial shrub with lobed leaves. Native to the Mediterranean countries, it is mostly used for making sage tea.
Pineapple Sage: The fresh leaves of this variety are used to add flavor to drinks and desserts.
Azure Sage: This variety is native to Mexico. It is a large plant with blue flowers and is used as herbal panacea.

Skin Benefits Of Sage:

Sage can keep your skin healthy and beautiful Its plant derived chemical compounds, essential oils, and vitamins make it beneficial in skin care in the following ways.

1. Anti-ageing Benefits:

The antioxidants in sage reverse the signs of ageing such as wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. These antioxidants provide protection against free radicals that damage skin cells, causing premature ageing of the skin. This herb is loaded with calcium and vitamin A, which protect your skin against the assault of free radicals and aid in daily cell regeneration, minimizing and delaying the onset of facial wrinkles.

2. Toner for Oily Skin:

Sage oil benefits as a great toner by regulating sebum production in oily complexion. You can prepare a home-made toner by boiling a spoonful of sage in about 250 ml water. Steep for 30 minutes and strain the concoction. Dab it on your face after cooling.

3. Treatment of Skin Problems:

The antibacterial properties of this amazing herb prevent the occurrence of skin infections. It also possesses antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help cure acne as well as relieve the symptoms of eczema and psoriasis.

Hair Benefits Of Sage:

Sage herb and its extracts have been found to be beneficial for hair in many ways. Some of the benefits of sage for hair are as follows.

4. Treatment of Hair Loss:

Sage has been used since ancient times to combat hair loss and baldness. Sage contains beta-sitosterol, a 5-alpha reductase compound which has been found to be effective in treating male pattern baldness. It is advisable to mix 3 to 4 drops of sage essential oil with equal amounts of rosemary and peppermint essential oils and dilute in 1 tablespoon olive oil. Massage yo