Tea with sage: how to brew and how to drink?
Since ancient times, sage has been considered a plant that has a bright aroma and can heal many diseases. The healing properties of sage infusion are used both in traditional medicine and in modern cosmetology.
A bit of history
The word "sage" itself has Latin roots (salvia) and means "to be in good health" or "to be untouched, unharmed."
Even in ancient Egypt, the plant was credited with healing properties. The inhabitants of the ancient world believed that sage flowers help the birth of life. The juice of the herbal culture was given to drink to women who could not become pregnant.
The Romans believed that the herb promoted the conception of a healthy baby. For the Romans, it was a sacred plant. Its collection was a whole ritual. Only a clean person was allowed to collect grass, strictly after ablution. The picker wore a white tunic and only went barefoot during the harvest season.
The Druids attributed mystical properties to the plant. They believed that sage could bring the dead back to life, helped to get in touch with spirits and the other world. With the help of grass, rituals were performed, the future was predicted. The Druids also believed that a childless woman, having drunk a healing herbal drink, would soon become pregnant and bring a healthy child into this world.
Application
The range of application of sage is very wide - from the treatment of a common cold and throat diseases to the prevention of diseases of the female genital area and infertility.The plant can be consumed both separately and in combination with other herbs.
Herb leaves are valuable for the presence of essential oils in them. The highest concentration of valuable oil in sage occurs during the flowering period. This is the time to collect it. In one season, sage can be harvested more than once, since the leaves of the plant tend to grow back quickly.
Beneficial features
Sage tea has a lot of useful and medicinal qualities. We list only some of them.
- disinfectant effect. Herbal decoction is an excellent antiseptic, famous for its bactericidal properties.
- Anti-inflammatory properties. The herb not only relieves inflammation, but also has an analgesic calming effect.
- Helps with sore throats as it is an expectorant.
- It has a hemostatic and diuretic effect.
- It has a general strengthening effect on the human body.
A decoction of sage leaves is recommended to drink, because the plant is rich in vitamins. It contains vitamins of groups A, E, K, PP, as well as minerals - calcium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, collagen and iron.
It has been observed that sage infusion improves metabolism in the body, has a beneficial effect on memory.
Sage is a therapeutic herb. It can be consumed dry, use its essential oil and apply fresh. In pharmacology, the plant has gained great popularity - from various tea bags and cough drops to specialized tablets for gynecological diseases in women.
The effect of sage decoction on various diseases
Sage is a healing herb that can, if not cure, then at least prevent certain diseases.Consider the indications for use, as well as the benefits and harms of this plant.
Diseases of the oral cavity
Since sage has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, it is great for rinsing the mouth. Sage tea helps with inflammation of the gums and teeth. It relieves pain while providing a disinfectant effect.
For coughs and colds
With such symptoms, you can use an infusion of sage with milk. This will ease the symptoms of flu and colds, help get rid of an exhausting dry cough.
Throat diseases
Angina and sore throat are treated with a decoction of sage. The infusion is used internally by gargling, and is also used for inhalation.
Gargling with a decoction should be done regularly. This is an effective way to get rid of pain and white patches on the tonsils. The infusion is prepared quite simply. Chopped grass (one teaspoon) is poured with boiling water and infused for half an hour. Then the resulting broth should be cooled and filtered through a strainer. Gargle during the day, but at least two or three times.
Inhalation is also good for sore throats. To do this, you need to pour two tablespoons of dry sage into two glasses of water. Infuse the broth in a water bath over low heat for 15 minutes. When ready, the decoction should be placed in front of you and breathe the steam for at least ten minutes. The frequency of the procedure is three times a day for a week.
To enhance the therapeutic effect of sage, it is recommended to use it in conjunction with other herbs:
- mint;
- calendula;
- Melissa;
- thyme;
- eucalyptus.
High blood sugar and diabetes
The decoction will help lower blood sugar, level cholesterol. It is important to remember that sage can help with mild diabetes.With a more severe stage of the disease, sage tea will only be therapeutic.
Sage and the female body
This plant is widely used to treat diseases of women. However, there are pitfalls here - it is important to take into account all contraindications for use.
The plant is used in the field of cosmetology and dermatology. It has anti-aging properties, nourishes the skin, making it smoother and healthier. The herbal solution is used to heal acne and treat red spots after rashes.
Essential oils contained in the plant help to remove toxins from the body.
For women's reproductive health, sage herb is very beneficial. It normalizes the level of female hormones, helps the egg to mature, and supports ovulation. In general, the herb is suitable for consumption by those who decide to conceive a child.
In diseases in the gynecological field, sage has an anti-inflammatory effect. It has the ability to relieve cramps during menstruation, in menopause it helps to reduce sweating, makes mood swings less noticeable.
It is not recommended for pregnant women to drink a decoction of the plant, as it increases the tone of the uterus. During the period of breastfeeding, a decoction of the herb is contraindicated, since it reduces the amount of breast milk. According to experts, the decoction increases female libido, increases sexual activity.
Contraindications
Despite all the medicinal qualities of sage, you should still be careful with its use. It is best to get advice from your doctor (therapist, gastroenterologist, immunologist, and others) and drink the medicine according to the instructions. The duration of treatment with a healing decoction should not exceed three months.Be sure to have a break in taking the medicine for at least two to three weeks.
It is not recommended to use sage broth for pregnant women. It is contraindicated in women with diseases such as:
- endometriosis;
- breast cancer;
- cervical cancer;
- cancer of the body of the uterus;
- uterine fibroids;
- polycystic ovary syndrome.
In the presence of hypertension, allergies, diseases of the kidneys and thyroid gland, low pressure, sage is strictly prohibited.
How to collect?
Wild sage grows in the field, but it is also grown in gardens and orchards. The plant is thermophilic, does not tolerate frost.
For consumption, the top of the bush and leaves are collected. Leaves that are clean and free of spots should be chosen, as often spots on the leaves are a sign of disease in the crop. After harvesting, the sage, along with the leaves, must be thoroughly dried, while avoiding direct sunlight.
Subsequently, the prepared dry grass is packed in a sealed container and stored in a dark room, which must be well ventilated.
How to brew tea?
Proper preparation of tea will preserve all its properties and nutrients (vitamins and essential oils). Thoroughly dried sage flowers and leaves are used to brew tea. Chopped grass (up to 2 teaspoons per mug) is poured with slightly cooled boiling water. Next, cover the poured tea with a lid and let it brew for 15-20 minutes. After that, strain the broth through a strainer.
If you brew tea for more than twenty minutes, then its taste will acquire an unpleasant bitterness. To enhance the taste of sage, you can use a teaspoon of honey and lemon juice.
The plant in tea goes well with spicy herbs - mint, lemon balm, oregano, clover flowers, strawberry, raspberry or currant leaves.If desired, you can combine chopped sage herb with regular tea bags - this will not change the taste of tea in the least.
Drink the infusion no more than twice a day half an hour after meals. Tea can be drunk both hot and cold. Sage should be taken within one to two months in the absence of contraindications.
For information on what is useful and how to drink sage, see the next video.