“He that would live for aye, Must eat sage in May”.
Sage was a most sacred plant for the native North Americans. It is still used as a smudging tool during ceremonies to clear away negative energies. It is also used in ceremonies aimed at healing and purifying, and it symbolises a leaving behind of old habits and a rebirth of the spirit. Sage has the power to clarify the mind, which helps us to see the greater picture. It helps us choose the direction and find our way in the World. Druids believed that eating sage could give them inspired wisdom. Greeks drunk the sage tea to preserve memory, and Chinese used it to relieve stomach problems.
How do we use sage today? And why is it so good for women?
Sage is a hormone balancing herb and is very useful during the perimenopause transition. It can be helpful for painful, irregular and scanty periods. The astringent tannins in this plant are able to reduce heavy periods and peri-menopausal flooding, which can prevent the iron deficiency anaemia.
Sage aids in the elimination of fluids from the body via the kidneys, so it can be used in the luteal phase of the cycle, if water retention is a problem. It improves the digestion and absorption of fats, which can be problematic for some women in their 40`s. Sage actually has a beneficial effect on the liver and pancreatic function and can be used for gallbladder and liver problems. We need healthy gut and liver to manage our hormones. Sage also relieves bloating and wind, helps wind indigestion, nausea and colitis.
We cannot forget about the effects of sage on the immune and respiratory systems. It is excellent for acute and chronic infections, colds, flu, chest and throat infections. It`s decongestant and expectorant properties are excellent for the first signs of infections- catarrh, tonsilitis, coughs and sore throats.
Sage can act as a brain tonic; protects against loss of memory and cognitive function associated with ageing. It can be used to relieve the anxiety, depression and low mood.
It is well known for it`s ability to help with the menopausal hot flushes, night sweats and insomnia resulting from the night sweats. Deeper work is needed (especially on the liver), correct nutrition, and lifestyle modifications to help with night sweats and hot flushes, but sage can be used as a symptomatic relief.
You can try this simple home remedy first: chop 6 fresh sage leaves and soak overnight in fresh lemon juice. In the morning, strain the juice, mix with water, and drink before breakfast. If you choose to make sage tea, boil the water extract for 3 minutes first to evaporate unwanted essential oils. Try for 2-3 weeks and see if it helps.