The Sage Use Of Sage

A while back, while battling brain-fog doing a show out-of-town, I did some research and wrote a post about memory and brain food. I was desperate, considering the rehearsal period was only a week and I was unable to focus properly. But some of the information I gathered was very helpful, and I managed to get through the whole process relatively unscathed.

One commonly recommended herb for memory troubles was sage (and rosemary). So, I immediately purchased both, in bulk, and sprinkled them on my food, and added them to herbal tea. It seemed to be of great help.

I knew sage was useful for increasing memory-power, but I had no idea that it was also good for other troubles. According to Mark Blumenthal, associate professor of medicinal chemistry at the University of Texas :

"It's been used to treat digestive upsets, joint pain and snake bites. But only now is research confirming that this anti-oxidant-rich spice can help treat a long list of common health problems."

1. Memory Aid- A recent British study found that even a single dose of sage can instantly help people with memory skills (including recalling names, places etc. 11 times more accurately), and the affects can last up to 2 hours. Some European research has found it could possibly aid with age-related memory loss, if taken on a daily basis.

2. Night Sweats and Hot Flash Controller- Going through peri-menopause? Apparently sage helps cut night sweats and hot flashes by up to 50%. Women participating in a study found that they felt substantially cooler within 2 hours after taking Sage, and that they only needed to take it every other day for the effects to last. Sage contains an oil called thujone, which helps the brain maintain proper thermostat control.

3. Bacteria and Bug Killer- Apparently, the rosmarinic acid in sage, in addition to being a powerful anti-oxidant, also has antiseptic and antibiotic properties which have the capacity to kill 65 different strains of bugs, from bacteria to viruses, including the bacteria and yeast that contribute to digestive troubles. It can even kill salmonella,, E. Coli and the fungus that is responsible for causing yeast infections. Dutch researchers were able to destroy up to 70% of the staphylococcus bacteria. And all this without destroying the good bacteria in the stomach, like antibiotics do.

Ways To Use:

You can sprinkle it on food, make a tea infusion or buy a liquid supplement.

They say 1 tsp a day on your food, is good.

Or you can drink one to 3 cups of sage tea a day. I use a tea infuser, and add it to my herbal tea. I drink it twice a day. Make sure it's whole dried sage.

Or you can buy a liquid extract at the health food store. Recommended dosage is 28 drops in a glass of water, and drink 1 to 3 times a day.


as always, please research before you start taking any herbal remedy.