The health benefits of sage tea may include its possible ability to lower anxiety, mitigate menopausal symptoms, detoxify the body, aid in weight loss, reduce blood sugar levels, boost appetite, soothe the stomach, and stimulate the immune system. Sage may contain a volatile chemical compound called thujone that can be dangerous when consumed in large quantities. However, moderate consumption of sage tea, particularly if you don’t have any existing liver or kidney conditions, should not have any adverse side effects.
What is Sage Tea?
Sage tea (Salvia officianalis) is made from the leaves of the sage plant, which is native to the Mediterranean region and has become one of the most beloved herbs used in culinary applications around the world. However, the high concentrations of vitamin A, C, B-family, K, and E, as well as copper, fiber, calcium, iron, and magnesium make this a very popular herb in medicinal applications.
Health Benefits of Sage Tea
Let’s discuss some of the important health benefits of sage tea:
May Help Reduce Menopausal Symptoms
Perhaps the best-known use of sage tea is as a menopause regulator, specifically in the case of hot flashes. Studies have shown a definitive drop in hot flashes in menopausal women using this tea on a regular basis. Additionally, it also reduces other menopausal symptoms, such as mood swings and overactive bladders. [1]
May Aid in Weight Loss
Although sage tea can be an appetite stimulant, it is also well known to reduce levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol, which can help reduce obesity and fasten metabolism. The rich blend of antioxidants also helps prevent oxidative stress and wear on the metabolism, which can lead to fat deposition. [2]
May Help Detoxify the Body
As a natural diuretic and stimulant for the liver and kidneys, sage tea is able to speed the process by which toxins are eliminated from the body through urination. This can lower the strain on the lymphatic system, as well as the kidneys and liver. This tea also induces sweating, which further helps to detoxify the body through the skin. [3]
May Help Control Diabetes
This herbal tea lowers the fasting blood glucose level in the body, which can help ease the strain on the pancreas. This also helps prevent the dangerous spikes and drops in glucose and insulin that people with diabetes have to be careful about. For those without diabetes, but at risk of developing the disorder, sage tea can be an effective preventative measure. [4]
May Help Boost Circulation
Significant levels of iron in sage tea mean that it can help to stimulate circulation since iron is a key component in red blood cells. With additional RBCs, the body can effectively oxygenate cells and extremities of the body to improve repair and function. [5]
May Have Antioxidant Effects
Sage has a number of powerful antioxidants, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, as well as a number of antioxidant enzymes. All of these seek out and neutralize free radicals before they can cause oxidative stress, mutation, and apoptosis in the body. This can help prevent and mitigate the severity of chronic diseases and premature aging, among many other things. [6]
May Help Relieve Anxiety
Sage tea is considered a stimulant, but it can also have relaxing qualities on mood and nerves, while also improving focus and memory. Sage can also increase performance in high-stress situations and reduce chronic anxiety. [7]
May Boost Appetite
For those recovering from an accident, surgery, or long-term illness, it may be important to eat a lot of food to gain back your energy. Sage tea has appetite-stimulating properties that can help you put those pounds back on.
Herbal teas like sage tea are great for times when you want to ditch the caffeine. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
May Aid in Digestion
Sage contains possibly antioxidants and possesses anti-inflammatory properties, which can soothe an upset stomach and promote healthy digestion. These possibly antibacterial and antiviral qualities of this herb can also balance the microflora in the gut, ultimately, relieving excess flatulence, bloating, cramping, and constipation. [8]
How to Make Sage Tea?
Making sage tea is quite easy at home, and requires nothing more than fresh or dried sage leaves, water, and honey if you want to sweeten the strong flavor. If you have sage in your herb garden, simply pick some of these leaves, wrap them in a damp towel and refrigerate until you are ready to use them. You can also purchase dried sage leaves, which should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place.
Sage Tea Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup water filtered
- 2 tsp fresh sage leaves or
- 1 tsp dried sage leaves
- honey optional
- lemon slices optional
Instructions
- Add the water to a pan. Bring the water to a high simmer, then remove it from heat.
- Add the sage leaves (fresh or dried) to the water and allow them to steep for 5-7 minutes.
- Strain the mixture to remove the sage leaves. Pour the tea into a mug, add honey or lemon, as desired, and enjoy!
Notes
Side Effects of Sage Tea
Certain types of sage contain different levels of chemicals, including thujone, which can result in liver and kidney damage, as well as seizures, if consumed in excess quantities. While side effects from sage tea are rare, it is important to be aware of possible complications. [9]
- Blood Pressure: Due to the hypotensive nature of sage, if you are already taking blood pressure medication, there is a risk of your blood pressure dropping too low. This can result in lightheadedness and is very dangerous if you are undergoing surgery.
- Blood Sugar: Sage tea is often prescribed to lower blood sugar levels and regulate symptoms in diabetic patients. This can interact poorly with other medications set to lower blood sugar, resulting in hypoglycemia.
- Seizures: The chemical thujone can cause seizures when consumed in high quantities. Thus, if you suffer from a seizure-related illness, such as epilepsy, sage tea may not be the best herbal tea choice.
- Hormone Imbalance: As this tea can affect hormonal balance, and have estrogen-like effects on the body. Therefore, speak with your oncologist before adding this herbal remedy to your diet.
- Kidney or Liver Condition: Avoid use if you have pre-existing liver or kidney weakness, as the tea may worsen the condition.
