Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsBenefits of Sage SupplementsBenefits of Burning SageSage SafetyHow to Burn Sage
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Benefits of Sage Supplements
Benefits of Burning Sage
Sage Safety
How to Burn Sage
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Sage (Salvia) is an evergreen perennial shrub that is often used for culinary, medicinal, and ornamental purposes. It is used as a spice and a way to improve health in traditional medicine.
Sage has a long history of use in Egyptian, Roman, and Greek medicine, as well as in Native American healing traditions. Dried sage is burned to heal, protect, increase wisdom, and boost defense against disease.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
Some well-known species of sage include common sage, white sage, Spanish sage, and Chinese sage. The botanical term for common sage isSalvia officinalis.
Dried sage leaves can be used in cooking as a spice. Sage can also be taken internally as a liquid, spray, lozenge, capsule, or tablet.
The phenolic compounds in sage may have an antioxidant effect and reduce free radicals.Rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid are two compounds in sage that are particularly associated with an antioxidant effect.
Some of thepurportedbenefits of using sage internally:
Note that while there is some research evidence to support these benefits, it remains preliminary. Many of these findings have not been observed in studies with human participants; more research is needed.
Using Sage for Mental Health
Overall, not enough research has been conducted on the use of sage for its proposed mental health benefits. However, based on preliminary research, there may be support for the use of sage for mood and memory.
Some research suggests that active compounds in sage protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
A 2021 randomized, placebo-controlled trial had participants who consume Cogniva, a proprietary sage extract, for a 29-day period. The result indicated that participants experienced significant benefits in terms of working memory and task accuracy.
Herbal Supplements Used for Social Anxiety
Benefits of Burning Sage
Burning sage involves burning sage leaves and letting the smoke purify the air in your home. The purpose of burning sage differs slightly from the reasons for taking it internally.
Poor air quality may be linked to various health conditions. In this way, burning sage is seen as a cost-effective way to help purify the air. This is because sage is thought to have antimicrobial properties that help kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Keep in mind that burning sage creates smoke, which can cause health problems for individuals who are prone to asthma and other respiratory conditions.
Some alternative medicine practitioners believe that burning sage, or taking it internally, can help release negative energy. In addition to burning sage, some people use sage cleansing sprays in their homes. Practitioners of complementary and alternative medication suggest that burning sage is believed to:
RecapSage may have certain benefits and has long been used in traditional medicine and spiritual practices. However, there is not yet enough evidence to recommend its use to treat any medical or mental health condition.
Recap
Sage may have certain benefits and has long been used in traditional medicine and spiritual practices. However, there is not yet enough evidence to recommend its use to treat any medical or mental health condition.
Some species of sage contain thujone, which can have an effect on the nervous system. Twelve or more drops of sage oil is considered to be a toxic dose.
Some potential side effects of extended use of sage include restlessness, rapid heart rate, vertigo, vomiting, kidney damage, seizures, and tremors.
As far as burning sage is concerned, it is generally safe to do so, even around children and pets. Just be aware of any possible respiratory conditions they might have.
While there is a relative lack of evidence supporting this practice, a few drawbacks are associated with burning sage in your home. Burning sage is relatively cost-effective as far as mental health practices go. It may be a helpful practice to help create a relaxing, pleasant atmosphere that can be used alongside other helpful practices such as meditation or mindfulness.
Where to Find Sage for Burning
To start burning sage, you will first need to find a source of sage. You can purchase sage for burning online, in a health store, or from a traditional healer or shaman.
Traditional users of sage believe that intentions matter when burning sage and, therefore, usually suggest purchasing sage from a trusted seller. As a beginner, your best bet is to purchase a pre-wrapped bundle or stick of white sage.
If you want to burn sage, be sure that you rely on ethically sourced material. While not currently considered endangered, experts are concerned about the future of white sage due to overharvesting.
To begin, you will need something in which to burn the sage. This could be an incense tray or a bowl to catch the ashes as the sage burns. You could also purchase a sage burner. Fill it with earth or sand. Don’t use a flammable container, and keep water on hand.
A Note on Cultural Appropriation
A Word From Verywell
Burning sage has a long history and may help start a spiritual practice or make another life change. It may be helpful if you are struggling with a transition or kicking off some positive changes for your home or physical health.
However, if you are living with symptoms ofsevere mood problemsor clinical anxiety, it is unlikely that burning sage will help. It is important to consult your doctor in addition to engaging in a complementary health practice such as burning or consuming sage.
8 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Sage.Lopresti AL.Salvia (sage): a review of its potential cognitive-enhancing and protective effects.Drugs in R&D. 2017;17(1):53–64. doi:10.1007/s40268-016-0157-5Hamidpour M, Hamidpour R, Hamidpour S, Shahlari M.Chemistry, pharmacology, and medicinal property of sage (salvia) to prevent and cure illnesses such as obesity, diabetes, depression, dementia, lupus, autism, heart disease, and cancer.J Tradit Complement Med. 2014;4(2):82–88. doi:10.4103/2225-4110.130373Walch SG, Tinzoh LN, Zimmermann BF, Stühlinger W, Lachenmeier DW.Antioxidant capacity and polyphenolic composition as quality indicators for aqueous infusions of salvia officinalis L. (sage tea).Front Pharmacol. 2011;2:79. Published 2011 Dec 19. doi:10.3389/fphar.2011.00079Wightman EL, Jackson PA, Spittlehouse B, Heffernan T, Guillemet D, Kennedy DO.The acute and chronic cognitive effects of a sage extract: a randomized, placebo controlled study in healthy humans.Nutrients. 2021;13(1):218. Published 2021 Jan 14. doi:10.3390/nu13010218Castillo SL, Heredia N, Contreras JF, García S.Extracts of edible and medicinal plants in inhibition of growth, adherence, and cytotoxin production of campylobacter jejuni and campylobacter coli.Journal of Food Science. 2011;76(6):M421-M426. doi:10.1111/j.1750-3841.2011.02229.xGutiérrez SLG, Chilpa RR, Jaime HB.Medicinal plants for the treatment of “nervios”, anxiety, and depression in Mexican Traditional Medicine.Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia. 2014;24(5):591-608. doi:10.1016/j.bjp.2014.10.007Los Angeles Times.Poachers are wiping out SoCal’s wild white sage to make smudge sticks. You can stop them.Additional ReadingModabbernia A, Akhondzadeh S.Saffron, passionflower, valerian and sage for mental health.Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2013;36(1):85-91. doi:10.1016/j.psc.2012.12.007
8 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Sage.Lopresti AL.Salvia (sage): a review of its potential cognitive-enhancing and protective effects.Drugs in R&D. 2017;17(1):53–64. doi:10.1007/s40268-016-0157-5Hamidpour M, Hamidpour R, Hamidpour S, Shahlari M.Chemistry, pharmacology, and medicinal property of sage (salvia) to prevent and cure illnesses such as obesity, diabetes, depression, dementia, lupus, autism, heart disease, and cancer.J Tradit Complement Med. 2014;4(2):82–88. doi:10.4103/2225-4110.130373Walch SG, Tinzoh LN, Zimmermann BF, Stühlinger W, Lachenmeier DW.Antioxidant capacity and polyphenolic composition as quality indicators for aqueous infusions of salvia officinalis L. (sage tea).Front Pharmacol. 2011;2:79. Published 2011 Dec 19. doi:10.3389/fphar.2011.00079Wightman EL, Jackson PA, Spittlehouse B, Heffernan T, Guillemet D, Kennedy DO.The acute and chronic cognitive effects of a sage extract: a randomized, placebo controlled study in healthy humans.Nutrients. 2021;13(1):218. Published 2021 Jan 14. doi:10.3390/nu13010218Castillo SL, Heredia N, Contreras JF, García S.Extracts of edible and medicinal plants in inhibition of growth, adherence, and cytotoxin production of campylobacter jejuni and campylobacter coli.Journal of Food Science. 2011;76(6):M421-M426. doi:10.1111/j.1750-3841.2011.02229.xGutiérrez SLG, Chilpa RR, Jaime HB.Medicinal plants for the treatment of “nervios”, anxiety, and depression in Mexican Traditional Medicine.Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia. 2014;24(5):591-608. doi:10.1016/j.bjp.2014.10.007Los Angeles Times.Poachers are wiping out SoCal’s wild white sage to make smudge sticks. You can stop them.Additional ReadingModabbernia A, Akhondzadeh S.Saffron, passionflower, valerian and sage for mental health.Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2013;36(1):85-91. doi:10.1016/j.psc.2012.12.007
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Sage.Lopresti AL.Salvia (sage): a review of its potential cognitive-enhancing and protective effects.Drugs in R&D. 2017;17(1):53–64. doi:10.1007/s40268-016-0157-5Hamidpour M, Hamidpour R, Hamidpour S, Shahlari M.Chemistry, pharmacology, and medicinal property of sage (salvia) to prevent and cure illnesses such as obesity, diabetes, depression, dementia, lupus, autism, heart disease, and cancer.J Tradit Complement Med. 2014;4(2):82–88. doi:10.4103/2225-4110.130373Walch SG, Tinzoh LN, Zimmermann BF, Stühlinger W, Lachenmeier DW.Antioxidant capacity and polyphenolic composition as quality indicators for aqueous infusions of salvia officinalis L. (sage tea).Front Pharmacol. 2011;2:79. Published 2011 Dec 19. doi:10.3389/fphar.2011.00079Wightman EL, Jackson PA, Spittlehouse B, Heffernan T, Guillemet D, Kennedy DO.The acute and chronic cognitive effects of a sage extract: a randomized, placebo controlled study in healthy humans.Nutrients. 2021;13(1):218. Published 2021 Jan 14. doi:10.3390/nu13010218Castillo SL, Heredia N, Contreras JF, García S.Extracts of edible and medicinal plants in inhibition of growth, adherence, and cytotoxin production of campylobacter jejuni and campylobacter coli.Journal of Food Science. 2011;76(6):M421-M426. doi:10.1111/j.1750-3841.2011.02229.xGutiérrez SLG, Chilpa RR, Jaime HB.Medicinal plants for the treatment of “nervios”, anxiety, and depression in Mexican Traditional Medicine.Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia. 2014;24(5):591-608. doi:10.1016/j.bjp.2014.10.007Los Angeles Times.Poachers are wiping out SoCal’s wild white sage to make smudge sticks. You can stop them.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Sage.
Lopresti AL.Salvia (sage): a review of its potential cognitive-enhancing and protective effects.Drugs in R&D. 2017;17(1):53–64. doi:10.1007/s40268-016-0157-5
Hamidpour M, Hamidpour R, Hamidpour S, Shahlari M.Chemistry, pharmacology, and medicinal property of sage (salvia) to prevent and cure illnesses such as obesity, diabetes, depression, dementia, lupus, autism, heart disease, and cancer.J Tradit Complement Med. 2014;4(2):82–88. doi:10.4103/2225-4110.130373
Walch SG, Tinzoh LN, Zimmermann BF, Stühlinger W, Lachenmeier DW.Antioxidant capacity and polyphenolic composition as quality indicators for aqueous infusions of salvia officinalis L. (sage tea).Front Pharmacol. 2011;2:79. Published 2011 Dec 19. doi:10.3389/fphar.2011.00079
Wightman EL, Jackson PA, Spittlehouse B, Heffernan T, Guillemet D, Kennedy DO.The acute and chronic cognitive effects of a sage extract: a randomized, placebo controlled study in healthy humans.Nutrients. 2021;13(1):218. Published 2021 Jan 14. doi:10.3390/nu13010218
Castillo SL, Heredia N, Contreras JF, García S.Extracts of edible and medicinal plants in inhibition of growth, adherence, and cytotoxin production of campylobacter jejuni and campylobacter coli.Journal of Food Science. 2011;76(6):M421-M426. doi:10.1111/j.1750-3841.2011.02229.x
Gutiérrez SLG, Chilpa RR, Jaime HB.Medicinal plants for the treatment of “nervios”, anxiety, and depression in Mexican Traditional Medicine.Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia. 2014;24(5):591-608. doi:10.1016/j.bjp.2014.10.007
Los Angeles Times.Poachers are wiping out SoCal’s wild white sage to make smudge sticks. You can stop them.
Modabbernia A, Akhondzadeh S.Saffron, passionflower, valerian and sage for mental health.Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2013;36(1):85-91. doi:10.1016/j.psc.2012.12.007
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