11/09/2020
Are you curious about burning sage in order to improve air quality in your home, improve your health, or reduce your depression or anxiety? Sage (Salvia) is used as a spice and also as 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 as a way to heal, protect, increase wisdom, and boost defense against disease.
Benefits of Sage Supplements
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.
There are several purported benefits of using sage internally. Note that while there is some research evidence to support these benefits, it remains preliminary; more research is needed.
Relieving headache and sore throat pain
Reducing oxidative stress in the body
Protecting against free radical damage
Reducing inflammation
Protecting against bacterial and viral infections
Supporting digestion
Protecting against memory loss
Reducing depression or improving mood
A 2005 study showed that common sage oil improved memory and cognition (thinking ability). In addition, increased dosages were related to improvements in mood and feeling alert, calm, and content. Other research suggests that active compounds in sage protect against neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's.
Burning sage, also known as smudging, 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.
Some practitioners of alternative medicine 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. Benefits of burning sage are believe to include:
Removing bacteria from the air
Repelling insects
Improving intuition
Purifying specific objects
Improving mood and reducing stress and anxiety
