Salvia, whose Latin name is Salvia officinalis, is a type of medicinal and aromatic herb that comes from the family of balsamiceae. There are more than 5 thousand different species of salvia tea, which is an essential oil and spice plant, worldwide. The plant, which is grown in the Middle East and Mediterranean regions, is also widely grown in our country.
Salvia officinalis, also known as medicinal salvia, is a type of salvia commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry. Salvia triloba is a type that is widely consumed as tea, can be used as an incense when dried and also used as distillation oil or lotion (bitter apple oil).
Salvia lavandulifolia, known for its memory-enhancing effect, grows in Spain and Southern France. Also known as bitter apple grass and dental weed in some regions, salvia is an aromatic fragrant, bush-looking plant with green leaves close to gray, blooming in lilac, purple, blue and pink.
Also used as a symbol of luck in the Middle Ages, salvia has a soft and sweet taste. In this respect, it is common to use not only as a brewed tea, but also as a food sauce. Throughout history, people have used salvia tea in the treatment of pain, diarrhea, digestive system problems, colds and mental problems.
In limited studies, it has been observed that salvia tea reduces symptoms such as irritability and hot flashes, which are symptoms of menopause, lowers cholesterol and blood sugar levels and contains plenty of antioxidants. Island tea, which is thought to be protective against brain health problems like Alzheimer’s, is also considered to be preventive against upper respiratory infections.
Salvia, in which scientific research is very new, is a plant with a great potential for health.
What is salvia?
Salvia officinalis, which is defined as Salvia officinalis in Latin language, has been evaluated as a medicinal plant throughout history and has been consumed by being prepared as a spice, tea and oil in order to prevent and treat many diseases. It is known that the leaves of the plant, which are also used in making perfumes and soaps due to its aromatic smell, are used in medicine.
Salvia tea, which is a honeybee family, including rosemary, thyme and mint; It is rich in vitamins A, B3, B6, B9, E, and K, as well as copper, zinc, iron, calcium, manganese and potassium minerals. Salvia also contains a small amount of calories, fat, fiber, and protein. It also contains caffeic and ellagic acid, which are defined as natural chemicals in the plant.
Also known as folk medicine in Mediterranean countries, salvia is also rich in its benefits. Due to its antimicrobial and antioxidant content, it is especially consumed for the treatment of colds, upper respiratory tract disorders, mental problems, skin cracks, scars, eye infections, dental problems and mouth sores.
The substances in salvia tea are thought to contain estrogen-like properties. In this respect, it is also effective in reducing symptoms such as excessive sweating, hot flashes and irritability, which are seen due to the deficiency of the hormone estrogen during menopause.
It is also thought to be effective in improving menstrual problems such as menstrual irregularity, dysmenorrhea and amenorrhea. When evaluated from this aspect, it has been seen as a result of the limited researches that it is effective against excessive sweating disease which is defined as hyperhydrosis in medicine.
What are the benefits of salvia tea?
The leaves of salvia tea, which is a medicinal and aromatic plant, can be used as a tea when boiled, or it can be used by distillation method defined as steam distillation, by extracting essential oil or essential oil.
The benefits of the commonly known bitter apple oil or, in other words, salvia oil are many. This oil, which is also used as a wound healing, sweat cutter, diuretic, accelerates the healing when applied externally on the wounds and gives the skin a bright appearance.
It is also common to apply salvia oil, which is also used for the improvement of skin cracks, by dropping it on sugar and applying it to the abdomen to improve gas pains. However, consuming more than a few drops of salvia oil can cause serious health problems. “What are the salvia oil benefits?” The question can be answered in this way.
Salvia leaves, which are consumed as tea, have antiseptic properties like oil. It is widely known that it is good for stomach and digestive problems and is consumed especially as a gas remover. Salvia, which can prevent diarrhea and gastritis, is also used in the treatment of colic. The presence of antispasmodic properties, which prevent inflammation, has also been seen in limited studies.
Tea obtained by boiling the leaves of salvia tea is also used externally in skin care and healing of certain diseases by cooling. salvia bath, which is thought to be good for rheumatic pains, is used for skin and foot care as well as for healing wounds.
However, direct application of salvia tea to open wounds is not recommended. Salvia bath used to protect against acne, eczema and psoriasis is also used to remove skin blemishes. Consuming salvia tea twice a day for 15 to 21 days may prevent bad cholesterol from forming.
In addition to the disease, which is defined as hyperlipidemic and caused by the rise of certain types of fat in the blood, it can be consumed within the knowledge of the physician for the improvement of type 2 diabetes and total cholesterol. Again, limited research has shown that salvia can suppress the early stages of colon cancer.
Antioxidants such as rosmarinic, quercetin and carnosol contained in salvia can suppress the growth of cancer cells. That is why it is considered to be effective against many types of cancer. Limited studies on the Salvia lavandulifolia species grown in Southern France and Spain have shown that consuming tea obtained by boiling the leaves of this plant is effective in reducing symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
The salvia tea, which is thought to be good for the lack of concentration, is also thought to be effective in strengthening the memory. Salvia can be good for mouth and gum diseases as well as reducing depression and stress levels. The vitamin K that it contains strengthens bones.
In what cases should salvia be consumed?
Although salvia has been known as a herb for many years, there has not been enough research on this herb. Therefore, healthy people are recommended to consume herbal tea and herbal medicines such as salvia without overdoing it.
People with chronic illnesses are advised to consult their physician about salvia consumption. Any herbal remedies and tea, including salvia, should not be consumed before and after planned surgeries. Situations where salvia consumption may be objectionable are as follows:
- Since it is known that salvia tea stimulates the uterus muscles and prevents milk production, it is extremely inconvenient for pregnant women and nursing mothers to consume salvia tea.
- Consuming salvia for children under 6 can lead to health problems.
- It is recommended that some types of salvia, which are known to increase blood pressure and damage the liver and nervous system when consumed in excessive amounts, should not be consumed more than 3 cups a day.
- Oral intake of salvia oil, also known as bitter apple oil, can cause health problems.
- Cancer patients are not recommended to consume some types of salvia.
- Diabetes should not be consumed with drugs taken to stop Alzheimer’s and seizures.
Remember that the consumption of herbal teas should be limited. Carefully reading the warnings on the back of the product and consulting your physician in case of doubt prevents possible health problems. Do not forget to have your health checks for a healthy life.
We wish you healthy days.
