Is Sage Bad For You?
Also Known As: garden sage, common sage
Short answer
Sage has a reputation as a panacea – and for good reason. Just be sure not to consume excessive amounts.
Recommended Alternative
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Known since the time of the ancient Romans for its medicinal properties, sage – related to but not identical with the salvia used as a recreational drug – is a must-have herb for anyone looking to have better health. Sage is an excellent source of various vitamins and minerals, as well as phytochemicals and in particular, essential oils. Sage is a great source of antioxidant vitamins A and C, which are also essential in maintaining good eye health and boosting the immune system, respectively. Sage is especially rich in vitamin K, which is essential in transporting calcium to the bones and plays an important role in treating patients who have Alzheimer’s disease by halting neuronal damage in the brain. Also contributing to the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease sufferers are compounds which have been found to inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE), a chemical found in tandem with the amyloid plaques that form in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.
While sage does contain volatile oils that inhibit tumor formation, its primary active ingredients are its essential oils, which mostly contain ketones such as thujone. These, along with chemicals such as cineol, borneol, and flavones, give sage anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-irritant, anti-allergenic, and anti-septic properties. The anti-inflammatory property of sage is especially important in regulating blood pressure, which it does in conjunction with potassium. Preventing high blood pressure is vital to reducing the risk of heart attack. Studies have also shown sage as being beneficial for women in relieving symptoms associated with menopause and in vitro studies point to sage’s ability to kill bacteria such as E. coli and prevent fungal infections.
Sage is, however, not without any risks. Commonly taken as a tea to treat the common cold and other respiratory illnesses, drinking too much sage tea could result in dry mouth. Furthermore, sage has a significant amount of thujone, which is poisonous in high amounts, potentially leading to seizure and damage to the liver and/or kidneys. Like cumin, sage may also lower blood sugar, and so may not be safe for people who are also taking medication for diabetes. For most people, sage is an excellent herb for improving health, but for people with diabetes, epilepsy, liver, and/or kidney problems, consult a doctor to decide on how much sage – if any – would be safe.
Possible short-term side effects
- decreased blood sugar levels
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dry mouth
Possible long-term side effects
- with very large amounts:
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liver damage
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kidney damage
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seizures
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
- anti-inflammatory
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anti-fungal
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anti-irritant
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anti-allergenic
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anti-septic
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helps to treat alzheimer’s disease
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Simply Organic Sage
- Sweet earthy flavor
- Subtle mint hints
- Garlic & rosemary pairing
- Kosher certified
- 100% Organic
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Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 05-19-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 05-19-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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