Posts Tagged ‘Antiseptic’

What are different health benefits of Sage?

Sage, scientifically known as Salvia officinalis, is a Mediterranean herb. This silvery green herb is grown all over the world and is known for its culinary and medicinal value since the ancient times.

Sage is used in the raw form to give a spicy taste; it is also used in the dried form as well as in the form of oil extracts. The health benefits of sage are mainly due to the presence of alpha and beta thujone, cinerole, camphor, tannins, falvonoids and rosmarinic acid. It also contains vitamins A and calcium.
Some of the prominent Health benefits of Sage are discussed below.

Anti microbial
Sage has been since ancient times been used for preservative purposes mainly due to the presence of the phenolic rosmarinic acid. It is known to fight against bacterial and fungal infections, which not only makes it a good and effective preservative in retaining the flavor and nutrients of food but also helps in maintaining the health of the digestive system.

Antiseptic
Due to its antimicrobial properties sage can also used as an effective antiseptic and can be applied externally to any wound to ward of further infection.

Enhancing Memory
Since ancient times, sage has been used to treat memory loss. However, recent research has confirmed the fact that the roots of this plant indeed contain chemicals, which can help in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Hence, a daily consumption of this herb can help in sharpening memory as well as in warding off degenerative Alzheimer’s disease.

Antioxidant
Sage is also known for its antioxidant properties. These antioxidants help in reducing the effects of the harmful free radicals produced during the metabolic activities of the body. Antioxidants also help in slowing the degeneration of cells thus slowing the aging process.

Anti-inflammatory
Sage contains rosmarinic acid, which acts a potent anti-inflammatory agent. People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, body pains and other inflammatory conditions can be given the herb in the form of tea which helps in reducing pains. This herb can also be used to treat swelling due to sprains, ulcers and wounds.

Oral Health
Sage is used in many regions as a gargle to treat sore throat, ulcers in the mouth and gums or inflammation. Its antibacterial properties helps in fighting bad breath and other oral infections.

Gynecological health
Another health benefit of sage for women is that it helps in controlling the bleeding during menstrual flow and in regularizing the cycle in case of any irregularities experienced.

Skin and bone care
Sage apart from vitamin A possesses cicatrisant which is helps in removing scars and blemishes from the skin. Due to this property extracts from this herbs is being used in cosmetics. Sage is also rich in calcium, which is essential for the good health of teeth and bones.

Anemia
Sage is rich in iron, an important factor required for the hemoglobin part of the blood. A deficiency of iron in the body can lead to anemia. Consumption of this iron rich herb can help in overcoming anemic conditions.

Digestion
Sage due to its chloretic and cholagogue properties facilitates in fat and protein digestion and also helps in relieving acidity. Hence adding a little of this herb as a spice in food not only enhances the flavor but also helps in digestion.

Due to its various health benefits, Sage has gained a lot of attention in the medical field and many researches are being conducted on this age-old herb to understand its impact and role in fighting various diseases like Alzheimer’s. This should help in the synthesis of more effective drugs against these diseases which still pose a challenge to our scientists.

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Cloves and Clove Oil – Health Benefits and Side-Effects

Cloves are the heavily scented, dried, unopened buds of the clove tree. Cloves are nail shaped. Cloves are considered one of the top four of the spice world, the other three being pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cloves are available whole dried or ground. They are used in both sweet and savory dishes, sauces. Cloves are mainly cultivated in topical plantations close to the sea. Clove is a commonly used flavoring agent and food product. Clove is also available as an herbal supplement. Cloves have powerful medicinal properties.

Health Benefits of Clove and Clove Oil

- They are stimulating and have antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antiseptic properties.
- They are used for dental procedures.
- They are used to cure toothache.
- The use of cloves in cooking helps in relieving flatulence and helps in the healing of various ailments of the digestive system.
- The oil is used for treating a variety of health disorders including toothaches, indigestion, cough, asthma, headache, stress and blood impurities.
- Clove is rich in minerals such as calcium, hydrochloric acid, iron, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, and vitamin A and vitamin C.
- Gargles with diluted clove oil help in easing the throat.
- It also removes bad breath.
- Clove oil is useful for wound, cuts, scabies, athlete’s foot, fungal infections, bruises, prickly heat, scabies, etc.
- Clove oil is efficient for acne patients.
- Clove has a stimulating effect on the mind and removes mental exhaustion and fatigue.
- Clove oil gives a cooling effects in case of headaches when mixed with salt.
- Clove oil has a cooling and anti inflammatory effect, and thereby clears the nasal passage.
- Clove and clove oil is a very effective home remedy for treating sty.
- Extract of clove has been shown to enhance the sexual behavior of male mice.
- Cloves are also used as an anti-inflammatory agent, due to their high content of flavonoids.
- Clove and clove oil boosts the immune system by purifying the blood.
- Cloves benefit the diabetic patients by controlling the blood glucose levels.
- Cloves are very useful for treating cholera.
- Cloves treat asthma when 4 grams of cloves are boiled in 3 litres of water until half the water has evaporated.
- Clove oil has been linked to contributing to stress and depression as well.
- It relieves pain caused due to dry socket.
- It helps in nausea as well as vomiting.
- Clove oil is often added in cosmetic creams and lotions and perfumes. It is a good massage oil providing relief from pain and stress.
- The clove oil makes an excellent natural mosquito repellent.

Side Effects of Clove

Consult your doctor before using any product with clove oil in it.
- Clove oil may also cause local tissue damage, dental pulp damage and sore lips especially when used in the mouth in its undiluted form.
- Allergic symptoms include an itchy or red rash and trouble breathing.
- It is not advised for patients who have bleeding disorders or those who are already taking drugs with the possible side effect of bleeding. It increases the risk of bleeding.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women should stay away from clove oil.
- Clove oil can cause unconsciousness, dizziness and seizures.