So, let us see the selection for today. Believe me; the coming ones are not less significant in their effectiveness than the previously-cited ones. I purposely chose them randomly, without prejudice, and not according to alphabetical order or medicinal importance in order not to diminish the nutritional and healing value of the last ones. Due to their availability some may sound more known or popular than others. That is because they have been more studied than their peers and more recognized in industrialized countries where most medical and human researches take place. You will judge that for yourself.

Sage, Salvia officinalis, is a silvery green fuzzy leaf, containing a wealth of detoxifying, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-parasitic phytochemicals such as alpa-amyrin, alpha-pinene, alpha-terpineol, apigenin, beta-carotene, beta-sitosterol, betulin, borneol, caffeic acid, campesterol, camphene, camphor, carnosolic acid, caryophyllene, catechin, chlorogenic acid, citral, farnesol, ferulic acid, gallic acid, genkwanin, geraniol, hispidulin, limonene, linalool, luteolin, maslinic acid, oleanolic acid, 1,8-cineole, p-coumaric acid, pinene, rosmarinic acid, saponin, stigmasterol, tannins, terpineol, thymol, ursolic acid, and vanillic acid.

Nutrients in the furry leaves are not less impressive. They consist of the immune-boosting and protective minerals: Boron, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, and zinc and health-promoting vitamins: B1, B2, B3, B5, and C.

Sage leaves provide an estrogenic effect on the body, making it a good dietary supplement for menopausal woman or those who have had hysterectomy (removal of uterus). They relieve hot flashes and symptoms of menopause.

The herb stimulates the digestive and nervous systems. It produces laxative effect on the intestines. The tea stimulates the memory and boosts brain power. The steeped leaves reduce profuse sweating and salivation. The tea as a drink, rinse, or gargle relieves tonsillitis and mouth and throat infections.

When used as a rinse, it gives a shine to hair and stimulates its growth. The crushed leaves soothe insect bites by rubbing the green on the sting. Bathing eczema and psoriasis inflamed skin with sage infusion stops the itching and reduces inflammation. When mixed with whole-wheat flour or oats, it gives soothing results.

A Chinese study showed that sage leaves activate cell regeneration in the liver. When the herb is blended with tomato and beet juice, it apparently acquires a more effective potency on the organ by stimulating its repair.

Sage inhibits the formation blood clots due to its anticoagulant effect, thus lowering risk of vascular and coronary disease. This quality helps in the treatment of heart disorders.

However, sage is contraindicated during pregnancies and breast-feeding. Because of its drying effect on breast milk, it is taken to stop nursing. Too much consumption can interfere with the uptake of iron and other minerals. Those who have seizure disorders should not take the herb either.

Traditionally, known as miramiya, or maryamiya in Arabic, sage is used to quell abdominal pain and menstrual cramps (with cinnamon), colon disorders, and flatulence. Particularly when blended with peppermint, it gives relief to severe abdominal spasms. It serves as a disinfectant for the throat.

Chopped sage is used as a seasoning for the stuffing of poultry and game birds.

Ginko, Ginko biloba, has strong action on brain functions. These benefits come from potent phytocompounds like amentoflavone, apigenin, beta-carotene, bilobalide, ginkgetin, isorhamnetin, kaempferol, luteolin, myristic acid, p-coumaric acid, procyanidin, quercetin, shikimic acid, stigmasterol, tannin, and thymol. By acting against blood clotting, ginko energizes the blood circulation. Its powerful and detoxifying antioxidants increase blood flow and oxygen to the brain and its tissue. With this effect, the leaf may delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, senility, memory loss, and mental decline and relieve depression and headaches as suggested in studies. An improved circulation can contribute to minimizing muscle spasms and leg cramps.

Ginko’s blood thinning effect and increase in blood flow can benefit the heart, vascular system, kidneys, skin (eczema) and relieve asthma, tinnitus (ringing ears), and sexual dysfunctions. The Chinese acclaim the herb for initiating sexual rejuvenation and improving cognitive performance. Ginko supplement works almost immediately in the bloodstream. However keeping its blood-thinning action in mind, the herb should not be taken along with anticoagulant drugs like aspirin, painkiller medication, and warfarin.

Ginko leaf boasts bone-building minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc, plus blood-enriching nutrients like amino acids and vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, and C. All these work synergistically, contributing to the herb’s potent action on the body and disease.

Elderberry, Sambucus nigra, is a healing plant. All its parts, flower, berry, inner bark, leaves, and roots are used for their medicinal properties. Elderberry’s effectiveness derives from the many phytochemicals contained in the plant. They are alpha-amyrin, astragalin, beta-carotene, beta-sitosterol, betulin, caffeic acid, campesterol, chlorogenic acid, cycloartenol, ferulic acid, isoquercitrin, kaempferol, lupeol, malic acid, myristic acid, pectin, quercetin, rutin, shikimic acid, stigmasterol, and ursolic acid.

All of these antioxidants act together to detoxify and neutralize free radicals and inflammation and clear skin irritations. On the cellular level, they strengthen cell walls to make them more resistant to the puncturing of invading viruses. By bolstering the immune system, they soothe sore throats and coughs and decongest the respiratory tract, making the plant effective against cold and influenza symptoms. They decrease high temperatures by increasing perspiration. The herb comes in supplement form as well. Its effectiveness becomes more intense to fight the flu when combined with Echinacea, vitamin C, and rhodiola root (all are powerful immune-boosters). This combination mitigates flu symptoms and speeds the recovery period, especially when taken at the onset of the virus or a sore throat. Elderberry juice with cinnamon, clove, and honey treats flu side effects and protects against the virus.

Elderberry also provides immune-lifting and nourishing nutrients such as essential fatty acids and calcium as well as vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, and C. 

The elderberry plant, the stem in particular, is not recommended for mothers-to-be due to their toxic content of cyanide, a toxic chemical.

The practical side of herbs and spices is that some of them are served in most restaurants, cafes, and eateries along with a wide assortment of exotic and Oriental teas, and their blends. There is a comeback for aromatic plants and dry fruit hot and cold drinks to replace nutrient-empty sweetened canned fruit juices and health damaging caffeine and sugar-free energy sodas flaunted everywhere at low cost. These pick-me-ups are not only low in price but poor in nutritional value and harmful to health, energy, bone, and teeth.

In next week’s article, I shall explain how to use these “special” plants and speak about their general aspects for further understanding. So until next week, I will return with the “finale” of the “Herb and Spices to Heal and Rejuvenate” series, which will touch some of the general aspects, properties, features, effects, and benefits of these aromatic plants.
 

 
Individuals with medical conditions or on medication should consult their physicians when they decide to introduce anything new in their diet even if it is natural.