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74 DAYSPA YOURWELLNESSSPA YOURWELLNESSSPA 74 DAYSPA | MAY 2015 © GETTY IMAGES HERBAL HEALTH Sage Advice Used for centuries in cooking and medicine, sage could be considered one of the world's most versatile herbs. Classifi ed as an evergreen subshrub (or dwarf shrub), this fragrant specimen is a sister to rosemary and a member of the mint family. Sage's dis- tinct aroma and fl avor has made it a cooking staple— Thanksgiving dinner simply wouldn't be the same with- out it! Its edible dried leaves and grinds have a place in grocery store aisles and produce sections, not to men- tion farmers' markets. But beyond its savory elements, sage is also good for what ails us. Rich in antioxidants and vitamin K, the herb can be extracted into tinctures or essential oils, brewed into teas and even applied directly to the skin. Medicinally, its uses encompass many facets of health. BODY AND MIND What is it about sage that gives it so many applica- tions for healing? It's thought to possess anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-microbial, antiseptic and astringent properties. A 2009 study conducted in Tunisia and published in Food Chemical Toxicity showed sage oil to produce potent vapor activity against a panel of bacteria, yeast and fungi, which suggests its validity as a natural disinfectant. It contains phenolic acids, which may fi ght conditions such as staph infection, E. coli, salmonella and certain yeasts, including Candida. As an anti-spasmodic used in steam inhalation, sage can quell asthma attacks, and the herb's tannins purportedly give it the ability to reduce infl ammation and allow the body to heal. Rich history and promising research reveal the wisdom in this ancient herb. By Andrea Renskoff