Monday, September 18, 2006

Sage To Sharpen the Senses and Calm the Nerves

Folk medicine claims that sage quickens the senses, sharpens memory and reduces stress. New research confirms the sage wisdom of this medicinal herb.

British researchers studied alertness and anxiety levels of volunteers taking either 300mg of sage leaf extract, 600mg of sage leaf extract or a placebo sugar pill. Study participants were then given multi-tasking tests one hour and four hours after taking the pills.

Compared to the placebo group, study participants taking sage were more calm and remained more alert before, during and at the end of testing. The group taking the highest dose of sage fared best.

Sage is proven to slow the release of enzymes that break down neurotransmitters. Inhibiting these enzymes can improve mood by maintaining higher levels of neurotransmitters responsible for happy moods.

Try this at home; Before a stressful event take 600 mg of sage leaf capsules and see how well you fare. You can also make sage tea by steeping 1 teaspoon of dried sage in one cup of water.
**It should be noted that pregnant women should not take this herb.

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