Sage, (mainly the Salvia leucantha species) is one of the common herbs that are available around Kigali.

In Rwanda, in some parts of the country, they mainly grow Mexican variety of plants. 

According to Selina Wamucii, a mobile-driven business-to-business sourcing platform for fresh produce from smallholder farmers in Africa’s rural areas, sage comes with gray-colored leaves that sprout from the stalks of this woody plant which grows to a height of 60 centimeters.

The mobile-driven platform indicates that one of the most common uses of the herb is as a tonic, a tradition that goes back to Roman times.

As such, it helps increase urine release in people suffering from kidney conditions and acts as an anesthetic.

In Rwanda however, sage is used as a spice, the leaves flavor stews, roasted meat, and cheese.

Health benefits

 Rene Tabaro, a nutritionist at King Faisal Hospital says sage is known for its rich in calcium, which helps support teeth enamel health.

He says it also contains the daily value of vitamin B-6 which is a good proportion for keeping cell metabolism going for daily bodily functions.

Tabaro says that the important health benefits of sage may also include its potential ability to improve brain function, lower inflammation, prevent chronic diseases, boost the immune system as well as regulate digestion.

He notes that when one chews sage leaves, is is the most effective way to get the organic compounds acting in your system.

Studies reveal that this creates a tincture or steeping the leaves a sage brew helps relieve inflammation of respiratory or gastrointestinal tracts, you can eliminate that inflammation with this sage brew.

Besides, it has anti-inflammatory effects on issues such as arthritis and gout, and general inflammation of the cardiovascular system.

More recently, studies have indicated that sage may have beneficial anti-inflammatory effects in the realm of dentistry.

 While the herb is usually consumed in small quantities, it’s also recommended that one creates a topical application of sage and use it to reduce or prevent bacterial and viral infections that attack the body through the skin.

Also, it is recommended that topical cream or antibacterial routine that includes sage could be an extra line of defense against that sort of illness vector.

According to Tabaro, one of the most overlooked benefits of sage is its superior level of vitamin K, an essential vitamin for the body that isn’t commonly found in foods.

He says that Vitamin K is a crucial element in developing bone density and ensuring the integrity of our bones as we age.