A recent study has shown that supplementing with sage may improve cognitive function, and researchers are beginning to explore how its properties can benefit sports performance too.
Now, some of you might be wondering: “What the heck is sage?” And no, we’re not talking about Naruto’s “sage mode” (sorry anime fans).
What is Sage?
Traditionally, sage has been used in medicine for centuries to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and help fight bacterial infections. But beyond that, sage contains natural compounds that can impact the brain, alertness, and even athletic performance.
Sage and the Brain
Studies have shown that sage oil can improve:
-
Memory
-
Performance in mental arithmetic (quick math skills!)
-
Subjective alertness and calmness
You might be thinking: “Why would I need better math skills in sport?” The point isn’t solving equations on the field. It’s that sharper mental processing, increased alertness, and a calmer state of mind translate into better decision-making and focus in fast-paced sports like football, basketball, and combat sports.
Sage and Sports Performance
A 2021 study looked at sage specifically in a sports context. The results were promising: sage was shown to potentially reduce both:
-
Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE): how hard your workout feels.
-
Mental fatigue: the tiredness that clouds decision-making and slows reaction time.
Why does that matter? Because mental fatigue is known to negatively affect decision-making and reaction time in sport-specific situations. If sage can reduce your perception of fatigue, your reaction speed and decision-making can stay sharper even as your body tires.
A lower RPE may also allow you to push further in training or competition, giving you more endurance whether you’re in the gym, on the court, or out on the field.
The Takeaway
Sage isn’t just a kitchen herb. Research suggests it may:
-
Improve alertness and calmness
-
Support memory and mental sharpness
-
Reduce perceived effort and mental fatigue in sport
-
Potentially improve reaction time and decision-making under pressure
In other words, sage could be a natural way to support both your mental edge and your physical performance.