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Omnia Sana · Plant Monograph

Chia

Salvia hispanica

Family LamiaceaeParts used SeedAlso known as chia seed, Spanish sage, Salba

This monograph compiles 3 pharmacological actions, 7 traditional / indicated uses, supported by 13 cited sources, drawn directly from the Omnia Sana plant database.

Pharmacological Actions

Anti-inflammatory[2, 9, 10, 11, 12]
Antioxidant[1, 2, 4, 7, 10, 11, 12]
Digestive aid[11, 12]

Traditional & Indicated Uses

Arthritis / joint pain[11, 12]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

more plants for arthritis / joint pain →detailed sources →
Bloating[11, 12]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from digestive action

more plants for bloating →detailed sources →
Cardiovascular / heart health[3, 5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13]Strong · 10/10
more plants for cardiovascular / heart health →detailed sources →
Indigestion[11, 12]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from digestive action

more plants for indigestion →detailed sources →
Inflammation (general)[9, 11, 12]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

more plants for inflammation (general) →detailed sources →
Skin irritation[11, 12]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

more plants for skin irritation →detailed sources →

Safety, Cautions & Contraindications

Safety note[11, 12, 13]Info

Never swallow a spoon of dry chia seeds and “chase” with water. They can swell fast and (rarely) cause a blockage, especially if someone already has swallowing problems (American College of Gastroenterology, 2014) Blood pressure / diabetes meds: if you’re on medication for blood pressure or blood sugar, chia as a major daily addition may slightly add to the effect for some people—monitor and talk to your clinician (Saadh et al., 2024) (Pam et al., 2024).

Safety note[11, 12, 13]Info

Duke (2002) does not include a dedicated entry for Chia (Salvia hispanica) in the Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition.

References

REF-1263, REF-1264, REF-1265, REF-1266, REF-1267, REF-1268, REF-1269, REF-1270, REF-1271, REF-1272

References & Sources

  1. Khalid, W., Arshad, M.S., Aziz, A., Rahim, M.A. and others (2023) 'Chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.): A therapeutic weapon in metabolic disorders', Food Science & Nutrition, 11(1), pp. 3-16. doi:10.1002/fsn3.3035 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.3035
  2. Enes, B.N., Moreira, L.P.D., Silva, B.P., Grancieri, M. and others (2020) 'Chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) effects and their molecular mechanisms on unbalanced diet experimental studies: A systematic review', Journal of Food Science, 85(2), pp. 226-239. doi:10.1111/1750-3841.15003 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1111/1750-3841.15003
  3. Silva, L.A., Verneque, B.J.F., Mota, A.P.L. and Duarte, C.K (2021) 'Chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) consumption and lipid profile: a systematic review and meta-analysis', Food & Function, 12(19), pp. 8835-8849. doi:10.1039/d1fo01287h Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1039/d1fo01287h
  4. Valdivia-Lopez, M.A. and Tecante, A (2015) 'Chia (Salvia hispanica): A Review of Native Mexican Seed and its Nutritional and Functional Properties', Advances in Food and Nutrition Research, 75, pp. 53-75. doi:10.1016/bs.afnr.2015.06.002 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.afnr.2015.06.002
  5. Teoh, S.L., Lai, N.M., Vanichkulpitak, P., Vuksan, V. and others (2018) 'Clinical evidence on dietary supplementation with chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.): a systematic review and meta-analysis', Nutrition Reviews, 76(4), pp. 219-242. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nux071 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nux071
  6. de Souza Ferreira, C., de Sousa Fomes, L.F., da Silva, G.E. and Rosa, G (2015) 'Effect of chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) consumption on cardiovascular risk factors in humans: a systematic review', Nutricion Hospitalaria, 32(5), pp. 1909-1918. doi:10.3305/nh.2015.32.5.9394 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.3305/nh.2015.32.5.9394
  7. Knez Hrncic, M., Ivanovski, M., Cor, D. and Knez, Z (2019) 'Chia Seeds (Salvia hispanica L.): An Overview-Phytochemical Profile, Isolation Methods, and Application', Molecules, 25(1), pp. 11. doi:10.3390/molecules25010011 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25010011
  8. Oliva, M.E., Ferreira, M.D.R., Vega Joubert, M.B. and D'Alessandro, M.E (2020) 'Salvia hispanica L. (chia) seed promotes body fat depletion and modulates adipocyte lipid handling in sucrose-rich diet-fed rats', Food Research International, 139, pp. 109842. doi:10.1016/j.foodres.2020.109842 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2020.109842
  9. Vega Joubert, M.B., Degrave, V., Ingaramo, P., Oliva, M.E. and others (2022) 'Salvia hispanica L. (chia) seed improves liver inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in an experimental model of metabolic syndrome', Food & Function, 13(21), pp. 11249-11261. doi:10.1039/d2fo02216h Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1039/d2fo02216h
  10. Grancieri, M., Martino, H.S.D. and Gonzalez de Mejia, E (2019) 'Chia Seed (Salvia hispanica L.) as a Source of Proteins and Bioactive Peptides with Health Benefits: A Review', Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, 18(2), pp. 480-499. doi:10.1111/1541-4337.12423 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1111/1541-4337.12423
  11. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.). Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org Traditional / reference
    https://powo.science.kew.org
  12. Vuksan, V., Jenkins, A.L., Dias, A.G., Lee, A.S., Jovanovski, E., Rogovik, A.L. and Hanna, A (2010) 'Reduction in postprandial glucose excursion and prolongation of satiety: possible explanation of the long-term effects of whole grain Salba (Salvia hispanica L.)', 64(4), pp. 436--438. Randomized trial
    Find this source
  13. Chandalia, M., Garg, A., Lutjohann, D., von Bergmann, K., Grundy, S.M. and Brinkley, L.J (2000) 'Beneficial effects of high dietary fiber intake in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus', 342(19), pp. 1392--1398. Randomized trial
    Find this source

Record last updated 2026-06-20 · Provenance: book+pubmed · Status: verified

This fact sheet is generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and reflects its latest synced data. It is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.

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