Sage
Salvia officinalis
Sage is a silvery-green shrub with very fragrant leaves. The most commonly cultivated species of sage originally came from the area around the Mediterranean but now also grows in North America. The leaves of this common kitchen herb are used in medicine as well as in cooking. It was used by herbalists externally to treat sprains, swelling, ulcers, and bleeding. Internally a tea made from sage leaves has had a long history of use to treat sore throats and coughs, often used as a gargle.
- MENOPAUSE - In the UK herbalists employ sage to treat symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes. An unpublished, preliminary German study with patients suffering from excessive perspiration (hyperhydrosis) found that either a dry leaf extract or an infusion of the leaf reduced sweating by as much as 50%.
- ANTI-MICROBIAL - In vitro studies have found that sage oil has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, which would explain its historical use in conditions such as sore throat, inflammations in the mouth (ulcers), and gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). Sage has been shown to be effective against candida albicans, herpes simplex virus II, and influenza virus II.
- DIGESTIVE TONIC - Sage is a valuable carminative used in dyspepsia. From 1842 to 1916, sage was official in the US Pharmacopoeia, where it was recommended for its tonic, astringent, and aromatic properties, in aiding digestive health.
- ANTIOXIDANT - Rosmarinic acid found in sage has a number of interesting biological activities such as antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. The antioxidant potential of compounds in sage is equivalent to that of alpha-tocopherol.
Dosage
400mg one to three times daily.
Potential applications
Menopausal symptoms, excessive sweating, memory, infection, indigestion, loss of appetite, cell-protection, anti-anxiety, blood sugar lowering.
Known contraindications
Sage is contraindicated during pregnancy.
Interactions
None known.
Use in conjunction with
- Menopausal symptoms - Black cohosh, B complex, EFAs, vitamin E
Note
For ailments surrounding mucosal tissues of the mouth or throat, direct contact with the herb is necessary i.e. forming a paste or mouthwash/gargle with the herb.
REFERENCES
- De Leo V, Lanzetta D, Cazzavacca R, Morgante G. Minerva Ginecol. Treatment of neurovegetative menopausal symptoms with a phytotherapeutic agent. 1998 May;50(5):207-11
- PDR for Herbal Medicines. Second Edition. 2000
- David Hoffman. The New Holistic Herbal. 1990.
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