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Sage (Salvia officinalis)

DESCRIPTION

Native to southern Europe, sage is considered by the Native Americans to be one of the four sacred plants, used to purify people and their dwellings. A popular home remedy, its Latin name, salvia, means "to heal." The essential oil of sage has antimicrobial properties that make it useful in treating many types of Infections. Best known for its ability to inhibit perspiration, sage is often used to stop the night sweats that happen during tuberculosis.

HERBAL USES

As a medicinal herb, sage has one of the longest histories of use. It has been used as a treatment to help women who may experience excessive perspiration, and other symptoms of the Menopause.

Along with rosemary and Thyme, sage is used to preserve foods, particularly meats and cheeses.

SUGGESTED INTAKES

Part of the plant used: LEAF.

4-6 g daily. (1)

Tea, 10-15 g (2-3 US teaspoons). Three cups daily.
Steep leaves in covered container of hot water for 15 minutes.

Tincture, 4 ml three times daily.

SUPPLEMENTAL USES

Common Cold, Sore Throat:
Sage has antiviral properties that may be helpful in treating the Common Cold and/or Sore Throat. Sage can reduce Inflammation and irritations of the throat.

Gingivitis (Periodontal disease):
The essential oil of sage contains antioxidant components that kill a variety of bacteria.

Menopause:
Sage has an antiperspiration and drying effect that may be useful for the reduction of sweat due to Menopause (2). The mechanism with which this occurs is yet to be determined. Sage may also encourage production of oestrogen in females.

Pregnancy and postpartum support:
Sage may be used to dry up milk after a mother has stopped breastfeeding. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this use.

Other potential therapeutic effects of sage include: constriction of inflamed skin, inhibition of smooth muscle spasms, and to aid proper digestive function.

SAFETY AND PRECAUTIONS

Breastfeeding women should take care to use sage only in proper medicinal doses. Pregnant women should avoid internal use of pure essential oil and alcoholic extracts (3).

In the event of a fever, sage should be avoided.

INTERACTIONS AND CONTRA-INDICATIONS

Caution should be exercised when used in conjunction with CNS depressants or stimulants.

Sage may aggravate the adverse effects of antituberculous drugs. It may interfere with anticoagulant therapy, oral antidiabetic medications, parenteral medications, antihypercholesterolemics, some corticosteroids, and Folic Acid antagonists.

Meprobamate and phenobarbital may inhibit the oestrogen-like action of sage.

Adverse effects on the Skin may occur if used topically in conjunction with the Acne product tretinoin (retinoic acid, Vitamin A acid).

REFERENCES

1. Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
2. Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, UK: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd., 1988, 229-30.
3. Masterova I, Misikova E, Sirotkova L, Vaverkova S, Ubik K. Royleanones in the roots of Salvia officinalis L. of domestic provenance and their antimicrobial activity. Ceska Slov Farm 1996;45(5):242-45.