Sage

Published on by kelly80charlie04

“Sage”

Sage is traditionally associated with longevity and has a reputation for restoring failing memory in the elderly.
Like other memory enhancing herbs, Sage was planted on graves.
It is said that when the British started importing tea from China, the Chinese valued Sage so much that they would trade two cases of tea for only one of dried English sage.

Latin Botanical: Salvia officinalis

Common Name(s): Sage

Family: Laminaceae

Part(s) Used: Leaves harvested throughout summer

Qualities: Cool & Dry (Holmes) Bitter and Pungent (Ody)

Constituants:

  • Volatile oils including thujone (30%), cineole, linalol, borneol, camphor
  • Salvene, pinene
  • Bitter
  • Oestrogenic substances
  • Tannins
  • Triterpinoids
  • Flavonoids
  • Resin

“Why of seknesse deyeth man Whill sawge in garden he may ban?” – Macer’s Herbal, 10th Century

Actions:

  • Carminative
  • Spasmolytic
  • Antiseptic
  • Antibacterial
  • Antioxidant
  • Aromatic
  • Astringent
  • Nervine
  • Anti-hyperhydrotic
  • Uterine Stimulant (Ody)
  • Anti-biotic (Ody)
  • Promotes bile flow (Ody)

Indications: 

  • Inflammation of the mouth, throat & tonsils
  • Gingivitis
  • Glossitis (inflamed tongue)
  • Stomatitis (generalised mouth inflammation)
  • Apthous ulcers
  • Laryngitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis
  • Dyspepsia
  • Reduces sweating
  • Reduce production of breast milk
  • Menopausal hot flushes
  • Heavy periods
  • Hormone balancer

SUMMARY:

Leaves have a special affinity for the mouth and throat.

Because Sage is both drying & oestrogenic it is indicated in both menopause and when weaning.

Fresh leaves make a bitter digestive stimulant.

Contraindications: Pregnancy & lactation – traditionally used to stop milk flow

Cautions: Caution with long term use – thujone toxicity. This constituent can trigger fits in epileptics – sufferers should AVOID SAGE

Dosage:

2 -4.5ml of 1:2 LE per day or 15-30ml per week

Mouthwash – 2 tspns of leaves in 500ml water, bring to boil and let stand covered.  Gargle with hot tea 5-10 mins several times per day

Combinations: 

  • With Meadowsweet & chamomile for dyspepsia

OTHER USES:

  • INFUSION: Use 20g leaves to 50ml water as a tonic and liver stimulant, or to improve digestive function and circulation in debility. Can reduce lactation when weaning and relieve night sweats during menopause
  • TINCTURE: Used for menopausal Sx. Prescribed to reduce salivation in Parkinson’s Disease (Ody)
  • COMPRESS: Apply infusion soaked pad to slow healing wounds
  • GARGLE/MOUTHWASH: Use a weak infusion for sore throats, tonsillitis, mouth ulcers or gum disease
  • HAIR RINSE: Use infusion as a rinse for dandruff or to restore colour to greying hair

References & Links to Articles:

Ody, Penelope (1998). The Herb Society’s Complete Medicinal Herbal. Milan: Dorling Kindersley
Hoffman, D. (1990). Holistic Herbal. London: Thorsons

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