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Information about the herb Sage
Salvia officinalis , also known as Broad-leaved White Sage is part of the Salvia officinalis plant family. Sage is an evergreen perennial originally growing from Spain
along the Mediterranean coast up to and including the east side of the Atlantic,
Croatia and Southern Europe.
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General Information
Botanical Name: Salvia officinalis
Plant Family: Salvia
Common name: Broad-leaved White Sage, Common Sage, Garden Sage, Narrow-leaved White Sage, Red Sage, Salbei, Salvia salvatrix
History: Sage is named from the Latin salvare, 'to save'. This name was then corrupted to Sauija and Sauge (Fench) and Sawge (Old English)
A beautiful legend about Sage is that when Mary was fleeing from Herod no other plant would give her shelter but Sage. Virgin Mary told the Sage plant: 'From now to eternity you will be the favorite flower of mankind. I give you the power to heal man of all illness and save him from death as you have done for me.'
The Romans used Sage in their baths to ease :
- aching muscles
- sore, tired feet
The American Native Indian used Sage in Sweat Lodge ceremonies. This was called 'smudging'
A 13th century verse states: 'Why should a man die, whilst Sage grows in his garden?'
Tradition: Sage was
- a panacea for immortality
- burned at the altar or in a sacred space to consecrates the area
- burned in the home to remove impurities, banish evil, and to provide protection
- used for bringing prosperity
- used in healing amulets, incenses, and sachets
Contains:
- estrogen
- phenolic acids
- flavenoids
- resin
- saponins
- silica
- tannins
- thujone
- volatile Oil
Action:
- antibacterial [an agent that destroys bacteria; bactericide]
- antihydrotic [an agent that reduces or suppresses perspiration]
- antiseptic [an agent for inhibiting the growth of microorganism on living tissue or destroying pathogenic or putrefactive bacteria]
- antispasmodic [an agent that relieves or checks spasms or cramps]
- antiviral [an agent that destroys viruses]
- aphrodisiac [an agent for arousing or increasing sexual desire or potency]
- astringent [an agent that contracts organic tissue, reducing secretions or discharges]
- carminative [an agent for easing griping pains, colic and expelling gas from the intestines]
- stimulant [an agent that excites or quickens the functional activity of the tissues giving more energy]
- styptic [an agent that contracts tissues; astringent; specifically, a hemostatic agent that stops bleeding by contracting the blood vessels]
- tonic [an agent that tones, strengthens and invigorates organs or the entire organism giving a feeling of well-being]
Medicinal Parts Used: Leaves, whole herb
Sage is used for:
Bacterial and Viral Conditions
- retro viruses, e.g. Herpes, HIV, etc.
- staphylococcus infections
Brain and Nervous System Conditions
- aids the memory
- cramps
- delerium associated with fevers
- depression
- disorders of the spinal cord
- eases mental exhaustion
- headaches (combined with Peppermint, Rosemary, and Wood Betony)
- nervous conditions
- nervous excitement, associated with brain or nerve diseases
- paralysis
- strengthens the powers of concentration
- trembling of limbs
- vertigo
- weak nerves
Cardiovascular Conditions
- prevention of strokes
Female Conditions
- amenorrhea (irregular menstruation)
- decreasing milk flow in lactating women during weaning
- dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation)
- hemorrhage from the lungs or stomach
- leucorrhoea
- night sweats and hot flushes during menopause, combined with Horsetail and Valerian
- regulates the menstrual cycle
- reduces perspiration (because of its estrogenic properties)
- tonic after childbirth
Gastrointestinal Conditions
- abdominal troubles
- all stomach troubles
- diarrhea
- eliminates mucous congestion in the stomach
- enteritis
- flatulence (gas)
- gastritis
- increases the appetite
- rectifies intestinal troubles
- stimulates the digestive system
- weak stomach
Genitourinary Conditions
- kidney troubles
Glandular Conditions
- glandular disorders
Liver Conditions
- biliousness
- liver complaints
Respiratory Tract Conditions
- colds
- dispels phlegm from the respiratory organs and stomach
- eliminates mucous congestion in the respiratory passages and stomach
- influenza
Sage is a good gargle for:
- laryngitis
- sore throat
- tonsillitis
- ulcerated throat
Chewing the fresh leaves soothes:
- sore throats
- mouth sores
Other
- a deodorant
Sage is a good gargle for:
- inflammation of tooth pulp
- loose and bleeding teeth
- preventing excessive flow of saliva
- ulcerated or receding gums
- ulcerated gums and mouth
Externally: In a lotion, salve or wash, Sage is useful:
- as a hair rinse to remove dandruff
- for insect bites
- for itchy skin
- for skin eruptions
- for treating sores
- to stop bleeding in all cuts
Other Uses:
- condiment added to meat (breaks down the fat in meat)
- cosmetics
- hair dye
- tooth powder
Dosage:
Recommended dosage is as follows:
- 15-30mL per week of 1:2 fluid extract
Caution:
- Avoid during pregnancy as it may have a stimulating effect on the muscle of the womb
- Extended or excessive use of Sage can cause symptoms of poisoning
Oil
- Sage Oil is a violent epileptiform convulsant
Global Herbal Supplies has Sage available in the following forms:
- Red Sage Extract
- Sage Extract
- Dried Sage
- Sage Capsules
- Sage Essential Oil
- Clary Sage Essential Oil
- Sage Conditioner
- Sage Deodorant
- Sage & Rosemary Toothpaste
Information given by our website is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information given for diagnosing a health problem or disease. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. The above information is just a guide to general circumstances and in no way should it contradict the advice that you have been given by your naturopath, medical doctor or specialist.
