Salvia officinalis
Part Used: Dried leaf
Sage (Salvia officinalis) is an evergreen perennial shrubby herb, growing up to 2 feet tall. It is native to the Balkans and the Mediterranean, but is grown widely elsewhere as a garden and pot herb. It is used as a remedy for appetite loss, excessive perspiration and sore throat. In folk medicine, Sage is also taken for bloating, diarrhea, and intestinal inflammation. As a rinse and gargle, it is used for bleeding gums. Applied externally, it treats mild injuries and skin inflammation. In Asia, it is considered a remedy for hemorrhoids, blood in the urine, bloody phlegm, and fluid in the abdomen; and homeopathic practitioners prescribe it for excessive flow of breast milk. However, its effectiveness for all of these problems remains unverified. Researchers have also been investigating the value of Sage as a treatment for Type II, non-insulin dependent diabetes. While one study has shown positive results, further confirmation is needed.
Sage is used to relieve excess mucous buildup. It is beneficial to the mind by easing mental exhaustion, soothing nerves, and by strengthening the concentrating abilities. It is used to regulate the menstrual cycle, to decrease milk flow in lactating women, aids in treating hot flashes, and is used as a deodorant. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy to cleanse and purify the air. The phenolic acids in Sage are particularly potent against Staphylococcus aureus. Sage oil has been shown to be effective against both gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria including Escherichia coli and Salmonella species, and against filamentous fungi and yeasts such as Candida albicans. It also has an astringent action due to its relatively high tannin content and can be used in the treatment of infantile diarrhoea. Its antiseptic action is of value where there is intestinal infection. Rosmarinic acid contributes to the herb's anti-inflammatory activity.
Sage has also an antispasmodic action which reduces tension in smooth muscle, and it can be used in a steam inhalation for asthma attacks. It is an excellent remedy for helping to remove mucous congestion in the airways and for checking or preventing secondary infection. It may be taken as a carminative to reduce griping and other symptoms of indigestion, and is also of value in the treatment of dysmenorrhoea. Its bitter component stimulates upper digestive secretions, intestinal mobility, bile flow, and pancreatic function, while the volatile oil has a carminative and stimulating effect on the digestion. The thujone has a vermifuge action. There also seems to be a more general relaxant effect, so that the plant is suitable in the treatment of nervousness, excitability and dizziness. It helps to fortify a generally debilitated nervous system.
References:
PDR Health. http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/herbaldrugs/102460.shtml
All Natural. http://www.allnatural.net/herbpages/sage.shtml
Purple Sage Botanicals. http://www.purplesage.org.uk/profiles/sage.htm
