Latin Name: Salvia officinalis
Family: Lamiaceae
Part used: Dried leaves.
Energetics: Warming then cooling, drying
Iris: Lymphatic and Mixed.
Interactions: Please check with your Healthcare Provider.
CONTRA-INDICATIONS
- Pregnancy
- Lactation
- Diabetes
- Hormone-sensitive cancers and conditions: breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids
- High/Low BP
- Epilepsy
- Surgery: Stop at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
ACTIONS
- Astringent
- Antiseptic
- Carminative
- Circulatory stimulant
- Bactericidal
- Antibiotic
- Antifungal
- Antiviral
- Diaphoretic
- Digestive
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antispasmodic
- Hypoglycaemic
- Oestrogenic
- Anti-galactagogue
- Anti-viral
- Anti-oxidant
- Aromatic
- Anthelmintic
- Prostatic tonic
- Emmenagogue
- Aphrodisiac
- Vulnerary
Main Constituents
- Volatile oil (containing salvene, pinene, camphor, cineole, borneol, 30% thujone, salvene esters and sesquiterpenes)
- Monoterpenes - borneol
- Camphor
- Phenolic acid -Rosmarinic acid
- Caffeic acid
- Flavonoids
- Tannins
- Bitters
- Sterols
- Saponins
- Resin
- Vitamins: A, B, C
- Minerals: Ca, Fe, Mg, Mn, P, Silica, Zn
- Salviatannin (a condensed catechin)
- Oestrogenic substances.
Main Uses
Central nervous system tonic. Adrenal restorative.
Digestive System: Inflammation or ulceration of mouth, gums, Flatulence, Loss of appetite, Weak stomach, Halitosis
Infections:
Bacteria: Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus, E. coli, Helicobacter pylori, Klebsiella, Morganella morganni, Yersinia, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella, Shigella.
Protozoa: Leishmania, Trichomonas, Trypanosoma
Fungi: Candida Spp., Cryptococcus neoformans
Viruses: Herpes simplex: HSV-1, HSV-2, Paramyxovirus.
Mental/Emotional: Anxiety, Nervousness, Depression, Panic, Increases alertness and calmness
Nervous system: Excessive sweating, Night sweat (cold tea), Alzheimer’s disease, Hyperhidrosis
Endocrine System: Arrest breast milk, Hot flushes of the menopause, Insomnia
Respiratory System: Sore throat, Respiratory allergy
Reproductive System: Sexual dysfunction, Spermatorrhoea
More About Sage
Salvia and "sage" are derived from the Latin salvere (to save), referring to the healing properties long attributed to the various Salvia species. Garden sage is a member of the healing Salvias genus, which includes white sage (Salvia apiana) and Red Root Sage/Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza).
There is a beautiful legend attached to Sage - when Mary was fleeing from Herod, no other plant would give her shelter but Sage. The Virgin Mary told the Sage plant: "From now to eternity you will be the favourite 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".
Considered a sacred herb by Native American people, White Sage is used for purification and protection purposes. Native Americans also used White Sage in ceremonies of birth and death. Sacred objects such as pipes and eagle feathers were passed through the smoking of burning White Sage in order to purify them.
One of the most important medicinal herbs of Medieval Europe, it was thought that Sage had the power to cure all imaginable diseases. A belief held so strongly that no self respecting Apothecary's Garden could be without it!
The drying and warming properties help with irritated, sore mouths and throats, especially in conditions where fluid and mucous are excessive.
Used for canker sores, inflamed tonsils, laryngitis, and pharyngitis, and any inflamed condition of the throat or mouth. Can be used as a steam, a gargle, and as a mouthwash to soothe oral and dental inflammation.
Sage is also used as a bitter to help expel bloating. The astringent tannins tighten a ‘leaky’ gut and help expel worms and parasites, as well as tighten the uterine lining in cases of heavy periods.
Salvia officinalis extract was shown in one double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled clinical trial to produce significantly better outcomes in cognitive function when compared with placebo in studies on Alzheimer's patients. Another study showed that one of sage's active ingredients, rosmarinic acid, provided neuroprotective effects.
Recipes:
Sage Tea
Known for soothing sore throats, aiding digestion, and providing antioxidants.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried sage leaves)
- 236ml boiling water
- Optional: Honey or lemon for flavour
Instructions:
- Bring 236ml of water to a boil in a kettle or on the stove.
- Measure out the fresh or dried sage leaves.
- Place the sage leaves in a teapot or heat resistant mug.
- Pour the boiling water over the sage leaves.
- Cover the teapot or mug with a lid or saucer and let the sage leaves steep for about 5-10 minutes.
- If desired, sweeten the tea with honey or add a squeeze of lemon for flavour.
- After steeping, strain the tea to remove the sage leaves.
- Pour the tea into a cup and Enjoy!
- Sip the sage tea while it's still warm. It has a savoury, herbal flavour with earthy undertones.
Sage Ointment
Ingredients:
- 40gr of fresh sage leaves
- 54ml of coconut oil or olive oil
- 1 tablespoon grated beeswax (for thickening)
- Optional: A few drops of organic lavender essential oil (for fragrance)
Instructions:
- Rinse the fresh sage leaves and pat them dry.
- In a small saucepan, combine the sage leaves and coconut oil or olive oil.
- Heat the mixture over low heat for about 1-2 hours, keeping it warm but not boiling. This helps infuse the oil with the sage's properties.
- After the infusion period, strain the oil through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean saucepan, removing the sage leaves.
- Reheat the strained oil over low heat.
- Gradually add the grated beeswax to the heated oil, stirring until the beeswax is completely melted and well combined with the oil.
- If desired, add a few drops of lavender essential oil for added fragrance. Lavender essential oil is often used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety. It also has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it beneficial for various skin conditions.
- Remove the mixture from heat and allow it to cool slightly. It should start to thicken as it cools.
- Pour the semi-solid sage ointment into clean, dry containers, such as small glass jars or tins.
- Allow the ointment to cool and set completely.
- Apply the sage ointment topically to minor skin irritations or areas of discomfort for potential relief.
Note: Sage ointment can be stored in a cool, dark place and is typically used for topical applications. It's recommended to do a patch test before applying to a larger area of skin, especially if there is known sensitive skin.
References
Anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antioxidant , antimicrobial
Pharmacological properties of Salvia officinalis and its components.
Present review highlights the up-to-date information on the pharmacological findings that have been frequently reported for S. officinalis. These findings include anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antimutagenic, antidementia, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic effects.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29034191/
Cognitive enhancing, neurological disorders, cognitive function, neurodegenerative disorders
Salvia (Sage): A Review of its Potential Cognitive-Enhancing and Protective Effects.
Findings from research confirm that many Salvia species and their individual active constituents influence several biological processes that may impact on neurological and cognitive function. In vitro, animal and preliminary human studies have supported the evidence of Salvia plants to enhance cognitive skills and guard against neurodegenerative disorders.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5318325/#Sec13title
Premenstrual syndrome, PMS
[Salvia officinalis Reduces the Severity of the Premenstrual Syndrome]
Salvia officinalis is an effective alternative agent to reduce the severity of psychological and physical symptoms of PMS.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30572339/
Menopause, hot flushes, menopausal psychological symptoms
Effectiveness of Menosan® Salvia officinalis in the treatment of a wide spectrum of menopausal complaints. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial.
The results support the use of Salvia off. for the specific treatment of a wide range of somato-vegetative and psychological symptoms as experienced by menopausal women.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33615001/
Insulin resistance, euglycemic patients, PCOS
Efficacy of Salvia officinalis extract on the prevention of insulin resistance in euglycemic patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: A double-blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial.
S. officinalis extract at a dose of 330 mg/day could decrease BMI and systolic blood pressure, and it could enhance insulin resistance markers in euglycemic PCOS patients.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31987228/