Sage (Salvia Officinalis)
Sage (Salvia Officinalis) is a warming herb, despite being an aromatic herb it has a pungent bitter taste. In years gone by you would find it growing in gardens as a way of warding off evil spirits, however it has many useful healing properties from being an effective antiseptic and analgesic making it a good go to for sore throats when used as a gargle and to clean cuts and scrapes.
It is also a great herb for women being especially useful during the menopause as a hormonal tonic helping to balance estrogen levels which often fall during this stage of life giving rise to symptoms such as night sweats, hot flashes and sleep disturbance, Sage has been shown to be effective in relieving these symptoms and is a popular choice for women looking for a more natural remedy to manage these symptoms. For these same reason menstruating women may also find Sage helpfulas it can help to balance fluctuating hormones.
BENEFITS
Sage is a dry warming herb that can be effective when used for a number of conditions.
Therapeutic Action
Diaphoretic, Aromatic, Stimulant, Tonic, Emmenagogue, Astringent, Vulnerary, Antiseptic, Digestive, Nervine, Brain Stimulant, Expectorant, Anti-spasmodic, Anthelmintic, Condiment and Anaphrodisiac.
Can be used for the following issues:
Fevers, Indigestion, Flatulence, Ulcers of the mouth and throat, Excessive mucus discharge, Excessive salivation, Nasal catarrh, Suppresses or dries up mammary secretions, Indurated sores, Dyspepsia, Quinsy, Kidney and Liver conditions, Nerve issues, Hysteria, Pneumonia, Relaxed throat, Laryngitis, Tonsillitis, Nasal sores, Gum strengthener, Expels worms, Stops bleeding of minor wounds, Cleanses sores and ulcers, Hormonal tonic and Menopause symptoms.
Sore throats/mouth infections - Gargling with an infusion of Sage can help to relieve and soothe sore throats and ulcers due to its antiseptic and analgesic properties.
Menopause – Sage is effective in easing symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, it can help to balance estrogen levels which drop during this stage of life.
Cuts & Sores - Due to its antiseptic, astringent and analgesic properties Sage makes an excellent antiseptic treatment for cuts and sores.
Skin care (Acne) – Sage has excellent diaphoretic properties that can open up pore when used hot, this can help clear congestion in the skin helping to clear the pores.
Circulation - Sage is effective in improving blood circulation around the body.
Catarrh – Used as a gargle infusion Sage can loosen catarrh and help to expel it from the body.
Urinary Tract Infections - Sage can help relieve the discomfort of urinary tract infections such as cystitis by increasing the flow of urine helping to flush the infection out.
Respiratory Issues - Drinking a warm infusion of Sage can help to ease respiratory infections such as colds, flu and bronchitis and clear chest congestion.
Sore Aching Feet - Used in foot bath Sage can relieve and soothe tired aching feet.
Nerves - Sage is a calming sedative herb that can help to calm frayed nerves and restore a feeling of peace and calm.
Muscles and Joint Pain – Sages anti-inflammatory properties make it effective in relieving muscle and joint pain and reducing swelling.
Intestinal Parasites/Worms - Sage is an effective expectorant that can help repel and expel intestinal parasites such as worms.
HOW TO USE SAGE
Sage can be taken in a number of forms such as fluid extract, infusion, solid extract. Due to the presence of volatile oils never boil as this will cause the oils to be dispersed thereby reducing the medicinal value.
DOSAGES
The basic dosages are as follows:
Tincture - 1/2 - 1 fluid teaspoon 3 times daily.
Infusion 1 - tablespoonful to 2 fluid ounces as needed.
Powdered flowers - 1/- 1 teaspoonful 3 times daily.
Oil - 1 - 3 drops.
Solid Extract - 100 - 500 mg
A hot infusion is made by steeping the herb in boiling water for between 15 – 20 minutes, many herbal teas are made in this way.
A cold Infusion is made by soaking the herb in cold water or milk for between 6 – 8 hours
You can make a batch of both hot and cold infusions and store for several days in the fridge.
Poultices are made from ground or chopped herbs that are mixed with boiled water until they form a paste which can then be applied to muslin and then applied to the skin. Applied cold they draw out heat, infection and inflammation when applied hot they soothe pain and spasms.
WAYS TO USE
ORALLY
Sore Throats
Sage leaves can be made into an infusion and once cooled can be used as gargle for sore throats, tonsillitis, mouth infections such as ulcers and bleeding gums. Sage can be used on it’s own or in equal parts with apple cider vinegar
Make an infusion of Sage leaves and gargle 3 times per day for general infections but can be used a needed in the case of a severe infection.
To make a Sage and Apple Cider Vinegar infusion mix in equal parts and gargle 3 times per day for general infections and as needed in the case of severe infections.
Hot Flashes/Night Sweats
Drinking a cold infusion of Sage tea can be effective in relieving hot flashes and night flashes. Can be taken as a tea or a tincture.
Tea - Drink 1 cup of cold Sage tea 3 times per day.
Tincture - Take 1 teaspoon 3 times per day.
Intestinal Parasites
Drinking a warm infusion of Sage tea can be effective in expelling intestinal parasites. Can be taken as a tea or a tincture.
Tea - Drink 1 cup of cold Sage tea 3 times per day.
Tincture - Take 1 teaspoon 3 times per day.
Respiratory Infections
Drinking a warm infusion of Sage can help to ease respiratory infections such as colds, flu and bronchitis and clear chest congestion. Can be taken as a tea or a tincture.
Tea - Drink 1 cup of cold Sage tea 3 times per day.
Tincture - Take 1 teaspoon 3 times per day.
Calm Nerves & Ease Anxiety
A warm infusion of Sage tea is effective in calming nerves. Can be taken as a tea or a tincture.
Tea - Drink 1 cup of warm Sage tea 3 times per day.
Tincture - Take 1 teaspoon 3 times per day.
BATH
Tired Aching Feet
Used in foot bath Sage can relieve and soothe tired aching feet.
Sage can be added to a muslin bag and added to a bath to infuse with the hot bath water where it can not only soak into the skin but also the volatile oils can disperse into the air and be inhaled.
Muscles & Joint Pain
Sages anti-inflammatory properties make it effective in relieving muscle and joint pain and reducing swelling.
Sage can be added to a muslin bag and added to a bath to infuse with the hot bath water where it can not only soak into the skin but also the volatile oils can disperse into the air and be inhaled.
Calm Nerves
Sage can help to relax the body and mind, it’s particularly good to use at night before bed.
Sage can be added to a muslin bag and added to a bath to infuse with the hot bath water where it can not only soak into the skin but also the volatile oils can disperse into the air and be inhaled.
Cystitis and Urinary Infections
Sage helps to fight infections whilst soothing and calming pain and discomfort caused by urinary tract infections such as cystitis.
Sage can be added to a muslin bag and added to a bath to infuse with the hot bath water where it can not only soak into the skin but also the volatile oils can disperse into the air and be inhaled.
WASHES/ANTISEPTIC
Cuts and Sores
Sage can be used to clean cuts and sores to prevent infection, soothe pain and speed up the healing process.
Using a cold infusion of Sage soak some cotton wool or clean cloth and gently wash the area 2 - 3 times per day until the wound has healed.
INHALATION
Respiratory conditions
Inhaling a hot infusion of Sage can soothe and relieve respiratory conditions such as colds, flu and bronchitis as well as easing congestion and helping to loosen up catarrh and mucus.
Used as a steam inhalation by making a hot infusion of Sage in a bowl with a towel/cover over your head and bowl to trap the steam and release the volatile oils. Inhale for 5 - 15 minutes.
Skin Care
Sage can be used as an inhalation to clear congested skin, unblocking pores and clearing blackheads.
Used as a steam inhalation by making a hot infusion of Sage in a bowl with a towel/cover over your head and bowl to trap the steam and release the volatile oils. Inhale for 5 – 15 minutes.
SIDE EFFECTS
As with all herbs there is the slight possibility of allergic reactions. Sage should not be used for long periods of time at high doses as this could cause potential toxicity.
It is also recommended that Sage should not be used during pregnancy due to its uterine properties which could induce miscarriage.
Sage should not be used by people with epilepsy and high blood pressure.