Healing with plants - sage

“Sage - Salvia officinalis

Salvia is derived from the Latin, meaning 'to save'. It was called the 'immortality herb' by the ancient Greeks and was praised by the ancient Egyptians for its many health giving properties. Long associated with its rejuvenating powers, sage has been included in many elixirs throughout the ages. Used as a remedy for infertility by the Romans, sage was also reputed to help restore failing memory. So valued was sage that the Chinese traded 2 cases of tea for one of dried English salvia. The purple variety is most often used, being considered more effective than the green species. Sage was commonly used in cooking to aid the digestion of rich, oily foods.

Properties
antiseptic, digestive promoting bile flow, antispasmodic, astringent, antioxidant, oestrogenic, tonic, reduces perspiration, salivation & lactation, uterine stimulant, antibiotic, reduces blood sugar levels

Character
Pungent, bitter, cool, drying

Constituents
volatile oil, tannins, diterpene bitters, resin, flavonoids, oestrogenic substances, saponins.

Uses
Leaves
The leaves are ideal as a gargle and mouthwash. Being drying and oestrogenic, they can help during the menopause, for period cramps and also during weaning. Fresh leaves act as a bitter digestive stimulant.
Infusion
Use 20g leaves to 50ml water as a digestive tonic, liver stimulant and to improve circulation. Also helpful to alleviate night sweats and reduce lactation when weaning. Also helps as an expectorant, reducing catarrh and can boost the immune system, warding off infections. Sage's diuretic action make it a good cleanser, useful in cases of gout and arthritis.
Tincture
Can alleviate menopausal symptoms and reduce salivation, eg in Parkinson's.
Compress
Soak a pad and apply to slow healing wounds and abrasions. Can also be used for burns, sores, ulcers, insect bites and skin problems. Add to a liniment for strains, arthritis and neuralgia.
Gargle/mouthwash
A weak infusion can alleviate symptoms of sore throat, tonsillitis, mouth ulcers and mouth disease. Can be used as a douche for candidosis.
Hair rinse
An infusion can help combat dandruff and is said to restore colour to greying hair!

Precautions
•Do NOT use in pregnancy and breast feeding, except as small amounts during cooking which are safe.
•Sage can trigger epileptic fits so should be avoided in such cases.

Top of page