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Sage
What is Sage?
Sage is a perennial (long living) shrub that grows mainly in Southern Europe
(Balkans) and the Mediterranean, but is also cultivated in the U.S and other
countries. Also known by the names garden sage, true sage and scarlet sage;
sage is a member of the plant family Lamiaceae and goes by the Latin name: Salvia
Officianalis.
Sage thrives in sunny conditions (i.e. Mediterranean climate) and prefers chaulky
soils. Sage grows from a seed in the spring and the leaves are picked/harvested
in the summer months. The pant usually needs replacing every 3-4 years.
Sage has square stems, oblong leaves and flowers that are a mixture of purple,
blue and white. Sage usually grows up to 50cm in height.
Sage has been used medicinally through the ages and research has shown that
the medical properties of sages include: Tannic effects, estrogen stimulation,
anti-oxidant properties, carminative (gas expulsion), spasmodic, anti-septic
and astringent action. The volatile oil of sage contains Alpha & Beta thujone,
flavonoids and appetite stimulators.
What are the benefits and uses of Sage?
Due to the many constituents that can be found in Sage its uses and benefits
are varied and far-reaching. Below is a list of the main uses and benefits of
Sage:
- Insect bite relief (mainly swelling and itching)
- Healing sore throats, loss of voice and tonsillitis
- Relief from eczema and Psoriasis (Inflammation of the skin)
- Cold remedy
- Relief from Asthma and Bronchitis (due to the astringent property of Sage)
- Enhancing the immune system
- Digestive remedy (nausea and diarrhea)
- Relief from menstrual cramps
- Stopping production of breast milk after need for lactating has ceased
- Used as a mouthwash to prevent gingivitis
What is the right dosage of Sage to use?
The general use of sage is as either a tea to relieve a sore throat or as a
dietary supplement in the form of an extract. To prepare a tea the formula is
3 grams of sage to 150mm of boiling water and leave for 10 minutes. As a supplement
the recommended dosage of sage is 1-2ml (28-56 drops) of extract, 2-3 times
a day.
What are the side effects of Sage?
Due to the presence of Thujone in Sage even small dosages can lead to increased
heart rate and mental confusion. Large dosages of Sage have been known to lead
to convulsions. Sage should never be taken internally when pregnant and as a
general rule, only use sage for 2 weeks at a time.
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