Description. The Latin name for sage, salvia, means to heal. Modern evidence supports its effects as an anhidrotic, antibiotic, antifungal, astringent, antispasmodic, estrogenic, hypoglycemic,diuretic and tonic. Ancient physician Hyppocrates considered sage to be a sacred and the most useful herb. For thousands of years sage has been used for a variety of medicinal purposes. It has been used in connection with sprains, swelling, ulcers, and bleeding. As a tea, sage has been administered for sore throats and coughs. Herbalists have also used this herb for rheumatism, menstrual bleeding, liver disorders, strengthening the nervous system, improving memory, and sharpening senses. Sage contains the chemical substances, camphor, and cineole as well as other constituents including rosmarinic acid, tannins, and flavonoids. Even today, in many European countries sage is used medicinally as a gargle for sore throat and inflammation of the mouth and gums. Use. Sage was recommended by herbalists for fever. Modern research has demonstrated that sage reduces perspiration by as much as 50 percent. Sage is also an active ingredient in some natural mouthwashes because its tannins are thought to help kill the bacteria that cause gingivitis. Sage has traditionally been used to treat canker sores, bleeding gums, sore throat, tonsillitis, and laryngitis. Sage has a long history of use for gastrointestinal disorders. It has been shown to help relax muscle spasms in the digestive tract. One German study has found that drinking a sage infusion reduced blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, but only when they took the infusion on an empty stomach. Sage has traditionally been used to promote menstruation; pregnant women should not consume highly concentrated forms of sage.
Attention! Before using any herbal products, make sure that you have full knowledge of how the herb works and any adverse reaction it may cause.
