Sage: Uses, importance in medicine, Synonyms, Effects, and Side Effects

Sage is native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean, particularly the Adriatic Sea. The plant is grown in various European countries. Sage leaves are mainly imported from south-eastern European countries for medicinal use. The dried leaves of sage (Salviae folium) are used in herbal medicine.

Sage: Characteristics

Sage is a subshrub up to 70 centimetres high with characteristic velvety soft, grey-green leaves. The plant bears about two centimetres long, blue-violet flowers arranged in whorls.

The drug consists of long-stalked, three to ten centimetres long leaves, which are densely hairy on both sides. The finely notched leaf edges and veins protrude strongly on the underside and are visible.

 

smell and taste of sage

Sage smells intensely aromatic and spicy. The taste of sage is also very pungent, bitter and astringent.

The Greek sage (Salvia fruticosa) and the Spanish sage (Salvia lavandulifolia) are also frequently related to the natural sage.

Sage – application

Sage leaves can be used externally to treat inflammation of the gums and general inflammation of the mouth and throat mucous membranes. Sage helps, for example, with pressure points in the mouth caused by wearing dentures or braces, but also with sore throats associated with a sore throat. Due to the strong aromatic smell of sage, the leaves can also be used to treat bad breath.

Sage for internal use

The internal use of sage is suitable, on the one hand, for the treatment of digestive problems, on the other hand, for reducing excessive sweating, for example, when night sweats occur. When used internally, the plant promotes digestion and relieves effects on an upset stomach, flatulence and diarrhoea.

In experimental studies, an inhibitory effect of sage on the herpes virus (herpes simplex) could also be observed.

 

Historical importance in medicine

The plant’s Latin name, Salvia, derives from the Latin word “salvare,” meaning “to heal.” The term’s derivation already shows the sage’s importance in society for centuries.

The ancient Egyptians used the plant to combat infertility, and in ancient times, sage was used for various complaints, such as diarrhoea and inflammation of the respiratory tract. Since the Middle Ages, sage has been used to treat inflammation of the gums, to aid digestion and as a cough suppressant.

Sage in folk medicine

Today, sage is used in folk medicine when weaning due to its inhibiting effect on milk production. It is also said to have a blood sugar-lowering and menstruation-promoting effect. However, this has yet to be scientifically proven.

In addition to its medicinal use, sage is also used as a spice and in the food industry to delay the rancidity of fats in meat products.

In homoeopathy, sage leaves are used for diseases of the central nervous system and disorders of sweat secretion.

 

Ingredients of sage

Sage leaves contain 1 to 2.5 per cent essential oil with the main components camphor, cineole and α- and β-thujone. The leaves also have large quantities of tannins, bitter substances, triterpenes, flavonoids, and steroids. 

Sage: indications

Sage is used for the following indications:

• Inflammation of the mucous membrane
• Sore throat
• Inflammation of the gums
• Bad breath
• Indigestion, diarrhoea, bloating, or soiled stomach
• excessive sweat secretion, excessive sweating, or night sweats
• Herpes

Sage – dosage

Sage can be taken internally as tea or finished medicines from the mouth and throat therapeutics group. Sage extracts and the essential oil of the leaves are also used in various candies and for external use in the form of baths, rubs, brushes and oral care products. Sage tea is also available in filter bags and as an ingredient in tea blends.

Dosage of sage

Unless otherwise prescribed, the average daily dose is 4 to 6 grams of the drug, 0.1 to 0.3 grams of the essential oil, 2.5 to 7.5 grams of the tincture or 1.5 to 3 grams of the fluid extract.

Add 2.5 grams of the drug or 2 to 3 drops of the essential oil to 100 millilitres of water to make a gargle solution. For brushing, an undiluted alcoholic extract is made from the leaves.

The duration of use should be at most four weeks at a time.

 

Preparation of sage

To gargle, pour hot water over 2-3 grams of the finely chopped drug (1 teaspoon equals 1.5 grams) and strain it through a tea strainer after 10 minutes. For night sweats, the tea is prepared similarly but drunk cold.

To treat gastrointestinal problems, pour boiling water over 2 grams of the cut drug and strain it through a tea strainer after just 5 minutes.

Contraindications and storage

The pure essential oil and alcoholic extracts of sage should not be taken during pregnancy.

Sage leaves should be stored dry and protected from light.

Sage – Synonyms

German plant name: sage

German synonyms of the plant: Real sage, garden sage, Dalmatian sage, noble sage, fish sage, crucifix sage, royal sage, smoked sage, sabi herb, scarlet herb, charlie herb, charlie, virtue ointment, older woman’s taste, gschmackblatteln, self, Salser, selves, safe

Latin plant name: Salvia officinalis L.

Latin synonyms of the plant: Salvia chromatic and papillose, Salvia cretica, Salvia grandiflora, Salvia major and minor, Salvia tomentose

German drug name: Sage leaves

Latin drug name: Sage officinalis leaf

Latin synonyms of the drug: Sage leaf, Sage leaves, Sage leaf, Sage herb, Sage herb leaves

English name: Sage, Garden sage, Common sage, Broadleaf sage, Kitchen sage, Red sage

Plant family Latin: Lamiaceae

Plant family German: Mint family, labiate family

 

Sage – effect

Sage, mainly due to the essential oil it contains, has an inhibiting effect on the growth of bacteria, viruses (including herpes virus) and fungi.

The bitter substances it contains excite bitter receptors at the base of the tongue, increasing saliva and gastric juice production and thus promoting digestion. The essential oil irritates the stomach wall, causing a slight increase in stomach and intestinal movement.

The inhibitory effect on sweat secretion is based on influencing the heat regulation centres in the midbrain.

Side Effects of Sage

Side effects are usually only to be feared in the event of an overdose or prolonged use. The thujone in the sage leaves can lead to symptoms such as hotness, dizziness, increased heart rate, or cramps.

When applied externally or taking aqueous preparations such as tea, side effects are not expected, as they only contain traces of thujone.

Interactions with other agents are currently not known.