Sage in Herbal Medicine: Properties of Sage

Scientific name

Salvia officinalis ; Clary sage

Family

Labiatae

Origin

Europe

Used Parts

Drug given by leaves and flowering tops

Chemical constituents

Flavonoids;
Essential oil (ketones, borneol acetate, pinene and camphor);
Caffeic acid derivatives (chlorogenic acid and rosmarinic acid);
Diterpenes and triterpenes;
Tannins.

Sage in Herbal Medicine: Properties of Sage

Sage, in addition to being widely used in the kitchen, has strong medicinal properties; however, a distinction must be made based on the pharmaceutical form used.

In fact, hydroalcoholic extracts and decoction exhibit disinfectant activity, but they must be taken only externally, since the essential oil, in which tujone is present, can have neurotoxic effects (medical prescription is necessary).

Also for external applications, sage-based vaginal ovules against vaginitis are available on the market, but also for skin applications (at a concentration of 1-3%).

Biological activity

Sage is a plant widely used in the culinary field, however, it is also endowed with some therapeutic properties, such as antibacterial, antifungal, virustatic, astringent and anti-sweating.

Furthermore, some animal studies have shown that sage is able to exert a choleretic action. This makes this plant an aid in counteracting any dyspeptic symptoms.

Other studies, however, have shown the potential anti-inflammatory power exerted by sage through a mechanism of action that involves the inhibition of the synthesis of pro-inflammatory chemical mediators by macrophages.

Most of the aforementioned properties are mainly ascribed to the essential oil contained in the plant itself.

Other research has been conducted on the potential antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of sage and its extracts. Studies conducted so far on animals have given rather encouraging results. In fact, a study has shown that sage - in particular, the rosmarinic acid contained in it - may be able to exert an antidiabetic action through the reduction of high blood sugar levels and the inhibition of lipid peroxidation and, at the time itself, can also exert an antioxidant action, favoring the activity of enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase.

However, before approving a similar therapeutic application of sage, more and more in-depth clinical studies are certainly needed.

Sage against digestive disorders

As mentioned, by virtue of its choleretic properties, sage can be considered a valid aid in counteracting digestive disorders and can also be useful in case of loss of appetite.

Generally, sage is used internally to treat these disorders. As an indication, the dose usually used is about 4 grams of drug per day.

If sage is used as a liquid extract (1: 1 solvent / drug ratio, using 45% v / v ethanol as an extraction solvent), the generally recommended dose is about 2 grams of product.

Sage against excessive sweating

Among the various properties ascribed to sage, its antisudoriferous activity certainly stands out. Thanks to this particular action, the use of sage has been officially approved to counteract excessive sweating.

Also in this case, to treat this type of disorder, sage is used internally. As an indication, the usual recommended dose for treating excessive sweating is 0.25 grams of pulverized drug, to be taken before meals.

Sage against inflammation of the oropharyngeal mucosa

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial action, sage has obtained official approval to be used in the treatment of inflammations of the oral mucosa and pharyngeal mucosa.

For the treatment of this type of disorder, sage is used as a solution for gargling and rinsing. This solution can be prepared by infusing 2.5 grams of drug in 100 ml of water, or 2-3 drops of essential oil always in 100 ml of water. Alternatively, to prepare the sage-based solution for external use, you can also use 5 grams of liquid extract (alcohol), to be diluted in a glass of water.

Sage in folk medicine and in homeopathy

In folk medicine, sage is used internally to treat gastrointestinal disorders, such as flatulence, diarrhea and enteritis. Externally, however, this plant is used to gargle or rinse against inflammation and skin irritation, laryngitis, pharyngitis, stomatitis and as a remedy against gum bleeding.

Sage is also exploited by homeopathic medicine which uses it to counteract excessive sweating, slow digestion and some respiratory tract affections, such as coughs, bronchitis and pharyngitis.

Side effects

When taken at the recommended doses, sage should not cause any side effects.

However, following internal intake of sage essential oil for prolonged periods or after overdosage, symptoms such as tachycardia, hot flushes, dizziness and convulsions may occur.