Salvia officinalis (Labiatae)

SAGE, GARDEN SAGE, SPANISH SAGE

A traditional cure-all, the leaves are given by herbalists for a range of conditions, from mouth and throat infections to menopausal problems. Chinese uses include insomnia, hepatitis, and hives.

Sage has been seen as a cure-all throughout history; its generic name comes from the Latin for to be saved, and it was believed that having sage in the garden meant no illness could prevail. Native to southwest Europe and the northern Mediterranean coast and hinterland, it is a perennial shrub with wrinkled, oval, glandular leaves that can be reddish or green. Violet flowers are produced from late summer to autumn.

PARTS USED

Leaves.

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

Volatile oil containing thujone, cineole, borneol, and camphor; diterpene bitters; flavonoids, including salvigenin, genkwanin, and luteolin; phenolic acids, including rosmarinic and caffeic acids; oestrogenic substances; tannins.

ACTIONS

Astringent; antiseptic; promotes wound healing; reduces salivation and lactation; stimulates the womb; increases the flow of bile.

MEDICINAL USE

Used as a mouthwash for mouth and throat infections. It is also given to stimulate circulation and digestion in debility, to reduce excessive sweating in anxiety, and to help reduce menopausal symptoms. In Chinese medicine, sage is prescribed for menstrual problems, abdominal pain, insomnia, hepatitis, and hives.

PREPARATIONS

Infusion, tincture.

CAUTION

Avoid in pregnancy.