Sage, (Salvia officinalis) Powder Bulk

Family

Lamiaceae (Mint Family)

Etymology

The genus name Salvia, from which the common name derives, comes from the Latin salvus, "healthy."

Range of Appearance

Sage is native to southeastern Europe but cultivated and naturalized elsewhere. A perennial, it often grows to a foot or more in height and has a squarish stem. The leaves grow in pairs and are grayish green in color, slightly hairy, and strongly veined. The purplish flowers grow in whorls. In the garden, sage does best in full sun and well-drained soil, with low to moderate amounts of water.

Parts Used

Aboveground plant, root

Physiological Effects

Anaphrodisiac, antifungal, antigalactagogue, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antisudorific, aromatic, astringent, brain tonic, carminative, choleretic, circulatory stimulant, emmenagogue, estrogenic, expectorant, diaphoretic, digestive, hypoglycemic, nervine, phytoestrogenic, tonic, vermifuge

Medicinal Uses

Sage's bitter principles stimulate digestive secretions, and its tannin content improves resistance to infection. Sage helps thin mucus secretions and also tends to have a drying effect; it has been used to mitigate excessive saliva production in those with Parkinson's disease. It also improves the digestion of fatty foods and acts as a natural preservative. Even just the aroma of sage helps promote mental alertness. Sage is used in the treatment of anxiety, blood clots, colds, cystitis, depression, diarrhea, dyspepsia, fever, flatulence, flu, hot flashes, indigestion, irregular menses, memory problems, menopause symptoms, menorrhagia, migraines, night sweats, perspiration (excessive), respiratory congestion, rheumatic pain, and staphylococcus infection. Topically, sage can be prepared as a compress or wash to treat eczema, insect bites, poison ivy or oak, psoriasis, and wounds; as a gargle to treat halitosis, laryngitis, mouth sores, sore throat, sore gums, and tonsillitis; as a bath herb to relieve skin eruptions; as a hair rinse to treat dandruff and oily scalp and to help darken gray hair; as a douche to treat leukorrhea; as a facial steam to treat oily or blemished skin; and as a mouthwash to freshen the breath.

Culinary Uses

Sage leaves are a common culinary spice. They have a camphorlike, astringent flavor. They improve the digestion of fatty foods and act as a natural preservative. The leaves and flowers can be candied.

Other Uses

In folkloric tradition, sage is used to promote longevity and wisdom and to attract protection and prosperity.

Constituents

Beta-carotene, vitamins B1, vitamin B2, niacin, vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, essential oils (thujone, borneol, cineol, camphor, pinene, salvene), bitter principle (picrosalvine), flavonoids, tannin, phenolic acids (rosmarinic, caffeic, labiatic), phytoestrogens, resin

Contraindications

Avoid large doses during pregnancy and, because it can dry up a mother's milk while nursing. Do not use therapeutically for extended periods. Those with epilepsy, high blood pressure, or kidney disease may be adversely affected by the thujone content and should avoid large doses of sage.

Plant details were provided by iPlant by Brigitte Mars.

Hyperlink it to https://brigittemars.com/iplant-app/