Nature's Healers

Sage

Sage is a magnificent healing herb. It is equated with wisdom and clear thinking, and was used the ancient Egyptians and Chinese as a brain tonic. It is also associated with good health and longevity. Its botanical name Salvia stems from the Latin salvere - to be in good health, and to be saved.

Sage has a remarkable list of healing properties. It is antiseptic, anti-fungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, anti-catarrhal, expectorant, diuretic, alterative, carminative, cholagogue, choleretic, styptic, astringent, vulnerary, rejuvenative, deodorant, hypoglycaemic, oestrogenic, anti-depressant, hepatic, anti-sudorific, cicatrisant, antioxidant, emmenagogue, and lypolytic. It is a febrifuge, general tonic and stimulant, immune system stimulant, uterine and ovarian stimulant, circulatory tonic, digestive tonic, general decongestant, reproductive tonic for both men and women, nervine tonic. It has a cleansing and cooling action.

A great balancer

Sage is a great balancer: it balances hormones, stabilises emotions, and regulates blood pressure. It also regulates menstruation: it stimulates the flow of delayed or sluggish menses, and controls menses if too profuse.

Internal uses

Sage tea or infusion, two or three cups daily, improves liver function and digestion, and relieves dyspepsia, flatulence, and constipation. It supports a healthy brain and nervous system, sharpens the senses and improves the memory.

Sage relieves anxiety, depression, menopausal problems such as hot flushes and night-sweats. It controls excessive lactation, salivation and perspiration, and is a remedy for lethargy, debility, and female sterility. Combined with external use, sage eases rheumatic pain.

Hot sage infusions relieve colds, fevers and respiratory tract infections.

External uses

Sage is a remedy for any inflammation of the mouth, gums and throat. For laryngitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, quinsy, bad breath, coughs, and hoarseness, use sage infusions both internally and externally as a mouthwash and gargle. It can be combined with apple cider vinegar, chamomile or rosemary. Sage is also used as a hot inhalation for respiratory problems.

Used both internally and externally as a wash, sage is a remedy for acne, skin infections, fungal infections, leucorrhoea, vaginal discharge and sore genitals.

A compress made with sage infusion controls bleeding heals wounds, especially slow-to-heal wounds, varicose ulcers, sores, snakebites, insect bites,

A sage infusion added to the bath relieves painful joints, cramp, flatulence, stomach ache and skin problems. Added to footbaths when menstruating relieves cramps and brings on delayed menses. The medicinal properties of herbs are easily absorbed through the feet.

Sage has a preservative action in food, and is widely used as a culinary herb, not only in traditional cooking, but also in vegetarian and vegan cuisine, and Italian pasta dishes. Infused sage oil can be used in cooking, salads or as a massage oil.

Not to be used in excess over long periods.

Not taken in pregnancy.

© Martha Magenta 2006.