Info Herb

Order
Labiateae

Habitat
Native to the Mediterranean region, but cultivated world wide.

Constituents
Volatile oil, containing  a and b-thujone as the major components, with pinene, cineole, borneol, camphor, 2-methyl-3-methylene-5-heptene and others.
Diterpene bitters; picrosalvin (= carnosol), carnosolic acid and others.
Flavonoids; salvigenin, genkwanin, 6-methoxygendwanin, hispidulin.
Phenolic acids; rosmarinic, caffeic, labiatic.
Salviatannin, a condensed catechin.
Rosmarinic acid.

Part used
Leaves

Actions
Astringent, antiseptic, carminative, anti-spasmodic, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, circulatory, stimulant, diaphoretic, digestive, oestrogenic.

Can be used for
Sage is the specific remedy for inflammations and ulcerations of the mouth, throat and tonsils, its volatile oils will soothe the mucous membranes, and help a relaxed uvula. Can be used internally and as a mouth wash for inflamed and bleeding gums (gingivitis), inflamed tongue (glossitis) or generalized mouth inflammation (stomatitis). It is an specific remedy in mouth ulcers (apthae). As a gargle it will aid in the treatment of laryngitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis and quinsy. It is a valuable carminative used in acute non-recurring indigestion (dyspepsia), flatulence, loss of appetite, it is of considerable value in gastric debility with flatulence and has proved a good tonic in spermatorrhea. It reduces sweating when taken internally, it is one of the specific remedies for "hot flashes" (drink it as a cold tea). As a compress it promotes the healing of wounds. Good to enhance poor memory, helpful with mental confusion, nervous excitement.
It will reduce high sugar levels in diabetics. Sage has a modest anticancer activity.
Topical - May be helpful in rheumatism, using the tea as a a shampoo rinse will slow onset of graying hair.

King's dispensatory tell us that it is a expectorant and beneficial for cold extremities and enfeebled circulation.

 Preparations
Liquid tinctures of leaves, mouth wash, tablets, capsules. Topically, hair rinse, skin washes.

Dosage
Infusion: put a cup of boiling water over 1 - 2 teaspoonfuls of the dry leaves 
infuse it for 10-15 minutes. Drink infusion three times a day.
Mouth wash: put 2 teaspoonfuls of the leaves in half a litre ( 2 cups) of water, bring to the boil and let stand, covered, for 20/30 minutes. Gargle with the warm tea for 5-l0 minutes several times a day.
Tincture: (1:3 or 1:4  @ 45% alcohol) take 1-3 ml three times a day. 

Contraindications
Not indicated in high blood pressure, presence of blood in the urine, pregnancy, epilepsy, lactation.

Use in pregnancy and lactation
Sage will stimulates the muscles of the uterus and so should be avoided during pregnancy. A very effective herb to reduce the production of breast milk, it should not be used in lactation.

Side effects
No side effects are generally expected for oral or topical usage. 
 
 

Bartram, T. 1995 Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine First Edition Grace 
BHMA, 1983 British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, BHMA, Bournemouth.
Grieve, M. 1971 A Modern Herbal, vol. 1 Dover publications N.Y.
Hoffmann, D. 1990 The New Holistic Herbal, Second Edition, Element.
Felter H.W., Lloyd  J.U.  1898 King's American Dispensatory
Mills, S. Bone K. 2000 Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy Churchil Livingstone
Weiss, R.F. 1991 Herbal Medicine, Beaconsfield Arcanum, Beaconsfield.

NOTE: I hope you will find the herbal  monographs informative and interesting,  but please remember that descriptions of herbs and usages are not meant to replace the diagnosis and treatment of a qualified practitioner.
I cannot accept responsibility for any adverse effects arising from self-medication. Do not self treat if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you are taking any medication. Any persistent condition should always be referred to a medical herbalist or doctor.