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Plant
Remedies Sage
Sage Salvia spp.
Associated with longevity, sage has a reputation
for restoring failing memory and strengthening the eyesight in the
elderly. Sage is found in its natural wild condition along the
Mediterranean coast up to and including the Adriatic.
The purple variety of s. officinalis is generally
used in medicine. The leaves have a special affinity with the mouth and
throat and so make an ideal mouthwash. It is useful in menopausal problems
and when weaning.
Constituents
Greenish, yellow volatile oil, tannins,
triterpenoids, flavonoids, oestrogenic substances, diterpene bitters
Character
Chinese herbal
medicine regards it as pungent, bitter, cool and drying
Action
It traditionally acts
as an antispasmodic, astringent, antiseptic, relaxes peripheral blood
vessels, antiseptic, uterine stimulant, antibiotic, it can reduce blood
sugar levels and promote bile flow
Application
Aerial parts
Infusion 20g of leaves to 50ml water is
traditionally used as a tonic and liver stimulant or to improve digestive
function. It can also relieve night sweats at the menopause
Tincture It is traditionally used for
menopausal problems.
Compress Soak a pad in the infusion can
help slow healing wounds
Gargle It can be used as a weak infusion
for sore throats, tonsillitis, mouth ulcers.
Cautions
Avoid large does in pregnancy. Small amounts in
cooking are safe. Sage
contains thujone which can trigger fits in epileptics, who should avoid it
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This page was last updated on 02 July 2005 00:00:00
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