Salvia officinalis

Salvia officinalis [Image]. [2014]. Retrieved from: http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvia_officinalis

Common name: 
Sage
(Braun & Cohen, 2010, p.810)

Latin binomial:
Salvia officinalis 
(Braun & Cohen, 2010, p.810)

Family: 
Labiatae
(Braun & Cohen, 2010, p.810)

Parts used:
Leaf
(Braun & Cohen, 2010, p.810)
 

Active constituents:

• Volatile oils including; 30% thujone, 5% cineole, linalol, borneol, camphor, Salvene and pinene
• Bitter
• Tannin
• Triterpenoids
• Flavenoids
• Oestrogenic substances
• Resin

(Hoffman, 1983, p.222)  

Actions:

• Spasmolytic
• Antioxidant
• Astringent
• Antihyperhidrotic
• Antimicrobial

(Bone, 2003, p. 394)

Indications:

• Remedy for inflammation of the mouth, throat and tonsils
• Volatile oils are soothing on the mucous membranes
• Used internally as a mouth wash for inflammation and ulcers.
• Gargle to treat tonsillitis, pharyngitis and laryngitis   
• Reduces sweating when taken internally
• Reduced the production of milk 
• Promotes wound healing as a compress
• Stimulates the muscles of the uterus

(Hoffman, 1983, 222)

Contraindications: 

• Avoid during pregnancy  

(Hoffman, 1983, 222). 

• Avoid during lactation

(Bone, 2003, p. 394) 

Cautions:

• Sage oil can irritate the skin, when used topically
• Internal use of the oil should be closely monitored.

(Braun & Cohen, 2010, p.812)

Dosage:

• Liquid extract: 2.0-4.5 ml of 1:2 per day or 15- 30ml of 1:2 per week (Bone, 2003, p.394)
• Infusion: Poor a cup of boiling water onto 1-2 teaspoons of leaves and allow to infuse for 10 minutes, drink 3 times daily (Hoffman, 1983, 222). 

Combinations: 

• As a gargle for throat conditions it combines well with Tormentil and Balm of Gilead.
• In dyspesia it can be combined with Meadowsweet and Chamomile
  (Hoffman, 1983, p.222)

References:

Bone, K. (2003) A clinical guide to blending liquid herbs; herbal formulations for the individual patient. Churchill, Livingstone: Missouri.

Braun, L. Cohen, M. (2010) Herbs and natural supplements; an evidence-based guide. Elsevier: NSW.

 Hoffman, D. (1983) The holistic herbal. Element books: Dorset.