Sage

Introduction

Sage is a silvery-green plant known for its fragrant leaves. Initially found in the Mediterranean, it is now grown in North America. The leaves serve both medicinal and culinary purposes. The name “salvia” comes from the Latin word “salvere,” meaning “to cure.” Traditionally, sage and its oil have been used to treat various illnesses, including oral and gastrointestinal inflammations. It has applications as a tonic, antispasmodic, antiseptic, and astringent, and is used to manage excessive sweating. Internally, sage is consumed as tea for conditions like dysmenorrhea, diarrhea, gastritis, tonsillitis, and sore throat. Dried sage leaves are also smoked to alleviate asthma symptoms.

Dried sage is a popular culinary spice and a source of sage oil, obtained through steam distillation. The plant’s fragrance is noted for masking unpleasant odors, particularly in fish dishes. Sage oil is commonly used in soaps, perfumes, and food flavors.

Common Names

• Sage
• Garden Sage
• True Sage
• Scarlet Sage
• Meadow Sage

Latin Name

• Salvia officinalis

Uses

Sage is used for:

• Culinary purposes as a spice and source of sage oil
• Medicinally for its antispasmodic and carminative properties
• Recommended for dyspepsia, excessive sweating, and as a gargle for coughs and colds

Application

For conditions like mouth inflammation, gingivitis, and sore throats:

• Add 3 grams of sage leaf to 150 ml of boiling water, strain after 10 minutes, and let cool. The resulting tea can be used as a mouthwash or gargle several times daily.

Scientific Insights

Sage leaves are recommended for various conditions, including dyspepsia, excessive sweating, and as a gargle for coughs and colds.

Side Effects and Cautions

• Reported side effects from sage ingestion include cheilitis, stomatitis, dry mouth, and local irritation. These effects have been noted particularly after consuming sage tea or large amounts of the plant extract.

Sources

• Information was accessed from Drugs.com and Wikipedia.

This summary highlights the key aspects of sage, including its uses, applications, and potential side effects.