The name itself salvia comes from Latin salvara - treat. In the Mediterranean, since ancient times, sage has been used by the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans as a medicinal and spice plant. It was burned to eliminate extraneous odors. Indeed, if you burn a few sage leaves in the kitchen, then the smells of burnt and spoiled food disappear. Medieval hunters rubbed themselves with sage so that the animals did not smell and could come closer. The Egyptians gave sage to infertile women, which research has shown makes sense. Sage has a marked estrogenic effect and promotes ovulation.At the same time, they did not know about him in central Europe at that time. He was transported across the Alps by monks and planted in the monastery's pharmaceutical gardens. This plant is mentioned in almost all classical herbalists of the Middle Ages: “Hortulus” by V. Strabo, “Capitullre de villis” by Carl Magnus, the writings of Hildegarda of Bingent. It was also used as a defense against the plague. Indeed, the plant and, above all, its essential oil, has a fairly wide spectrum of action against bacterial infection, even against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus, has an antiviral effect. The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of sage are associated with the content of tannic and flavonoid compounds in the leaves, as well as with the presence of essential oil and vitamins P and PP in the aerial part of the plant. The antimicrobial activity of the plant is most pronounced in relation to gram-positive strains of bacteria; to a lesser extent, herbal preparations of sage affect gram-negative strains of microorganisms. The anti-inflammatory effect of sage is due to a decrease in the permeability of the walls of blood vessels and capillaries under the action of drugs, as well as the presence of hemostatic properties in the plant. The combination of these properties significantly potentiates the overall effect on the main links of the inflammatory process, including the possibility of inhibiting the vital activity of pathogenic microflora. In addition, it was experimentally established that sage leaves increase the secretory activity of the gastrointestinal tract due to the presence of bitterness in the plant. Galenic forms of the plant also have a slight splasmolytic effect. In folk medicine, an aqueous infusion of leaves is used for colds and as an astringent, disinfectant for diarrhea of various origins. The property of a plant to inhibit perspiration has long been known, and therefore its decoction and infusion are used for foot baths for hyperhidrosis, especially in combination with an unpleasant odor. This property is used in the climacteric period, with some febrile conditions, tuberculosis.
Sage infusions are also used for inflammatory diseases of the skin, for the treatment of festering ulcers and wounds, for minor burns and frostbite. For therapeutic purposes, gauze napkins moistened with sage infusion are used, general or local baths with infusion are prescribed. Together with walnut leaves and black tea, they are used for weeping eczema. For acne, it is used for lotions and rubbing along with other antiseptic plants (rosemary, oak bark, thyme, witch hazel). Infusion and alcohol tincture are used for herpes. On this score, there are supporting scientific studies.
Sage infusions and decoctions are used for inflammatory diseases of the oropharynx, nasopharynx and upper respiratory tract, taking into account the astringent, anti-inflammatory, disinfecting and phytoncidal properties of the plant. Sage leaves in the form of an infusion are used for rinsing, inhalations, lotions and wet turundas for bleeding gums, for the prevention of periodontal disease, bad breath, aphthous stomatitis, for toothache, tonsillitis, rhinitis, sinusitis.However, it is not the best remedy for dry coughs.
There is clinical experience in the use of herbal preparations of sage for gastritis and gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer with reduced secretory activity of the gastrointestinal tract and acidity of gastric juice, as well as with a tendency of patients to spastic conditions of the stomach and intestines. It is used for dyspeptic symptoms, with a feeling of bloating and overcrowding, as a fixative for an upset stomach. Sage is prescribed for inflammation of the bladder. Separately, sage preparations are rarely used internally, usually sage leaves are included in complex collections.
The ability of sage preparations to suppress lactation in nursing mothers needs further study, but this is perhaps one of the few plants used in this case. This is probably due to its strong estrogenic effect. For the same reason, sage is prescribed internally for women with menopause, to alleviate unpleasant symptoms.
Dosage forms
Sage tincture (Tinctura Salviae) is a clear greenish-brown liquid with a characteristic aromatic odor and taste. A 1:10 tincture is prepared in 70% alcohol. It is used for rinsing.Sage leaf infusion (Infusum folii Salviae): 10 g (2 tablespoons) of raw material is placed in an enamel bowl, 200 ml (1 glass) of hot boiled water is poured, heated in boiling water (in a water bath) for 15 minutes, cooled at room temperature for 45 minutes , filter. The remaining raw materials are squeezed out. The volume of the resulting infusion is brought to 200 ml with boiled water. The prepared infusion is stored in a cool place for no more than 2 days.
A simpler option for internal use: prepare infusion of sage leaves in a ratio of 1:30 (a teaspoon to a glass of boiling water) and drink it 1/4 cup 3 times a day 0.5 hours before meals.
The infusion is used as an emollient and anti-inflammatory agent. It is used as a blood purifier, tonic for seasonal depressions and an antiseptic for urogenital infections in the form of sitz baths. In some cases, it is quite effective for dysfunctions and premenstrual syndrome in women.
For cooking infusion for rinsing you need to take 1 tablespoon of leaves, pour a glass of boiling water, leave for 20 minutes, cool, strain.
For infertility, sage juice with a little salt is recommended.
An infusion of 20 g of leaves per 500 ml of water reduces lactation, and during menopause reduces night sweats.
With early gray hair and dandruff, it is recommended to rinse the head with a decoction of sage.
Contraindications
In case of an overdose of sage (more than 15 g of raw materials per intake), dizziness, tachycardia, discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract, spasms are observed. These phenomena are associated with a high content of thujone. Contraindicated during pregnancy.
