Sage
SALVIA OFFICINALIS L.

  

Medicinal sage is a dwarf shrub, a perennial medicinal plant 20-70 cm in height, it has upright, light hairy stems, they become woody and hard at the base. The tips are thick, hairy, scaly, pale gray-green leaves with slightly toothed edges. The flowers of the plant are blue-violet, in rare cases light pink and even white - placed at the tops of the plant. Fruits - four ovoid - three-sided nuts, which ripen in July-August. 

For medicinal purposes, the leaves of the plant are collected as soon as the plant begins to bloom and a second time in September. The collected leaves of the plant are dried on sieves in shady and well-ventilated places, or in the dryer, it is important to understand that the maximum temperature is 40C, but the lower the temperature you dry, the more essential substances will remain in the plant.

Medicinal sage leaves contain 2.5% essential oil, which contains up to 15% cineole, linalool, alpha and beta pinene, barneol and its acetate, thujone, linalyl acetate and other turpentine compounds.

The leaves also contain tannins, vitamins P and PP, flavonoids: hispidulin, genquanine, 6-methoxygenquinine, salvitin, luteolin, 6-hydroxyluteolin, cirsiliol, cinnaroside, nepetine; alkaloids, tannins; triterpenoids: ursolic acid and oleanolic acid; ditherene salvin; phenol carbonate acids: chlorogenic, noochlorogenic, cryptochlorogenic, coffee, rosmarinic acids; bitter substances and phytoncides.

Medicinal significance 

The basic properties of medicinal sage are associated with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. This is due to tannins and flavonoids in the leaves, as well as essential oils and vitamins P, PP.

Antimicrobial effect is more related to gram-positive bacteria, sage is less effective on gram-negative microorganisms.

The anti-inflammatory properties of sage are associated with reducing the permeability of blood vessels and capillary walls, as well as with the regenerative abilities of the blood composition. These properties have a direct impact on inflammatory processes, creating an inhibitory effect on the viability of pathogenic microflora.

When medicinal sage is used orally, it has a strengthening effect on the central nervous system, as well as normalizes the function of the gonads. The plant-based preparations also have a slight spasmolytic, liver-protecting, ulcer-healing, antilithogenic effect.

Medicinal sage leaf decoction and teas also have a sugar-lowering effect, so it is recommended for mild forms of diabetes. The bitter substances in the leaves of the plant promote the secretion of the gastric tract.

Nursing mothers should be very careful with sage, as it can stop lactation.

Medicinal sage is also applied externally as an infusion to rinse the oral cavity, for inhalations and compresses. Together with medicinal preparations, physioreflexotherapy and therapeutic exercises, the plant is used in the treatment of various joint diseases. Medicinal sage is also widely used in homeopathy.

The healing powers of sage were known long ago. In folk medicine, it was widely used to treat infertility, and it was also used to protect against plague.

This plant was widely used in folk medicine. Orally - for the treatment of atherosclerosis, hypertension, diseases of respiratory organs, diseases of digestive organs, liver, kidneys, nervous system, skin diseases, endocrine pathologies, as well as in gynecology and joint diseases (metabolic arthritis). Externally - for the treatment of inflammation of the mouth and throat, gingivitis, stomatitis, bleeding gums, abscess, angina and catarrh of the upper respiratory tract.

For men 

Sage, together with parsley seeds, is used to treat impotence caused by inflammatory diseases of the genitals, hypogonadism caused by inflammatory diseases or trauma.

Along with other herbs, sage is used to treat prostate adenoma, impotence, hyposexuality, vesiculitis, prostatitis, painful erection.

Medicinal sage for women 

Medicinal sage is used quite often to treat various women's diseases. It will ease the climacteric period, reduce hot flashes, night sweats, reduce nervousness and mood swings, improve memory. This is achieved because the plant affects estrogen levels. It is valuable to use this herb immediately after menstruation and until ovulation. Medicinal sage is also used in various concoctions designed to treat infertility.

Medicinal sage stimulates a woman's libido, restores damaged cells, is used to prevent cancer of the uterus and cervix, breast, skin and intestines. Medicinal sage is used in complex therapy to treat infection-inflammatory processes in the small pelvis, local use helps to deal with Candida bacteria, suppressing inflammation and itching. This plant also helps to treat chronic cystitis - it is used in sitz baths and orally.

During pregnancy, medicinal sage can only be used externally and locally - to rinse the mouth and throat in case of infection. When the plant is taken orally, it increases the tone of the uterus and provokes bleeding, so it can also cause a miscarriage.

During the lactation period, medicinal sage should not be used only to interrupt the breastfeeding period. Using medicinal sage will gradually reduce the amount of milk to zero within a couple of weeks.

MEDICINAL SAGE For men 

This plant enhances the production of testosterone, normalizes blood circulation and metabolism, prevents blood circulation disorders (blockages) in the genital system, stimulates the production of seminal fluid. The plant also helps to normalize prostate function, increase men's ability and sexual interest. It is also used in complex therapy to treat urinary tract infections. It will also be useful when you plan to grow a family.

Not recommended for use

Sage should not be used in the following cases:

  • polycystic 
  • pregnancy,
  • lactation,
  • myoma,
  • endometriosis,
  • hypothyroidism,
  • hypotonia,
  • amenorrhea,
  • pyelonephritis,
  • glomerulonephritis,
  • u.c.

Cosmetic significance

Medicinal sage oil is most often found in cosmetics, as

  • Anti-inflammatory agent. The plant contains a natural antibiotic-like compound that has strong antibacterial properties - it removes inflammation, accelerates cell regeneration, has a deodorizing effect and has antifungal activity.
  • Regulatory agent. Medicinal sage oil normalizes the activity of the sebaceous glands of the skin, actively narrows the pores, eliminates the causes of acne, effectively fights dandruff and excessively greasy hair.
  • Antiaging agent. Plant oil, thanks to the phytohormones contained in it, stimulates the renewal of skin cells, smooths out small wrinkles, enhances collagen synthesis, gives the skin smoothness and softness.
  • A tonic. Vegetable oil is used by athletes to warm up muscles and masseurs in anti-cellulite procedures. Thanks to this product, it is possible to get rid of dark circles and puffiness under the eyes. 
  • A healing agent. Vegetable oil accelerates the healing of burns, cuts, small wounds and scratches. An effective remedy for acne and pimples.
  • Strengthening agent. Sage oil prevents flaking of nails, helps in the fight against alopecia, gives hair shine and strength.

It is not recommended to use medicinal sage products in cosmetics:

  • During pregnancy and lactation;
  • In case of hypertension;
  • In case of increased nervousness and sleep disorders;
  • In cases where increased concentration is required.