Botanical Name of Garden Sage: Salvia Officinalis
Other Common Names:Common, garden, kitchen or dalmation sage, salie and salvia
Habitat: This plant is native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region but has been naturalized to other warmer temperate climates, including North America. Garden sage (Salvia Officinalis) prospers in an alkaline soil in full sun. It is commonly found in dry banks and rocky soil.
Plant Description: Garden sage is a fragrant shrub with silver-green leaves. It has a woody stem and blue to purplish flowers. This plant may reach a height of 60 centimeters and a spread of 45 centimeters. The garden sage plant flowers in mid-summer.
Plant Parts Used: The flowers and leaves can be dried for herbal uses, although the leaves are most commonly used.
Therapeutic Uses and Benefits of Garden Sage (Salvia Officinalis)
* Traditionally, the leaves have been made into a poultice and used externally to treat sprains, swelling, ulcers and bleeding. It was also commonly used in tea form to treat sore throats and coughing.
* Considered by many herbalists as a good medicinal herb for treating eczema.
* Garden sage is useful in treating the symptoms of menopause, including “hot flashes.”
* Salvia officinalis has shown anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties that make it a useful weapon in combating many illnesses. Some studies have shown it to be effective against candida albicans, herpes simplex virus II, and influenza virus II.
* This herb has shown great promise in aiding digestion and enhancing overall tone of the digestive tract.
* Garden sage also has shown anti-oxidant properties equal to that of alpha-tocopherol.
* Sage helps reduce excessive perspiration and salivation.
* Salvia officinalis may also support liver and pancreatic function.
* Sage tea does appear to have a mild calming effect as well.
* Garden sage may be helpful in Type II diabetes for lowering blood sugar levels through Insulin support (although only a mild effect.)
* Sage has been used commonly as a flavor preserver in foods, as well as a flavoring during cooking.
* Leaves of the sage plant can be placed in bathwater to enhance dark hair.
* Garden sage leaves may be applied to an aching tooth to relieve pain.
Dosage and Administration
Garden sage may be taken in tea form, added to foods while cooking, added raw to salads and sandwiches, and also in tablet/capsule form. The recommended dosage is 400 mg taken one to three times daily. Sage may also be used in aromatherapy.
Side Effects and Possible Interactions of Garden Sage (Salvia Officinalis)
There are no major side effects documented with garden sage use in normal doses. It may be toxic in large dosages or when used for a prolonged period. It should not be used while pregnant or breast feeding. Salvia officinalis should not be used by people with epilepsy or other seizure disorders. No drug interactions have been noted with sage use.
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