SAGE
Articles by a Naturopathic Doctor ( N.D.)

Sage is a small perennial evergreen shrub and comes from the Mediterranean region. It is now well known as a culinary herb; raw, cooked or dried, and as such is also commercially grown in the US, Canada, Argentina, Germany and France ...

Sage has been used medicinally by ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians. Egyptians used it as a fertility aid, while Greeks used it for its ability to stop bleeding and clean wounds, ulcers and snakebites. Sage was a sacred herb for Romans, harvested for solemn ceremony.

Research has shown that sage possesses antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and astringent properties. As such, it is now widely used to treat hemorrhoids, blood or phlegm in the urine, excessive breast milk or fluid in the abdomen (ascites). It is commonly used for colds, congestion and fever. Due to its antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral effects, it can compliment and support the immune system when dealing with infection. Research using sage for the treatment of Herpes have shown reduction in size, number, severity and time between outbreaks of both genital and oral cold sores. Studies using sage have also demonstrated a reduction in pain associated with sore throat.

Sage has also been shown to have positive effects on memory and research is showing it has promise in the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. In North America, sage is taken as a dietary supplement to treat hot flashes, night sweats, and estrogen loss, as well as a tonic for fighting fatigue and nervous exhaustion, thus making it a common supplement for women suffering through menopause.

The typical and safe dose for dried sage leaf is 4-6 grams/day. As a liquid extract (1:2) 2-5 ml/day is recommended. There are no safety issues or contraindications with the use of sage. Due to a lack of research it is not recommended in pregnancy or lactation (unless it is used during weaning period to dry up milk supply).