Sage leaf is a Mediterranean herb used in alternative medicine to treat coughs, sore throats, sweating, and digestive problems. It can have dangerous side effects for people with certain health conditions and is not recommended for children or pregnant/nursing women.
Sage leaf comes from Salvia officinalis, a small shrub native to Mediterranean regions. The leaves are green with a strong citrus-like aroma and can be used as a form of treatment in alternative medicine. The oil can be removed from the sage leaves by crushing them, then mixed with alcohol or added to capsules. The leaves can also be dried and added to boiling water to make a medicinal tea drink.
One of the most common conditions for which herbalists recommend the use of sage leaf is the relief of a constant cough or sore throat. The oil or dried leaves are usually added to hot water, then gargled with. Some herbalists believe that the herb has anti-inflammatory properties that also provide a soothing sensation for the throat.
The use of sage leaf has also been promoted as a treatment for sweating. Although not proven effective, some herbalists believe that the oil from the leaves may regulate body temperature. People suffering from uncontrollable sweating may be advised to try sage leaf capsules to manage their symptoms. The herb may also be promoted as a treatment option for menopausal women, particularly as a means of managing hot flashes.
It is believed that digestive problems can be soothed with the use of sage leaf. Supporters of the herb feel that oral administration may provide calming properties to treat indigestion and stomach cramps. Some also believe that the oil from the leaves has antibacterial properties and can treat stomach ulcers caused by bacterial infections.
Sage leaf oil or the dried leaves can have dangerous side effects for people with certain health conditions. It is believed to increase the chance of seizures if taken in large amounts. People with epilepsy or other seizure-related conditions are generally advised to avoid the herb. It can also cause problems with people who have diabetes because the oil can combine with alcohol or sugar and could unexpectedly raise a diabetic person’s blood sugar levels.
The use of herbal supplements such as sage is generally recommended for adults only. The effects in children are generally not tested, so herbalists may choose to exercise caution and avoid prescribing the supplements to children. Pregnant or nursing women are generally not advised to use sage supplements or drink sage tea, simply because the effects of the herb on infants and children are unknown.
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