Medicinal Plants : Salvia officinalis

Name

Biological Name

Salvia officinalis
Labiateae

Other Names

Parts Used

Leaves

Active Compounds

Volatile oil, containing a and b-thujone as the major components, with cineole, borneol, camphor, 2-methyl-3-methylene-5-heptene and others

Diterpene bitters; picrosalvin (= carnosol), carnosolic acid and others

Flavonoids; salvigenin, genkwanin, 6-methoxygendwanin, hispidulin, luteolin

Phenolic acids; rosmarinic, caffeic, labiatic etc.

Salviatannin, a condensed catechin.

Remedies For

Carminative, anti-spasmodic, anti-microbial, astringent, anti-inflammatory, sudorific, expectorant, tonic, aromatic, nervine, vermifuge, emmenagogue, diuretic, stimulant, diaphoretic, stomachic, antiseptic.

Red Sage is the classic remedy for inflammations of the mouth, throat and tonsils, its volatile oils soothing the mucous membranes. Used as a mouth wash for inflamed and bleeding gums (gingivitis), inflamed tongue (glossitis) or generalized mouth inflammation (stomatitis). An excellent remedy in mouth ulcers (apthae). As a gargle it will aid in the treatment of laryngitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis and quinsy. A valuable carminative used in dyspepsia. It reduces sweating when taken internally and may be used to reduce the production of breast milk. As a compress it promotes the healing of wounds. Red Sage stimulates the muscles of the uterus and so should be avoided during pregnancy. Jethro Kloss calls sage an almost "cure-all - you could never go amiss if you take sage."

Combinations : As a gargle for throat conditions it combines well with Tormentil and Balm of Gilead. In dyspepsia it can be combined with Meadowsweet and Chamomile.

Description

No other information available.

Dosage

Infusion: Pour a cup of boiling water onto 1-2 teaspoonfuls of the leaves and let infuse for 10 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day. Mouthwash: put 2 teaspoonfuls of the leaves in half a liter ( one pint) of water, bring to the boil and let stand, covered, for l5 minutes. Gargle deeply with the hot tea for 5-10 minutes several times a day.

Tincture: take 2-4 ml of the tincture three times a day.

Safety

CAUTION: Avoid during pregnancy.

No other information available. Some herbs are known to react with your medication. Please consult your physician before starting on any herb.