What is sage leaf? How does it work (mechanism of action)?
Sage leaf is a spice that is used as herbal supplement for several conditions. The mechanism of action of Sage leaf is not known. It is believed to provide therapeutic effect through beta-thujone, which is a major component of Sage leaf oil extract.
You do not need a prescription to obtain sage.
What is sage used for?
Sage is a herbal supplement which can be used as:
- A natural remedy as treatment for Alzheimer's disease.
To treat:
- Herpes labialis.
- Diarrhea.
- Colds.
- Excessive perspiration.
- GI antispasmodic/antiflatulent).
- Abdominal cramps.
- Bloating.
- Menstrual cramps and bleeding.
- Cough.
- Tonsillitis.
- Throat infections.
- Antibacterial/antimicrobial traits.
- Some pre - menopausal women to treat hot flashes.
- Dandruff.
- Oily hair.
- Scalp infections.
- Restore color to gray or white hair.
What is the dosage for sage?
- Tincture: Take 1/8 to 1/2 teaspoon of dried sage leaves in a sip of water up to two times a day.
- Herbal Tea: Drink several cups of sage tea every day for several weeks.
- Gargle or take small sips of sage tea: Gargle or drink throughout the day as needed.
- Alzheimer's disease: Take up to 1 gram of sage by mouth per day.
- Genital herpes: Apply 23 mg per day of sage extract and rhubarb extract cream to affected areas every 2 to 4 hours for 10 to 14 days.
Which drugs or supplements interact with sage?
Sage leaf should be used with caution with medications that cause sedation, due to increased sedative effects.
SLIDESHOW
Foods That Aren't as Healthy as You Think See SlideshowIs sage safe to take if you are pregnant or breastfeeding?
- There are no adequate studies done on Sage leaf to determine safe and effective use in pregnant women.
- It is not known whether Sage leaf enters breast milk; therefore, it is best to be cautious before using in nursing mothers.
What else should you know about sage?
What preparations of sage leaf-oral are available?
Sage leaf is available in tablets, tincture, cream and tea forms.
How should I keep sage leaf-oral stored?
Due to multiple manufacturers making Sage leaf, storage requirements may vary based on manufacturer practices.
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Summary
Salvia officinalis (Sage Leaf, Common Sage, Garden Sage, Black Sage) is a spice in which the leaves are used as an herbal supplement for several conditions. Side effects, drug interactions, dosage, and pregnancy safety information should be reviewed prior to taking this herbal supplement.
Related Disease Conditions
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STDs in Men
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Sore Throat Home Remedies
Natural and home remedies for sore throat symptoms and pain relief include essential oils, licorice gargles, slippery elm leaves, raw garlic, Throat Coat tea, sage, and acupuncture. Typical symptoms of a sore throat include throat pain, coughing, sneezing, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. Sore throats are caused by viral (common cold, flu, mumps), bacterial (tonsillitis, some STDs), toxins, allergens, trauma or injury, or "mechanical causes" (breathing through the mouth).
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Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain can have many causes that range from mild to severe. Some of these causes include bloating, gas, colitis, endometriosis, food poisoning, GERD, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), ovarian cysts, abdominal adhesions, diverticulitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, gallbladder disease, liver disease, and cancers. Signs and symptoms of the more serious causes include dehydration, bloody or black tarry stools, severe abdominal pain, pain with no urination or painful urination. Treatment for abdominal pain depends upon the cause.
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Chronic Cough
Chronic cough is a cough that does not go away and is generally a symptom of another disorder such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, sinus infection, cigarette smoking, GERD, postnasal drip, bronchitis, pneumonia, medications, and less frequently tumors or other lung disease. Chronic cough treatment is based on the cause, but may be soothed natural and home remedies.
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Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease is a common cause of dementia. Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease include memory loss, difficulty performing familiar tasks, disorientation to time and place, misplacing things, and more. The biggest risk factor for Alzheimer's disease is increased age. Treatment for Alzheimer's is often targeted toward decreasing the symptoms and progression of the disease.
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Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). The herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes this infection. Signs and symptoms of genital herpes in women are painful blisters that may look like pimples in the genital area or blisters around the anus. There is no cure for genital herpes.
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Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
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Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)
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Children's Cough Causes and Treatments
Children's cough causes include infection, acid reflux, asthma, allergies or sinus infection, whooping cough, and exposure to irritants. Treatment for a child's cough include cough medicine for children over the age of four.
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Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Pregnancy (STDs)
When you are pregnant, many sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can be especially harmful to you and your baby. These STDs include herpes, HIV/AIDS, genital warts (HPV), hepatitis B, chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. Symptoms include bumps, sores, warts, swelling, itching, or redness in the genital region. Treatment of STDs while pregnant depends on how far along you are in the pregnancy and the progression of the infection.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Medically reviewed by John C. Cunha, DO.