Description: Sage is a shrubby perennial plant which grows wild in southern Europe and the Mediterranean countries and is commonly cultivated elsewhere as a kitchen spice. A strongly branched root system produces square, finely hairy stems which are woody at the base and bear opposite, downy, oblong leaves which may be entire or finely crenate. The floral leaves are ovate to ovate-lanceolate. Purple, blue, or white two-lipped flowers grow in whorls which form terminal racemes.
Properties and Uses: Antihydrotic, antispasmodic, astringent. Sage′s best-known effect is the reduction of perspiration, which usually begins about two hours after taking sage tea or tincture and may last for several days. This property makes it useful for night sweats, such as those common with tuberculosis. A nursing mother whose child has been weaned can take sage tea for a few days to help stop the flow of milk. The tea has also been prescribed for nervous conditions, trembling, depression, and vertigo. It is said to be helpful too in cases of leucorrhea, dysmenorrhea and amenorrhea. As an astringent, it can be used for diarrhea, gastritis and enteritis. As a gargle, the tea is good for sore throat, laryngitis and tonsillitis. It also helps to eliminate mucous congestion in the respiratory passages and the stomach. Finally, crushed fresh sage leaves can be used as first aid for insect bites.
CAUTION: Extended or excessive use of sage can cause symptoms of poisoning.