Sage 2% Volatile Oil

Botanical: Salvia officinalis
Family: Labiatae (mint)

Other common names: Common Sage, Garden Sage, Kitchen Sage, Scarlet Sage, Dalmation Sage, Meadow Sage, True Sage

Best known as a culinary herb, Sage has been used for centuries in treating a variety of ailments. Popular for its antioxidant, astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, Sage has been found to increase circulation, relieve digestive problem, and improve the memory. Sage contains vitamins A, C and B-complex, plus high amounts of calcium and potassium.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Viable Herbal Solutions is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

History and Uses:
Sage is grown extensively in its native Mediterranean region but now also grows in North America, where it is valued for both its culinary and health benefits.  Many Italians eat the leaves with bread and butter (or olive oil) as part of a healthy diet.  More than five hundred species grow around the world.  A member of the mint family, the name Sage is derived from the Latin, salvere, meaning "to save" or "to cure."  Growing Sage in a Medieval garden was a sign of prosperity.  It was also a sign that if the plant flourished, the woman ruled the house.  The parts of this plant used medicinally are the above-ground portions. Sage is said to have an antispasmodic action, which reduces tension in smooth muscle, and it can be used in a steam inhalation for asthma attacks.  It is an excellent remedy for helping to remove mucous congestion in the airways and for checking or preventing secondary infection.  It may be taken as a carminative to reduce griping and other symptoms of indigestion and is also said to be of value in the treatment of dysmenorrhea and menstrual irregularity or amenorrhea.  Its bitter component stimulates upper digestive secretions, intestinal mobility, bile flow and pancreatic function, while the volatile oil has a carminative and stimulating effect on the digestion. The primary chemical constituents of Sage include essential oil (thujone, borneol, cineol, camphor, pinene), bitter principle (picrosalvine), flavonoids, tannin, phenolic acid (rosmarinic, caffeic, labiatic), phyto-estrogens and resin.  The thujone is said to act as a vermifuge.  There also seems to be a more general relaxant effect, so that the plant may be suitable in the treatment of nervousness, excitability and dizziness.  It is said to help fortify a generally debilitated nervous system.  Sage also deals effectively with throat infections, dental abscesses, infected gums and mouth ulcers.  It can also be applied to external wounds.  The essential oil, heated in a vaporizer, has been used to disinfect sick-rooms.  Sage also has an astringent action due to its relatively high tannin content and can be used in the treatment of infantile diarrhea.  Its antiseptic action is of value where there is intestinal infection. Rosmarinic acid contributes to the herb's anti-inflammatory activity.  As a gargle, it will aid in the treatment of laryngitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis and quinsy.  It is thought to reduce sweating when taken internally, and may be used to reduce the production of breast milk. Sage tends to have a drying effect and has even been used for excessive saliva production in those with Parkinson's Disease.  Extracts of Sage are thought to have antioxidant properties; they act as a preservative, which probably explains Sage's wide use as a meat seasoning for centuries.  Sage has also been used externally as a cosmetic to darken the hair.

Recommended Dosage:
Take two (2) to three (3) capsules, two (2) times each day with water at mealtimes.

Contraindications:
Sage is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women, nor should it be taken by individuals with seizure disorders (those with epilepsy may be adversely affected by the thujone content). Sage may interfere with the absorption of iron or other minerals in the body. Those who are allergic to members of the mint family (thyme, basil, sage, marjoram, etc.), should avoid this herb.

Capsule Information:
Our Sage supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules. (click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs.