According to medical herbalists, the Red Leaf Sage is the preferred medicinal variety. Research has suggested that the presence of a volatile oil in sage is largely responsible for most of its therapeutic properties, especially its antiseptic, astringent and relaxing actions. This also gives sage an oestrogenic action which is partly responsible for hormonal effects, such as reducing breast-milk production. red sage can
- Improve irregular and scanty periods
- Promote stronger menstrual flow
- Reduce sweating, especially during the menopause
- Reduces hot flushes and generally help the body to adjust to hormonal changes
Red sage:
- Relieves sore throats, taken internally and used as a very effective gargle
- Encourages the healing process, especially for mouth ulcers, sore gums and external wounds in general
- Aids digestion. Sage acts as a digestive tonic helping to stimulate or soothe the digestive tract
- As a nerve tonic, helps to both calm and stimulate the nervous system
- Is useful for stings and bites, especially if the fresh leaves are rubbed onto the affected area
- Was traditionally used to help asthma
- the dried leaves are often used in herbal smoking mixtures
- Can alleviate mild diarrhoea, because of its astringent (drying) properties
For an Infusion: Half – 1 teaspoon dried red sage herb to each cup boiling water, infuse 15 mins. Half – 1 cup three times daily or used as a gargle and mouthwash as often as required.; Tincture: 30-60 drops, in water or juice three times daily. Capsules: Powdered herb min 325mg, 1-4 capsules three times daily.
Do not take red sage during pregnancy, or while breast-feeding as it reduces milk production. It would be wise to avoid it when taking any other product or drug which affects the female Hormone System – such as HRT or the contraceptive pill.