Useful properties and applications sage

Salvia officinalis

Salvia officinalis is a plant which has long and widely used in folk medicine. His successful March across the planet started with the sage lands of the Mediterranean in ancient times. Greek and Roman physicians began to use the healing properties of sage in medicine one of the first, as evidenced by their numerous descriptions of the properties of this plant. Sage is often called the "Holy herb" from Hippocrates, who recommended it to all for wide application in various fields.

Who has ever breathed this tangy aroma, will never forget. A real natural healer – sage – one of the favorite herbs of folk medicine.

Interesting is the fact that sage native to the Mediterranean – Greece, Spain and Turkey, and spread it around the world trade routes with the merchants. In Europe the Renaissance it was especially popular, from old pharmaceutical books there are many recipes where the main component is the sage.

But do not confuse sage meadow, which is ubiquitous in Central Russia grows in the meadows and roadsides, with sage. They are two different species. Sage meadow in medicine is not applicable because it has no pronounced therapeutic action.

Composition and useful properties of sage

Hippocrates pointed to the beneficial properties of this plant and recommended it for strength and renewal of youth.

In inflorescences and leaves of sage discovered in the 0.3–0.5 % essential oil, which contains linalool, acetic acid, aromatic resin, pinene, formic acid, flavonoids, and tannins.

The seeds of Salvia is about 20 % protein and 30% fatty oil, which dries quickly, and the roots of sage are composed of coumarin.

The plant is inherent in the pronounced anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hemostatic, restorative properties, as well as sage is able to increase the secretory activity of the digestive tract, increase the secretion of gastric juice and reduce sweating.

The medicinal properties of this herb led to its use in the therapy of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys, and various viral infections. The sage is also well suited for the treatment of angina, bronchitis, mumps, gingivitis,of sciatica, arthritis, neuritis, diabetes, gynecological and skin diseases, wounds, ulcers, boils, burns, asthma , and more. The list is still very long.

Medicinal raw materials of the sage are leaves and tops of plants with flowers.

In folk medicine this herb is used:

In the fight against lung diseases, including such heavy as tuberculosis. Because of the mild diuretic and disinfectant effect sage has been used for inflammation of the urinary tract – pyelonephritis, cystitis;

The high content of hormones makes the sage a good remedy for the cure of diseases of female genital sphere. It is prescribed for severe manifestations of menopause (hot flashes, nervousness, sweating). Because of the hemostatic effect it is used when prolonged and profuse menstruation;

Sage is part of the thoracic fees, which are used to relieve cough in bronchitis, pneumonia;

Gastric fees with this plant help with bloating, have a choleretic effect, stimulate the appetite and the motility of all departments of the digestive tract;

Externally, sage is used for fungal infections of the skin, festering wounds, psoriasis, burns, frostbite;

Sitz bath-based decoction of this plant reduces inflammation and bleeding when the hemorrhoids;

Sage – a good stimulant of immunity, in addition, it improves memory, enhances attention and increases efficiency.

In cosmetology sage also found a use:

• Aromatherapy basically uses essential oil of sage. It is used as a means of relieving stress, soothing headaches, bringing balance and a sense of satisfaction;

• A decoction of sage rinse hair, it adds Shine, eliminatesfrom dandruff and oily Shine, stimulates their growth;

• The antibacterial properties make this plant indispensable in the treatment of youthful acne. Extract of sage comes in many care products for young skin, prone to fat;

• Compress of decoction of sage to the eye area will help to get rid of dark circles and make your eyes look radiant;
• Sage essential oil is used in the preparation of fragrances in perfumes. In addition, it has the property to lock other easy collapsing of the essential oil that allows you to create persistent perfume, toilet water and colognes.

Extreme caution is necessary to use sage to women, as the plant contains active plant hormones. About contraindications to the use of sage in detail in the article.

The use of sage in medicine

There are so many different versions of recipes infusions and decoctions of sage. Quantitative ratio, and also cooking techniques usually are directly dependent on how the tool is going to apply. Best of all, of course, the exact dosage of sage to look in special directories, which are described in detail, the method of treatment of a particular disease.

Although it is possible to use one of the most famous recipes, which is suitable for indoor use and for outdoor. This infusion is prepared based on the ratio of leaf dry raw materials and water 1:10, but can be taken 1:5, if the leaves of fresh sage. The drug must insist in for one hour in a thermos, you can also use a water bath, but care must be taken that the infusion has not reached the stage of boiling.

To prepare a medicinal decoction, taken the same ratio of raw materials and water, only the composition needs to boil for 10-15 minutes on low heat.

Cooked this way the infusion or decoction can be used in inflammatory processes in the oral cavity as a rinse, but they can also be used for lotions and compresses in the treatment of arthritis, rheumatism, skin diseases, ulcers, wounds, and frostbite.

This infusion and decoction can also be taken orally for the treatment of a large number of diseases, this is usually done 30 minutes before meals or on an empty stomach in the morning. For example, infusion and decoction of sage, thanks to itsantiseptic and astringent properties, successfully treats diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and diarrhea.

In folk medicine, it has become a tradition to use sage to treat fevers and reduce the sweating in tuberculosis, and to relieve climacteric periods in women. Sweating is markedly reduced already in 20-30 minutes after the medication was taken, and the duration of action of the drug is at least 3-4 hours, maximum 1 day.

Sage since ancient times was considered a good remedy for women's diseases that had already been confirmed by modern medicine, as the plant contains the plant hormones, which, by their action on the organism of women is very similar to estrogen. Beauty has long taken this herb to rejuvenate the skin and clean your body, which as it turned out, not unreasonable.

Modern medicine has been able to figure out that sage is able to get rid of frigidity, and can also significantly increase libido. For these purposes, is often prepared and used for the infusion of lime flowers with sage. Linden, as you know, also quite rich in phytohormones plant. Since ancient times quite successfully treated infertility infusion of seeds sage. Prepared sometimes and tinctures from the seeds of Clary sage grape wine. Of course, now, the effectiveness of such fertility drugs are hard to believe, but it is worth considering what this tool was used for centuries, it's obvious that the result of treatment was still.

Quite a curious fact: in ancient Egypt the priests, to promote in families the birth rate for young women specifically give out the sage, and taught them to make tea from this plant, which had to be drunk every day until until the pregnancy. It is worth saying that any drugs that contain sage, not recommended for use during breastfeeding because sage contributes to considerable reduction of lactation. But when it comes time to take the child from the breast, drugs that contain sage, will be just in time.

Useful properties of sage can also be necessary men. Decoction and infusion of this plant is an excellent remedy for strengthening the hair follicles, which can significantly slow down the process of hair loss, and sometimes even stop it. That is not unreasonable, can be seen by the fact that there are quite a number of shampoos that contain sage extract.

This medicinal herb is considered to be very useful for people in old age, because it helps to strengthen nervous system, improve memory, as well as removal of senile trembling hands. It is worth noting that in manytherapeutic drugs used for the treatment of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, inflammatory processes in the bladder and gall bladder and kidneys, and even cancer, there is a sage. It should also be noted that self-medication in these cases is extremely inappropriate and sometimes even detrimental. But with proper appointment and supervision of a physician products containing sage can be very effective. Of course, it is not necessary to assume that the sage is a panacea for all ills, it is, of course, wrong, but still due to the properties of this wonderful herb is quite possible to improve their health and extend their life.

Sage for conception

Because of the content of phytohormones sage is used in the treatment of women's diseases. His ability to help conception was known to doctors of ancient Egypt.

What is the secret of such amazing action? The fact that phytohormones sage in its action resemble the female sex hormones estrogens.

The mechanism of action of sage in infertility

Female infertility has many causes, but the most common of these is the violation of ovulation. If the egg is not released from the ovary, fertilization is impossible, and therefore, pregnancy will not occur.

The process of ovulation is regulated by female sex hormones. Under the action of a sharp increase in the level of estrogen and luteinizing hormone around the middle of the menstrual cycle the follicle in the ovary bursts and the Mature egg goes to a meeting with sperm. But there are condition when natural estrogen is not enough. In this case, the follicle does not receive proper signal, and the egg is not ovulidae.

Phytohormones sage, first, stimulate the synthesis of estrogen, and secondly, due to its hormone-like actions compensate the lack of estrogen level in the blood. The follicle receives the desired signal bursts and the egg is successfully ovulidae.

How to take sage with infertility?

If accurate, the cause of infertility is a violation of ovulation due to low estrogen levels, you can try to stimulate the egg receiving infusion of sage.

In order to get the desired effect, you first need on the basis of ultrasound or basal body temperature to find out which day of the cycle, the egg reaches its maximumsizes. You can then make a schedule of sage. Infusion is taken from 3-4 day of menstruation until the day when the oocytes reaches its maximum. For example, if a 28-day cycle, welcome sage you have to start on the 4th day of menstruation and end up at 11-12; 21-day – 4 and 9-10 day respectively; when a 32-day cycle is to begin on the 4th day, to finish at 16-17.

Use the infusion of sage in the first days of menstruation is impractical due to its hemostatic effect, which can disrupt the natural cleansing process of the uterus. To take the medicine after ovulation is strictly contraindicated, as it stimulates the smooth muscles and causing hypertonicity of the uterus which can adversely affect fertilization and the attachment of the embryo to the walls of the body.

Preparation of infusion and dosage

Sage tea for treating infertility is prepared as follows: 1 tablespoon finely chopped leaves pour 1 Cup boiling water. If the presence of the sage is not in a box and in the beam together with the stems, then take 1-2 stalk (usually it has leaves and flowers) and also pour boiling water. Close tightly with a lid or a saucer, leave for 10-15 minutes. Take 1/3 Cup 4 times a day.

If pregnancy in this cycle has not come, continue to drink according to the scheme 2 of the cycle so that their total number reached 3. If all three attempts were unsuccessful, you should consult a gynecologist for detailed examination and identification of the causes of infertility. Repeat courses of treatment with sage can be no more than 3 times a year.

Sage during pregnancy

It is forbidden to take sage during pregnancy, in any trimester, as it causes an increase in uterine tone. This can lead to miscarriage in the early months and placental abruption in the third trimester. In addition, the plant reduces the production of the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for maintenance of pregnancy.

Sage to stop lactation

Sometimes there are situations when it is necessary to stop lactation. If this is not urgently necessary, the mildest remedy is sage tea. He slowly and painlessly reduce lactation. Especially good to use sage at the moment when the woman was only thinking about the termination of breastfeeding. Gradually decreasing the amount of milk will give a signal to the baby that the breast is no longer needed, and you can do without it, so mom and child can avoid the stressful situation.

Sage is also useful and strong tides milk, when the child is notit manages to suck. To avoid stagnation in the breast and mastitis that come to the aid of sage tea. It does not affect the properties of milk and safe for infants. Gently reducing the levels of the hormone prolactin, sage will help a breastfeeding woman to avoid unpleasant moments.

Make the sage to reduce lactation is necessary in the form of tea, when 1 Cup of boiling water taken 1 teaspoon of ground herbs or one stalk from the bunch. He has to take it 3 times a day for 1/3 Cup for 1 week.

Treatment with sage: the best recipes

A decoction of sage

This dosage form is used for external application and different kinds of mouthwashes in the treatment of diseases of the mouth and throat, female genital mutilation, as well as in the treatment of skin diseases and in cosmetology.

Recipe

To prepare classic sage broth needed 1 tablespoon of ground dried material or 2 to 3 stalk bundle pour 1 Cup of water, put in a water bath and heat for 15 minutes. Broth remove, cool, strain through a tea strainer or 2 layers of cheesecloth. Pour boiling water to 1 Cup (in the process of cooking the amount of broth is reduced). It is best to use freshly prepared broth, but at least you can store it in the refrigerator for 12 hours. The broth before using to warm to body temperature.

A decoction of sage in dentistry

Sage is a powerful tool to combat oral infections. It acts in four directions:

• Due to the powerful fitonzida (plant antibiotic) salvin kills bacteria;
• Deodorizes, gives a fresh breath;
• Due to the resin creates in the mouth a thin invisible film which prevents contact with microbes;
• The astringent substances in its composition have analgesic effect.

When gingivitis, stomatitis, ulcers of the mucous, 2-3 days after tooth extraction, when the fading at the wrong wearing dentures, you must rinse your mouth with a decoction of sage up to 6 times per day.

The decoction in diseases of the throat

When inflammation of the mucous membrane of the pharynx, sore throat, colds, laryngitis helps gargling with warm decoction of sage. For quicker effect, you have to 5-6 times a day. Rinsing can be replaced by resorption of the special herbal lozenges on the basis of the sage. Pleasant taste and a high concentration of nutrientswill help to quickly cope with the symptoms of the disease.

A decoction of sage in gynecology

When inflammation of the vaginal mucosa, infection of cervical erosion, thrush shown douching decoction of sage. They can be replaced with sitz baths.

F squirt to vagina or to do the bath should be 2 times a day. It is important to remember that the temperature of the decoction should be around 38 C.

The decoction in skin diseases

At neurodermatitis, psoriasis, burns, frostbite, you must wash the affected skin decoction 3-4 times a day. The tool is well relieves itching and swelling, promotes rapid healing.

In acne, fungal infections of the skin, festering wounds washing should be replaced by primocanale to avoid spreading infection to healthy areas. This is done as follows: a cotton pad to be moistened in decoction of sage, a little squeeze, absorbent apply a decoction on the affected skin. Allow to dry. Take a new disk and do the same thing the second time. Thus treating the whole skin surface.

A decoction of sage in the anti-dandruff and hair loss

To eliminate dandruff and stimulate hair growth to wash your hair with shampoo and rinsed with plenty of hair with a decoction of sage, squeeze with hands. Wrap head in an old towel (the broth has colouring properties) for 10 minutes. Remove the towel and allow to dry hair naturally without the use of an Hairdryer.

Infusion of sage leaves

Sage tea is used internally for flatulence, as a choleretic funds, to facilitate the discharge of phlegm with bronchitis.

The drug is prepared as follows: pour 1 level tablespoon of crushed leaves or 2-3 stalk bundle 250 ml of boiling water, cover tightly and infuse for 30 minutes.

With flatulence, intestinal cramps, take 1 / 4 Cup 20 minutes before meals 4 times a day. The course of treatment is 1 week.

In diseases of the lungs to facilitate sputum discharge sage brew water and hot milk in the same proportions. Drink warm half a Cup 3 times a day. If you wish you can add honey.

Sage oil

Ready essential oil can be bought in pharmacies or in specialized departments for selling of medicinal plants. It is almost colorless or yellowish, with a uniquea cooling, slightly bitter fragrance, reminiscent of amber.

Because of the large concentration of active substances it is used for external use only:

• Aromatherapy;
• Oil wraps hair;
• Gargling and mouth;
• Cold lotions and compresses.

The aromatherapists claim that inhaling the essential oil of this medicinal plant removes stress, normalizes the emotional background, helps a person to abandon useless habits and discover new horizons.

Useful properties of essential oil of sage:

• For aromatherapy, you can use aromachology, aroma lamps, oil bath, or spend the aromatization of premises. For use in aromaceane enough to drip 1 drop of essential oil of sage. In the oil burner can increase the concentration to 2 drops. When making aromaland enough 10 drops of oil to a full bath;
• For prevention of flu and colds during the autumn-winter period it is possible to carry out the aromatization of the premises, using such healing essential oils. For this it is necessary to drip 3 drops in every 15 square meters room;
• Wraps oil for hair essential oil of sage enhance their growth and nourish the roots. 4 tablespoons of olive oil to drip 5 drops of oil, rubbed into the hair roots, cover your head with cellophane, and on top wrap a towel. Keep 30 minutes. Wash your hair with shampoo. Rinse decoction of sage;
• For gargling and mouth in 1 Cup of warm water you need to add 4 drops of essential oil and 1 teaspoon of baking soda, mix well. Rinsing 3-4 times a day;

• For warming compresses for injuries, sprains, joint pain on 100 ml of water add 10 drops of oil of sage. Moisten a piece of gauze in the solution, wring out slightly, apply on the painful area, cover it with cling film to completely cover with a damp cloth. On top wrap a woolen scarf or scarf. Keep at least 3 hours.

The sage tea

Brew that herbs can in the same way as regular tea. To do this, 1 teaspoon of dried leaves or 1 sprig of beam you need to pour 1 Cup of boiling water. Drink a hot drink. This tea is well boosts immunity. Regular consumption of tea of sage helps to enhance concentration, improve memory, increases efficiency.

But it is not recommended to drink more than 1 glass of tea a day.

Contraindications to the use of sage

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• Sage is contraindicated in pregnancy at any time.
• It should not be used by nursing mothers if they are not planning to wean your baby from the breast.

• It is forbidden to take sage inside with conditions associated with elevated levels of estrogens, namely in endometriosis, tumors of the breast after surgical treatment of cancer of the breast and uterus, and endometrial hyperplasia.

Sage can cause increased blood pressure, so it should be taken with caution for people suffering from hypertension.

When low thyroid function sage should be excluded from therapeutic drugs. Also, do not consume sage for medicinal purposes in acute inflammation of the kidneys, glomerulonephritis, nephritis, pyelonephritis. You should not use the infusion of sage with a strong cough, because it makes the cough may only increase. Medicines based on this plant is quite difficult tolerated by people with severe hypotonia. With the constant use of sage need to take breaks: more than three months to use this healing herb is not recommended.

Definitely need to remember that sage prolonged and excessive use can even cause serious poisoning of the body.