Sage can be used in many ways. Sage (Salvia) species have been used in traditional medicine for the relief of pain, protecting the body against oxidative stress, free radical damages, inflammation, bacterial and virus infection. Here you can find tips on using it internally and externally for a wholesome treatment.

Sage in the form of tea or tincture helps with gum inflammation and is a remedy for mild stomach and digestive problems. E.g. at heartburn or when taking antibiotics.

The most important major components, although present in different concentrations, are: 1,8-cineole, camphor, borneol, camphene, linalool, viridiflorol, salvianolic acid, rosmarinic acid, carnosolic acid, ursolic acid, silymarin, etc. The essential oil of sage contains about 20 % camphor, and as the leaves expand, the camphor content also increases. The most powerful compounds were reported to be α-thujone and β-thujone, bornyl acetate, camphor, menthone, and 1,8-cineol in the essential oil. Their combination is responsible for its antibacterial, antiviral and astringent effects (reduces skin permeability).

It is therefore often used to reduce sweating and odor in hot weather, but in moderate doses that do not prevent the body from regulating its perspiration.

External use

Topical use is not problematic, sage is not phototoxic. Sage ingredients, as mentioned, slightly reduce sweating.

Sage deodorant and body spray

Ingredients:

• clean packaging for spray deodorant
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 100 ml distilled or cooled boiled water
• maximum 10 drops of essential oils combined (in addition to clary sage, you can also add 1 drop of lemon, lavender, lime, spruce and/or rose essential oils, if desired, divide the drops sensibly). For sensitive skin, use less than 10 drops.

Preparation:

Fill a spray bottle with water and baking soda, add essential oils, close the container and shake.

Shelf life: one month. Store at room temperature and shake well before use. Can be used as a deodorant, body and foot spray.

Tea

Prepare the tea with hot (not boiling) water and a few sage leaves. Leave it for a maximum of 4 minutes. The longer it soaks, more bitter it will be. Drink it in sips when lukewarm.

The normal usage of sage is safe, however, there might be an adverse effect on using S. officinalis in excessive amount, which can be caused by the high content of thujone. Thus caution is required and it is recommended to drink sage tea in smaller quantities.

Tincture

contains a higher proportion of thujone, as plant substances are better excreted in alcohol than in water. Thus careful – use for a maximum of 4 weeks.

Ingredients:

• 20 g of dried sage leaves
• 100 ml of 70 % alcohol (medical alcohol).

Preparation:

Put the sage in a glass jar, pour the alcohol over and seal tightly. Leave to stand for 14 days in a cool and dark place, shake occasionally. Then strain and store in a dark bottle.

Use:

• for gargling: put 10 to 15 drops of tincture in a glass of water nad use it to rinse the mouth and throat (do not swallow after use),
• for gum healing: gurgle in the mouth for a while, then remove (don’t swallow),
• externally: apply undiluted to the skin to care for spots and acne.

Sources:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4003706

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