Salvia Officinalis: Complete Medicinal Profile
Salvia officinalis, commonly known as sage, is a perennial herb belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae) that is native to the Mediterranean region.
The medicinal properties of sage include anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which make it effective in reducing inflammation and protecting against cell damage.
The health benefits of consuming sage include improved cognitive function, reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease, and relief from symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and night sweats.
Herbal preparations of sage include teas, infusions, capsules, and essential oils, which can be used to treat a variety of health issues, including digestive problems and sore throats.
Study of the Day
According to Ceskoslovenska farmacie, Salvia officinalis is used as an antiseptic agent, an antiphlogistic agent, in the inflammations of the oral cavity and gingivitis, and also as a stomachic and an antihydrotic agent.
This page analize the most important medicinal aspects of Salvia officinalis.
Table of Contents
Uses and Benefits
Salvia officinalis is used to promote a range of health benefits, from improving memory and cognitive function to reducing inflammation and fighting off infections.
The plant has been traditionally used to aid digestion, soothe sore throats, and calm anxiety, while also exhibiting anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.
Regular consumption of Salvia officinalis has been shown to lower blood sugar levels, reduce symptoms of menopause, and even alleviate symptoms of ADHD.
Additionally, it has been used to support respiratory health, reduce stress, and improve sleep quality, making it a versatile and valuable addition to a healthy lifestyle.
The health benefits of Salvia officinalis are listed below.
- Digestive relief: Salvia officinalis, also known as common sage, has been used for centuries to aid in digestion and relieve symptoms of indigestion and bloating.
- Antioxidant properties: The plant is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the body from free radicals and reduce inflammation.
- Cognitive function: Salvia officinalis has been studied for its potential to improve cognitive function, including memory and concentration.
- Anti-inflammatory effects: The plant's anti-inflammatory properties may help to reduce swelling and alleviate pain associated with conditions such as arthritis.
- Oral health: Salvia officinalis has been used to promote oral health, including reducing plaque and gum inflammation.
- Skin and wound healing: The plant's antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties may help to promote skin and wound healing.
- Mood enhancement: Salvia officinalis has been traditionally used to aid in mood enhancement and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Here are the best health benefits of Salvia officinalis.
Actions
Salvia officinalis has been found to exhibit a wide range of therapeutic actions, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitussive, antiviral, astringent, bitter, carminative, demulcent, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, hemostatic, hypotensive, immunomodulatory, nervine, sedative, spasmolytic, and vasodilatory properties.
These actions primarily affect the digestive system, with its bitter compounds stimulating digestive secretions and the carminative properties relieving flatulence and indigestion.
Additionally, the plant's antiseptic and antimicrobial actions help protect the respiratory system from infections, while its expectorant properties aid in the clearance of mucus from the lungs.
The cardiovascular system also benefits from the plant's vasodilatory and hypotensive actions, which help to lower blood pressure and promote overall cardiovascular health.
The therapeutic actions of Salvia officinalis are listed below.
- Antimicrobial: Salvia officinalis has been shown to exhibit antimicrobial properties, effective against various microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
- Antioxidant: The plant has antioxidant properties, helping to protect against oxidative stress and cell damage caused by free radicals.
- Anti-inflammatory: Salvia officinalis has been found to possess anti-inflammatory compounds, which may help reduce inflammation and alleviate associated symptoms.
- Antiviral: The plant has been studied for its potential antiviral properties, demonstrating effectiveness against certain viral infections.
- Antispasmodic: Salvia officinalis may help relieve muscle spasms and cramps due to its antispasmodic properties.
- Cicatrizant: The plant's cicatrizant properties aid in wound healing by promoting tissue regeneration and reducing the formation of scar tissue.
- Nervine: Salvia officinalis has been used traditionally as a nervine to calm the nervous system, alleviate anxiety, and promote relaxation.
Constituents
Salvia officinalis has been found to contain a diverse array of bioactive constituents, including flavonoids such as apigenin and luteolin, which possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The plant also contains tannins, particularly salviol and isosalviol, which exhibit antimicrobial and astringent activities.
Additionally, Salvia officinalis is rich in phenolic acids like rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid, which have been shown to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties.
The plant's essential oil, primarily composed of thujone, camphor, and borneol, has been found to possess antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anxiolytic properties.
The bioactive constituents of Salvia officinalis are listed below.
- Rosmarinic acid: A polyphenolic compound with antioxidant properties
- Tannins: A type of polyphenol that can have astringent, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects
- Flavonoids: A class of plant compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and other beneficial properties
- Ursolic acid: A triterpenoid compound with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties
- Oleanolic acid: A triterpenoid compound with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties
- Salvianolic acid a: A water-soluble antioxidant compound found in salvia officinalis
- Caffeic acid: A phenolic acid with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties
Parts
The most commonly used parts of Salvia officinalis are its leaves, roots, and flowers, which have been employed for various health purposes.
The leaves, rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, are often used in teas, infusions, and tinctures to alleviate symptoms of insomnia, anxiety, and indigestion, as well as to treat wounds and sore throats.
The roots of Salvia officinalis are used in herbal medicine to treat respiratory issues such as bronchitis and coughs, and are also employed as a digestive aid to alleviate symptoms of nausea and diarrhea.
Additionally, the flowers of Salvia officinalis are used in herbal remedies to treat colds, fever, and inflammation, and are also employed as a natural remedy for sore eyes and skin irritations.
The following table displays the most used parts of of Salvia officinalis and examples of ailments they help cure.
| Parts | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Leaves | Digestive issues, respiratory issues, coughs |
| Flowers | Menstrual issues, inflammation, skin irritations |
| Roots | Infections, diarrhea, wounds |
| Seeds | Indigestion, flatulence, loss of appetite |
Preparations
Salvia officinalis, also known as common sage, most common herbal preparations are infusions, decoctions, tinctures, and salves.
Infusions are used to alleviate symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and mood swings, and to calm digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome.
Decoctions are utilized to treat colds and flu due to their expectorant properties, while tinctures are applied topically to relieve joint pain and inflammation, or taken internally to support cognitive function and memory.
Additionally, salves made from Salvia officinalis are used to soothe burns, wounds, and skin irritations, while also serving as a natural anti-inflammatory agent.
The herbal preparations of Salvia officinalis are listed below.
- Salvia infusion: A herbal tea made by steeping the leaves of the salvia officinalis plant in hot water, often used to aid digestion and reduce stress.
- Salvia tincture: A concentrated liquid extract made by soaking the leaves of the salvia officinalis plant in a solvent, often used to treat respiratory issues and promote relaxation.
- Salvia oil: A topical oil extracted from the leaves of the salvia officinalis plant, often used to relieve pain and inflammation.
- Salvia cream: A topical cream made by infusing the leaves of the salvia officinalis plant in a carrier oil, often used to soothe skin irritations and promote wound healing.
- Salvia capsules: A convenient pill form of salvia officinalis, often used to support immune function and reduce inflammation.
- Salvia extract powder: A powdered extract of the salvia officinalis plant, often used as an ingredient in supplements and dietary aids.
- Salvia resin tincture: A tincture made from the resin of the salvia officinalis plant, often used to treat respiratory issues and promote relaxation.
Side Effects
Salvia officinalis side effects are typically experienced by individuals who consume high amounts of the plant, particularly in the form of tea or supplements.
Common side effects include dizziness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and an increase in heart rate.
People with pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure, kidney or liver disease, and heart conditions are more likely to experience these side effects.
Precautions should be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as individuals who are prone to seizures or have a history of mental health conditions, as salvia officinalis may exacerbate these issues.
The possible side effects of Salvia officinalis are listed below.
- Digestive issues: Salvia officinalis may cause stomach upset, nausea, or diarrhea in some individuals due to its bitter compounds and volatile oils.
- Allergic reactions: Some people may experience allergic reactions to salvia officinalis, such as hives, itching, or difficulty breathing.
- Interactions with medications: Salvia officinalis may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners, diabetes medications, and blood pressure medications.
- Increased heart rate: Salvia officinalis may cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure due to its stimulating effects on the nervous system.
- Anxiety and panic: Salvia officinalis can cause anxiety and panic in some individuals, particularly when consumed in large doses or with other substances that have psychoactive effects.
- Headaches and dizziness: Salvia officinalis may cause headaches and dizziness in some individuals due to its vasodilatory effects and the way it interacts with the brain and nervous system.
- Liver damage: Long-term consumption of salvia officinalis may lead to liver damage due to its high concentration of thujone, a compound that can be toxic to the liver in large amounts.