Is Sage the Fountain of Youth?
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Health & Fitness > Alternative Medicine
May 18, 2007
sdmeyers
Is Sage the Fountain of Youth?
Sage has long been highly regarded for its perceived ability to bestow longevity. As one of the most popular of the memory-enhancing herbs, it has often been credited with restoring failing memory to the elderly. There are many different varieties of sage. The most popular forms of sage include Green sage (Salvia officinalis), Greek sage (Salvia fruticosa) and Purple sage (Salvia officinalis). Most herbalists tend to prefer Purple sage, although a combination of Greek sage and Green sage also find favor with some practitioners. Regardless of the variety of sage, the roots and leaves are usually the parts of the plant used to make remedies. The leaves of the sage plant are traditionally harvested throughout the summer months. Gargles and mouthwashes derived from sage leaves are known to be particularly healing for mouth and throat conditions. A mouthwash can be used to treat gum disease, mouth ulcers, sore throats, and to soothe tonsillitis. You will need to make certain that the gargle or mouthwash is a weak infusion, so that it will not aggravate any pre-existing mouth conditions. The leaves of the sage plant are also known for their estrogenic and drying properties. This makes the sage leaves particularly helpful for conditions related to menopause, as well as during periods of weaning. Many herbalists use fresh sage leaves to create a bitter digestive stimulant. In France, sage is quite popular in a cream that treats a variety of skin problems. Sage can also be used in a hair rinse to treat dry hair or to restore hair color to graying hair. Sage is also helpful in treating dandruff, and is much less harmful to the body than commercial dandruff treatments. To create a healing infusion of sage leaves in water, use approximately 20 grams of leaves to a cup water. This tonic can also be used as a liver stimulant, and to improve digestive functioning. The root of the sage plant is also widely used in a variety of herbal remedies. It has been used to help heal the liver, and also assist in mitigating hot flashes and other menstrual problems. In traditional Chinese medicine, the root is known as dan shen, and is used to create a number of tonics. One of the most popular Chinese tonics is used for "moving blood", or relieving stagnation. For example, these tonics are used to treat angina pectoris, which Chinese herbalists feel is caused by blood stagnation. The root of the sage plant is also often used for its cooling and sedative properties. The sage plant has several different applications. Its extracts are often used to treat scrapes, skin sores, and insect bites. This plant can also be used to remedy menopausal night sweats and to reduce lactation during the weaning process. Sage is also commonly used to create tinctures that can aid digestive functions. Mouthwashes and gargles work well on a variety of mouth and throat ailments. Be sure to have Sage in your herbal medicine cabinet.
Scott Meyers is a staff writer for Its Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Herbs.
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