Contents
Description
Sage is one of the most popular plants in herbal medicine, its medicinal properties have been known for a long time. In addition to inhalations and mouth rinses, it is actively used in various fields of medicine, including as part of medicinal preparations. But it is important to know the features of this plant.
A semi-shrub with numerous tetrahedral dense leafy stems. The leaves are opposite, oblong, gray-green, wrinkled. The flowers are two-lipped, blue-violet, collected in false whorls, forming a loose apical spike-shaped inflorescence. The fruit consists of 4 nuts.
For centuries, sage has been used to treat inflammatory diseases of both the skin and internal organs. This plant contains a lot of useful components and biologically active compounds, which make it possible to use it in the complex treatment of male and female problems.
Composition
Sage leaves contain essential oil (0.5-2.5%), condensed tannins (4%), triterpene acids (ursolic and oleanol), diterpenes, resinous substances (5-6%) and bitter, flavonoids, coumarin esculetin and other substances.
Sage: what is unique about the plant
This small plant contains many useful substances. These are not only vitamins and minerals, but also a number of biologically active compounds.
These are gums and resins, camphor, fruit acids, tannins, alkaloids, salven, flavonoids and phytoncides. Due to this composition, the plant has a number of therapeutic and prophylactic effects.
This is a perennial herb that grows in Europe, our country and neighboring states. It is grown as a cultivated plant in the fields, using it as a phyto-raw material or a component of cosmetics.
On the basis of sage, drugs are prepared against psoriasis, they are used to treat tuberculosis patients, relieve headaches and rheumatism, kidney problems and anemia. In addition, sage as a spice is added to some dishes in cooking; it is also referred to as honey plants.
Sage Pharmachologic effect
They have astringent, anti-inflammatory, disinfecting, expectorant effects, reduce sweating, increase the secretory function of the gastrointestinal tract, and have an antiseptic effect.
The healing properties of sage
Sage in the form of various forms of drugs is used as an external and local remedy. In addition, infusions, decoctions or tinctures can be used internally. The healing effect of the plant is achieved through a combination of vitamin and mineral components and biologically active substances. Sage is used in the treatment and prevention of:
- inflammation, infections of the skin and mucous membranes;
- infectious and inflammatory gynecological diseases;
- lesions of the upper respiratory tract, infectious and inflammatory processes in the bronchi;
- diseases of the genitourinary system;
- digestive disorders;
- disorders of the central nervous system and its autonomic divisions.
In addition, sage is used to normalize hormonal metabolism and metabolism while losing weight. Each disease has its own forms of herbal medicine, it is prescribed as part of complex therapy strictly on the recommendation of a doctor.
Sage contraindications
Although the drug is relatively safe and effective, treatment with it is permissible only after all possible contraindications to its use have been excluded. In some cases, it can negatively affect the condition, which must be taken into account in advance when drawing up a treatment plan. Among the key contraindications are:
- allergy or individual intolerance to the components of phyto-raw materials;
- all trimesters of pregnancy and lactation;
- the presence of any form of epilepsy;
- development of endometriosis;
- age up to 2 years;
- hypotonic illness;
- period of exacerbation of chronic pathologies of the urinary system;
- increased concentration of estrogen in the blood;
- any types of tumors;
- damage to the thyroid gland;
- the presence of bronchial asthma.
In these cases, the drug, including as part of the fees, must be discarded.
Sage application
Among women. In the treatment of female diseases, sage is used quite often. It helps improve the course of menopause by reducing the severity of hot flashes, night sweats, nervousness and mood swings, and memory problems.
It does this by affecting estrogen levels. Infusions and decoctions are used in the complex therapy of infertility, to regulate the level of estrogen. It is useful to use infusions immediately after menstruation and before ovulation. This increases the chances of pregnancy.
Sage helps stimulate female libido, fights cell damage, and is used to prevent cancer of the cervix and body of the uterus, breast, skin and intestines.
It is used in the complex treatment of infectious and inflammatory processes of the small pelvis, local application of decoctions helps in the fight against thrush, suppressing irritation and itching. Sage helps in the treatment of chronic cystitis, it is used in the form of sitz baths and decoctions inside.
During pregnancy, only local use of sage decoction for rinsing the mouth and throat for infectious diseases is permissible. When taken orally, it can increase the tone of the uterus and provoke bleeding, miscarriages or premature birth.
During lactation, sage reduces milk production and its only use is at the end of the feeding period. When taking sage, you can gradually reduce the amount of milk to zero in a couple of weeks.
In men. This drug helps to enhance the production of testosterone, normalizes blood circulation and metabolism, eliminates blood stasis from the genital area, and stimulates the formation of seminal fluid.
Sage helps in improving the functioning of the prostate, increasing male strength and sexual desire, is used in the complex treatment of infections of the urinary tract. This drug will be useful in preparation for conception.
In children, sage is used for colds and sore throats, nervous disorders. From 2 years old it is used topically and externally, after 5 years – inside.
When using sage in the treatment of any pathology, the types of drugs (infusions, decoctions or tinctures, lotions, etc.) are determined only by a doctor. He also determines the exact dosage and duration of therapy, the combination of sage with certain medications.
Collection and drying features
Collecting medicinal raw materials in the summer, during the flowering period, they pluck mainly the lower leaves, since they are most developed.
In autumn, the harvest is low-yielding, so they pluck all the leaves in a row and even the tops of leafy stems.
Do not delay picking sage leaves, as the amount of useful essential oil in them decreases over time. Also, if it is harvested too late, the storage of raw materials will be worse.
Various techniques are used to collect medicinal raw materials. If you need to work on a small plantation, the leaves are torn by hand. You can also cut off the entire ground part of the plant, followed by threshing.
If a large manufacturing company is engaged in harvesting sage leaves for further sale, the collection of raw materials, as a rule, is mechanized and carried out by special equipment.
Sage Use in cosmetology
Sage is rightfully considered a rejuvenating agent, because it is rich in vitamin C: it is drunk when signs of aging appear. Also, the plant promotes weight loss, therefore it is prescribed for obesity as an adjuvant.
Sage leaves help with acne, acne, pustular skin diseases, seborrheic dermatitis. Thanks to their high vitamin A content, they relieve inflammation and treat fungal skin lesions.
Most often, a decoction from the plant is used. It is suitable for washing, treating problem areas. And warm masks from the broth will help remove signs of fatigue, remove bags under the eyes. You can also freeze the product and make cosmetic ice cubes to wipe.
Sage also has a therapeutic effect on hair. Home remedies based on this plant help get rid of dandruff, strengthen curls and stimulate their growth.
Sage tea
2 tbsp. tablespoons of flowers or sage leaves in a ratio of 1:10 pour 1 cup boiling water. Insist for 1 hour, then strain, dilute with 200 ml of water. In order to preserve all the useful compounds of the infusion, it is prepared in a container with a tight-fitting lid.
Take 30 ml 40 minutes before meals. The infusion can be drunk up to 3 times a day in courses up to 2 weeks.