Sage As Alternative Medicine

Sage As Alternative Medicine

Sage has a long history not only as a spice but also as an alternative medicine. Ancient Romans and Greeks used it to treat a range of ailments. During the Middle Ages it was used to treat epilepsy, liver disorders and fever. For more than 2000 years herbalists used sage to treat all sorts of health complaints such as mental illness and snakebite.

1. It is an effective treatment for laryngitis, sore throats, bleeding gums and tonsillitis.
2. It aids digestion and a treatment for gastrointestinal complaints.
3. It regulates menstruation and gives relief to symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes and night sweat.
4. It is an antiperspirant to reduce excessive sweating.
5. It is an effective remedy for muscle spasms, muscle cramps, stiff joints and backaches.

Sage is available as pills, dried, fresh, powder or extract. To make a tea brew 1 ½ teaspoons dried leaves or ten fresh leaves in a cup of boiling water. Standard dosage in extract liquid form is 1 teaspoon three times a day. Pregnant women must avoid taking sage in concentrated form. Taking sage as an additive in food is safe.

The International Herb Association in 2001 named sage as "Herb of the Year". Today many menopausal women are turning away from hormone replacement therapy and choose sage to gain relief from hot flashes and night sweats. Sage has the longest history of any herb used as alternative medicine and it is readily found in our kitchens.