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.
Related Tags: sage
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.
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- The Beginning of the Cataloging Code
The first significant cataloging code was published in 1841. The realization that cooperation and s - In the Lap of the Gods 24
Life moved on. Lily became well liked by both students and staff because of her cheerful outlook on - In the Lap of the Gods 23
Does fate decide the future? Is it all mapped out for us, predestined, or can we influence what com - Write Your Memoir: How to Write About What Troubles You the Most
Everyone has a story to tell, and unfortunately those stories aren't always pleasant. What makes me - How Crafty Word Order Can Instantly Improve Your Writing
by Philip Yaffe I am usually very reticent about offering writing tips. Unless they are linked to - You Say Grandpa, I Say Deda
I was born with two grandmothers but only one grandfather. In nature's rules of familial supply and - My Russian American Dichotomy
I was a Russian girl and an American teenager. I had no choice about the first but I tried very har - In the Lap of the Gods 22
This is just an explanation for those who have read some of the other Chapters of, "In the Lap of t - Write a Book: 8 Reasons You Should Do it
Studies have shown that 82% of people want to write a book, but few of these actually ever achieve - Book Review: the Book of Common Prayer
Book Review: The Book of Common Prayer, "My carry-with-me copy is this size, and I recommend it for
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Real Estate Investment - Investing In Commercial Properties
As in any other type of investment, its obviously advisable to do your research well so that the pro - Taking Care Of Acne Prone Skin With Proper Skin Care Products
Although acne has been largely associated with teeners and puberty, the condition is not only confin - Do I Really Need Eight Hours Of Sleep Each Night?
What if you were told that there is no definitive answer for why we need to sleep? Your initial reac - How to Improve Your FICO Credit Score
If you didn't know this already, having a good credit score is more important than having a lot of c - 10 Tips for a Magnificent Memory
"Where did I leave my keys?" "What did I come in here for?" "Your glasses are on top of your head!" - Things You Might Like To Know About Card Companies
If you have a regular income and are 18 or over then you may be able to get a credit card. You will - Bad Breath in Babies and Toddlers
If your baby or toddler has had bad breath lately, not to worry. There are plenty of things you can - Starving College Students No More
The majority of today's college students are extremely Internet savvy. In fact, many of those studen - Cosmetic Surgery Financing: How Can You Get It?
Cosmetic surgery, a branch of plastic surgery, can be quite expensive, especially if you are plannin - Article Marketing, Improve Your Ranking With Links
Article Marketing, without a doubt remains the best free formula for attracting website traffic. At