Respiratory: Sore throat (spray, gargle), tonsillitis, nasal inflammation, decongestant, expectorant. Supported by the German Commission e for inflammation of the nose and sore throat, asthma, possibly effective for coronavirus (in review)

Gastrointestinal: Dyspepsia (German Commission e), diarrhea/digestion problems (tea); inflammation of mucus membranes/mouth sores, sore throat (gargle/mouthwash)

Genitourinary/hormone: Menstrual cramps (tea), menorrhagia, menopausal symptoms (especially hot flashes), some types of sage are similar to estrogen (Salvia lavandulae folia)

Musculoskeletal: Decreases swelling (mainly when used topically), infection, pain, sprains, muscle injuries (topical)

Neurologic: increases memory and cognition (orally taken), may decrease/slow dementia, Alzheimer's, anxiety, and insomnia.

Skin: Sunburn

Mental Health: Anxiety oils decrease irritability, increase alertness, increase calmness

Glucose: Prediabetes helps lower sugar

Cholesterol: Helps decrease LDL (bad) and increase HDL (good) cholesterol: decreases triglycerides

Immunity: May help increase immunity

Cancer: May have protective or cytotoxic effects against some cancers

Infectious Disease: Herpes simplex 2

Other: It helps stop excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)—German Commission e, helps with obesity, and is possibly helpful as an adjunct in morphine withdrawal. It is also an insect repellant.

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SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), tremors, seizures, kidney damage, restlessness, TOXICITY, liver damage, nervous system damage, increased blood pressure (Salvia lavandulaefolia), low blood pressure (Salvia officinalis), seizures (Salvia officinalis), oral irritation, dry mouth, cheilitis, dermatitis (rash)

CAUTION/CONTRAINDICATIONS: Recommendations not to longer than four months; large quantities of Salvia officinalis can be toxic and cause seizures, diabetes, hormone-sensitive conditions (esp, cancers, endometriosis, uterine fibroids), hypertension, hypotension, seizures (Salvia officinalis), antidiabetic medication, anticonvulsants, sedatives (i.e., Klonopin, Ambien)

FORMS: Dried, oils, infusions, tinctures, extracts, gargles, rubbed, tea, topical, spray, cream, can make sage tea or oil gargles

RECOMMENDED BRANDS

No current recommendations available

DOSAGES

As directed on the product label. Some clinical and consumer sources describe a wide range of herbal amounts, and many are not supported by strong evidence. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Amounts used in studies vary widely depending on the formulation and purpose. These study amounts are not clinical recommendations and may not apply to consumer products.

• 280-1500 mg daily for up to 12 weeks, depending on the condition being treated.

For more information, see the herbal section in Epocrates.

*Disclaimer: The material above is for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure a condition. The uses listed above are tentative; some have or are undergoing research trials, but many are not FDA-approved. It is essential that you investigate these supplements further before deciding to use them. Check interactions and contraindications on sites like Drugs.com or WebMD. Do not attempt to treat a serious condition like liver, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart, cancer, diabetes, or thyroid issues without discussing it with a healthcare provider first. If you are pregnant, do not use supplements without discussing it with your healthcare provider