Sage leaf

Salviae folium, sage leaf.  

Sage leaf consists of the fresh or dried leaf of Salvia officinalis L.  [Fam.  Lamiaceae], and preparations thereof in effective dosage.  The leaves contain at least 1.5 percent (v/w) thujone-rich essential oil, based on the dried herb.  

Principal components of the essential oil, in addition to thujone, are cineol and camphor.  In addition, the leaves contain tannins, diterpene bitter principles, triterpenes, steroids, flavones, and flavonoid glycosides.  

Uses

External:

• Inflammations of the mucous membranes of nose and throat.  

Internal:

• Dyspeptic symptoms, excessive perspiration.  

Contraindications

The pure essential oil and alcoholic extracts should not be used internally during pregnancy.  

Side Effects

After prolonged ingestion of alcohol extracts or of the pure essential oil, epileptiform convulsions can occur.  

None known.  

Unless otherwise prescribed:

Internal:
Daily dosage:

• 4 - 6 g of herb;
• 0.1 - 0.3 g of essential oil;
• 2.5 - 7.5 g of tincture (according to Erg.  B.  6 );
• 1.5 - 3 g fluidextract (according to Erg.  B.  6 ).  

For gargles and rinses:

• 2.5 g of herb or 2 - 3 drops of essential oil in 100 ml of water as infusion or 5 g of alcoholic extract in 1 glass water.  

External:

• Undiluted alcohol extract.  

Cut herb for infusions, alcoholic extracts and distillates for gargles, rinses and other topical applications, as well as for internal use.  Also pressed juice of fresh plants.  

Antibacterial
Fungistatic
Virustatic
Astringent
Secretion-promoing
Perspiration-inhibiting