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Common Sage Plant Medications

Common sage (Salvia officinalis) is often used in herbal plant medications in place of its more potent cousin, purple sage. According to Herb Wisdom, sage has been used for centuries to help increase fertility, stop bleeding and treat sore and inflamed throats. Sage is used in three main forms in plant medications, and while some of the uses of these forms overlap, using the right type of sage medicine can help you get the best results from your treatment. Do not use sage if you are pregnant.

  1. Sage Tea

    • Sage tea is made by heating water, then steeping sage leaves in the hot water. The longer you leave the leaves in the water, the stronger the tea. You can steep them in a tea ball or let them float freely and strain them out before drinking. Sage tea can be drunk or gargled to heal a sore throat or stop excessive coughing. It also helps dry up breast milk when you are weaning and is thought to sharpen memory and ease digestive processes. Many herbalists also use sage tea to ease menstrual cramping. Used externally as a rinse or compress, sage tea is used to treat swelling, cleanse ulcers and stop bleeding.

    Sage Infusion

    • A sage infusion is similar to a sage tea, but it is stronger and made with slightly more stringent requirements. Pour a cup of nearly boiling--but not quite--water over 2 tsp. of fresh sage and allow the mixture to steep for 10 minutes before straining out the plant debris.

      You can use sage infusion in your bathwater to help heal itchy, sore, inflamed skin. Some herbalists recommend infusion of sage to help relieve nervous disorders and anxiety. It can also work on nervous headaches and can, in some cases, relieve excessive perspiration.

    Sage Inhalant

    • Just as sage tea is good for the throat, an inhaled sage remedy can help the lungs and respiratory system. Boil 3 tsp. of fresh sage in 2 cups of water. As the liquid boils, inhale the steam. This steam remedy will not only soothe inflamed bronchial passageways to help ease coughing, but it can also relieve sore throats and clear nasal passages. Some people also burn sage to inhale it, but consult your doctor before attempting this.

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