Side Effects of the Herb Sage

Alternative medicine, including using herbs for medicinal purposes, is a wonderful option and generally has great benefits to its users; however, consumers need to be aware that even the most benign appearing herb can have serious ramifications on your health. You could be allergic to it or it may interact adversely with your current medication(s). All these factors must be weighed before embarking on a homeopathic route to wellness.

Thujone

• Sage contains thujone, which, according to Evitamins.com, can cause mental confusion and an increased heart rate if small amounts are taken over a long period of time. Large amounts can reportedly lead to convulsions. This should be taken into consideration before you use this herb for medicinal, or even culinary, purposes. Thujone is otherwise known as "grand wormwood" and is present in absinthe, the liquor that is said to produce hallucinations in those who drink it. However, thujone is considered to have restorative and healing qualities. It is related to menthol.

Avoid when Pregnant and Breastfeeding

• Sage should not be taken orally when pregnant because it can cause uterine contractions. Do not take it when you are breast-feeding because it may dry up your milk. Also avoid taking it when a fever is present. If you choose to take it internally, discuss the quantities with a reputable herbalist or your physician. You need to set a time limit (approximately 1 or 2 weeks) for taking sage internally and limit your dosage/usage to avoid side effects. If you are taking sage extract with alcohol, this will probably contain higher amounts of thujone than those mixtures made with water. If you choose to drink sage oil, it must be diluted with water first.

Seizures

• Sage and sage oil both contain the epileptiform convulsant property, according to Holistic-herbalist.com, so do not take it if you are epileptic or have seizures of any kind.

Rashes

• People have been known to develop dermatitis, a skin rash, after handling sage.

Other Negative Outcomes

• Some people experience stomatitis, dry mouth, local irritation and/or cheilitis as a result of taking sage, according to Drugs.com. Stomatitis means inflammation of the mouth and can include the cheeks, tongue, lips, roof or floor of the mouth and the tongue, according to Medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com. Cheilitis causes painful sores that may form crusts and ulcerations on the mouth. It is a rheumatoid condition and is caused by bacterial or fungus contagion, which can occur when there is an accumulation of saliva in the corners of the mouth. Those with hypertension should either avoid sage or closely monitor both their systolic and diastolic blood pressure when using this particular herb.