Sage can be taken internally in the form of tea or finished medicines of the group of oral and pharyngeal therapeutics. Sage extracts and the essential oil of the leaves are further processed into various candies and for external use in the form of baths, liniments, brushings, and oral care products. Sage tea is also available in filter bags and as an ingredient in tea blends.
Dosage of sage
The average daily dose, unless otherwise prescribed, is 4 to 6 grams of the drug, 0.1 to 0.3 grams of the essential oil, 2.5 to 7.5 grams of the tincture, or 1.5 to 3 grams of the fluid extract.
To make a gargle solution, add 2.5 grams of the drug or 2 to 3 drops of the essential oil to 100 milliliters of water. For brushings, an undiluted alcoholic extract of the leaves is prepared.
The application period should not exceed 4 weeks at a stretch.
Preparation of sage
For gargling, 2-3 grams of the finely chopped drug (1 teaspoon is about 1.5 grams) is poured over hot water and after 10 minutes is passed through a tea strainer. For night sweats, the tea is prepared in the same way, but drunk cold.
For the treatment of gastrointestinal complaints, 2 grams of the cut drug is poured over boiling water and after only 5 minutes is passed through a tea strainer.
Contraindications and storage
The pure essential oil and alcoholic extracts of sage should not be taken during pregnancy.
Sage leaves should be stored in a dry place away from light.
