Products
Sage pastilles (and sage candies) are commercially available from a variety of suppliers, including Dallmann, Vogel, Phytopharma, and Ricola in many countries. Distribution of Wala sage throat pastilles will be discontinued in 2019.
Ingredients
The active ingredients are preparations of sage leaves. As a rule, these are extracts, tinctures and/or sage essential oil. In addition to other active ingredients, such as vitamin C or other essential oils (e.g., eucalyptus oil, menthol), they consist of various excipients (selection, examples):
- Sugar: sucrose, glucose, honey.
- Sweeteners: sorbitol, stevia
- Flavorings
- Acids: citric acid
- Humectant: glycerol
- Thickener: Arabic gum
- Coating agent: carnauba wax, beeswax
Effects
Sage pastilles and candies have soothing, anti-irritant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Indications for use
Typical indications include sore throat, cough, hoarseness, dry mouth, and inflammation of the mouth and throat. Sage pastilles are also consumed as sweet candies.
Dosage
The pastilles are usually dissolved slowly in the mouth several times a day. Biting into them is not recommended.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Sage should not be taken during pregnancy and lactation as a precautionary measure (source: e.g., ESCOP, EFSA). However, only small amounts are contained in the pastilles.
- Infants, young children
Full precautions can be found in the leaflet.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include local reactions. The products containing sugar may promote the development of caries, and sweeteners may have a laxative effect if consumed in excess. The thujone contained in the essential oil is toxic in high doses (see also under sage). However, because of the low concentration, this is not usually a factor for the patilla.
