Sage, The Woman's Herb
Sage is a very common herb used in teas around the Middle East and Mediterranean countries. Sage has a
long history of medicinal properties and has been used from the Chinese to the Romans.
The name is derived from the Latin word 'salvare' which means 'heal' or 'save' and during the Middle
Ages it was a popular ingredient of many nerve tonics and the herb was also used to clean gums.
Menopause and Peri-menopause
Most women think of menopause as the point when they cease to menstruate. They do not link irritability,
memory lapses, or mood swings to hormonal changes. There is however, an increasing awareness that
menopause is not an event, but a process. It is a process that can take as long as 6 to 15 years. These years
when the ovaries begin producing less estrogen, have become known as peri-menopause.
Sage relieves discomforts such as hot flashes by boosting natural estrogen production during menopause.
Menstruation
Due to its hormonal regulatory effect, it is most useful for menstrual problems. Sage helps to regulate
estrogen while helping with PMS also.
Weaning
Sage is used in reducing breast milk when weaning a baby.
How To Prepare
Drink one teaspoon of dried sage steeped for 10 minutes in one cup boiling water or add two teaspoons
of dried sage to a pot of tea.
Full List of Benefits:
- reduces hot flashes in menopause and boosts natural estrogen production
- improves liver function and digestion
- reduces breast milk when weaning babies
- reduces excessive perspiration and salivation
- helps with depression and grief
Buying Information
Sage can be bought in most Middle Eastern markets and health food stores and online. Sage is inexpensive.
Growing your Own
Sage can also be very easily grown outdoors or in containers. For information on how to grow Sage see: Growing Sage
