Salvia is a medicinal plant of the species Salvia officinalis that can be used as a complementary therapy in the treatment of heartburn, stomach ulcers, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes. It is rich in substances containing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antidiabetic properties.

Salvia, also known as sage, is used often in cooking, especially in the preparation of meats and sauces, and is known for its aroma. Its leaves can also be used to make tea.

Salvia can be found at grocery stores, farmers' markets, and health food stores. Using salvia for medicinal purposes should only be done in consultation with your doctor or an herbal medicine specialist.

This content is solely for informative purposes and should not replace a medical consultation. Do not interrupt your current treatment without seeking medical guidance.

Indications for use

Salvia is indicated as a complementary therapy in the treatment of:

Heartburn, indigestion, and stomach ulcers;
Diarrhea and excess gas;
Excessive sweating;
Rheumatoid arthritis and gout;
Alzheimer's disease;
Inflammation of the mouth and throat;
Skin lesions and inflammation;
Poor appetite;
High cholesterol or triglycerides.

Salvia may also help in the treatment of diabetes due to its hypoglycemic effects and antioxidant properties, which can help lower glucose levels in the blood.

Salvia contains compounds such as phenols, flavonoids, sterols, and terpenoids, which possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antilipemic, and healing properties, and may also work to enhance memory and concentration.

While salvia has many health benefits, it should not be taken in place of other treatments prescribed by your doctor. Salvia should only be used under the supervision of a doctor or herbal medicine specialist.

How to make salvia tea

Salvia leaves are the part of the plant used to make tea because they contain the active substances found in this medicinal plant.

Ingredients

1 Tbsp salvia leaves;
1 mug of water.

Instructions

Bring water to a boil and pour into a mug. Place the salvia leaves in the mug with the hot water and let steep for about 5 to 10 minutes. Strain, wait for it cool a bit, and drink (up to one cup 3 times a day).

Salvia tea can be used as a gargle several times a day to treat inflammation of the mouth and throat.

Other preparations

In addition to making tea, salvia can also be used to make a tincture to help with the management of rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and diabetes. Oral doses (taken by mouth) will depend on the concentration of the solution and should be determined by a doctor.

A salvia tincture can also be used as a gargle for inflammation of the mouth and throat. It can also be applied to skin lesions. See how to make a tincture.

Salvia is also used in cooking, in the preparation of meats, sauces, and vegetables, for example.

Side effects

Salvia is considered safe for use in cooking and as a tea however consuming more than the recommended amount can cause nausea, hot flushes, increased heart rate, and epileptic spasms.

Contraindications to use

Salvia should not be used by people with an allergy to any part of the salvia plant.

Salvia should be avoided in pregnancy due to a lack of safety data. Salvia should also be avoided in lactation as it has the potential to decrease milk supply.

People with epilepsy should only use salvia if approved by a doctor or herbal medicine specialist, as some studies suggest that salvia can trigger epileptic seizures.