Sage - This herb, which is famous for its medicinal properties since ancient times. Hippocrates mentioned his useful properties in his writings. Not spared sage nutmeg and modern medicine. Extracts from this herb cure inflammatory processes of the skin and respiratory tract. In cosmetology, it is widely used as an anti-inflammatory and firming agent. In folk medicine has found the greatest use.
In this article we will look at the most interesting things about the sage nutmeg plant and tell you what is the use of it and whether there is any harm.
Sage: useful composition of a medicinal plant
The composition of the leaves of clary sage includes many useful compounds and substances: tannic and resinous, flavonoids, organic acids, vitamins P and PP, bitters, phytoncides. It also contains an essential oil rich in pinene, cineol, thujone, borneol, salven, and other terpene compounds. Sage nutmeg oil is produced at the highest concentration during the fruiting period, and tannins are produced in the middle of autumn.
How useful clary sage: the pharmacological properties of medicinal herbs
For a long time, our ancestors used clary sage as an anti-inflammatory agent for sore eyes and diseases of the female genital system. This is a truly iconic herb. Celts sage flavored alcohol, which helped the priests to dive into nirvana during ritual ceremonies.
English botanist Nicholas Culpeper believed that clary sage has not only pronounced healing properties, but also exudes a subtle scent that has a calming and relaxing effect. An infusion was made from the seeds, which was applied to the inflamed eyes.
Apparently, the effect was mucous substances, which removed inflammatory processes and alleviated irritation. Hieronymus Bock, in his 1577 treatise on herbs, recommends sage nutmeg as a remedy that increases the possibility of women becoming pregnant. Modern studies have shown that sage is similar to female sex hormones in its structure, and therefore has an aphrodisiac effect.
Clary sage essential oil has antibacterial properties and a strong wound-healing effect. By its effectiveness it can be compared with the Vishnevsky ointment. Oil copes with burns, ulcerated wounds that can not be prolonged for a long time, as well as oral lesions such as gingivitis and stomatitis. Concentrated essential oil of Clary sage first extraction has found its use in the treatment of chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal and peripheral nervous systems. Dried inflorescences of plants are added to medicinal fees. In homeopathy, they brew an infusion against a headache, a sedative for "female" problems and a cosmetic preparation.
The healing properties of clary sage also extend to the venous system of the human body, exerting a venotonic effect. Fees, which include sage, help with hemorrhoids, varicose veins and disorders in the systemic circulation. In skin diseases, essential oil of clary sage is used for massage procedures and manual therapy. Lubricate acne, normalize the metabolism of fat on the skin of the face, treat hair loss and eliminate dandruff.
Did you know? They say that sage in large quantities can cause a euphoric state, but not everyone is predisposed to such effects on the nervous system.
How is sage used in modern medicine?
Leaves and grass of clary sage are used in the modern pharmaceutical industry. They are rich in fragrant essential oil, flavonoids, tannins and vitamins of the P group. Legends of anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and hemostatic properties of sage are composed.
Everything else it contributes to the secretion of gastric juice and normalizes perspiration. For the treatment, mainly herb is taken, from which infusions and decoctions are prepared, but clary sage is generally a storehouse of useful elements. To prepare the infusion, you need to take two tablespoons of crushed leaves of the plant, pour 500 g of boiling water.
After pouring into a thermos and insist one hour. To make a decoction, you need to take the same part of sage leaves, pour boiling water on it and boil for 15 minutes over low heat.
Useful properties of sage in traditional medicine
In homeopathy, sage is used for diseases of the throat and respiratory system: sore throats, stomatitis, laryngitis, tuberculosis and pulmonary edema. For diseases of the bones and joints: polyarthritis, radiculitis and atherosclerosis. Also with various problems in gynecology. In diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: ulcers of various stages, colitis, gastritis, liver diseases and treatment of external and internal purulent wounds.
It has long been tested by experience antipotovoe action leaves of clary sage. The effect comes very quickly after taking sage tea, but the peak activity occurs after two hours. Sometimes the result can last the whole day. It helps a lot to tea sick tuberculosis with their abundant night sweats.
Receiving sage tea helps to quickly cure chronic bronchitis and inflammation of the kidneys. In its pure form, it is possible to chew the leaves of a plant for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, biliary and liver, as well as a diuretic, choleretic and astringent.
It is helpful for patients with bronchial asthma to smoke a few sage leaves along with the dope leaves. On top of that, smoldering clary sage exudes a pleasant aroma.
Important! Teas from this plant contribute to the interruption of the lactation period in nursing mothers. A decoction of clary sage is taken exclusively at the direction of the attending physician.
Broths and infusions of this plant remarkably strengthen the hair follicles, slowing down the balding process. There are cases when this regression completely stopped. Therefore, clary sage will be interesting in the application of men with problems of hair, the benefits of it are incredible. Such miraculous properties could not circumvent the perfume. Sage extract is present in various firming shampoos.
Infusions of sage herbs cure thrush in infants, bleeding gums and throat, muffle toothache. To prepare this broth, you need to take 5 grams of sage, the same oak bark and pour a glass of boiling water. Broth insist to cool and strain. It should be applied in a warm form.
In case of inflammatory processes of the respiratory organs, inhalations from clary sage help. A handful of herbs should be poured with water and boiled in enamelware for 4 minutes. After the fire, turn off and breathe over the pot, covered with a towel.
Did you know? Even in the periods of "howling death" in the Middle Ages, sage was in the first place among homeopathic remedies as an essential medicine an immunomodulator and tonic.
The use of clary sage in cosmetology
Essential oil of clary sage has found its application in cosmetology. It is used in aromatherapy as a means to relax, relieve stress and suppress headaches. Sage oil clarifies the mind, harmonizes and gives a feeling of satisfaction. Clary sage causes only positive feedback from cosmetologists regarding its beneficial properties for hair. A decoction of this plant gives natural shine, removes dandruff, stimulates growth and normalizes the sweat-fat metabolism of the scalp.
Antibacterial properties of the plant help to get rid of acne during puberty. The extract of clary sage is added to creams for young and prone to oily skin. Compresses of decoction of sage leaves are superimposed on the eye area, which helps to remove dark circles and make the look clear and cheerful.
How to use sage nutmeg in aromatherapy
Clary sage has gained incredible popularity in the field of aromatherapy. Sage essential oil applied to the wrist, a pillow or poured into an aromatic lamp has a relaxing effect and has an antispasmodic effect. The pleasant smell of sage improves mood during seasonal exacerbations of vascular dystonia, chronic fatigue, nervousness and panic attacks. The aroma of Clary Sage essential oil eases migraines during hormonal disruptions.
Essential oil of this plant is combined with other components when creating perfumes and toilet water. Plus, it acts as a kind of bond between other easily destroyed essential oils. Thanks to this, persistent fragrances are created.
Important! [i] Active plant phytohormones influence through olfactory receptors on the "pleasure center" of women, therefore it is recommended not to abuse such fragrances.
Sage essential oil is wonderfully combined with oils of grapefruit, bergamot, coriander, sandalwood, jasmine, juniper, incense, and especially rose.
The use of sage in the food industry
In the cuisines of the southern countries of Europe and America, sage has gained extraordinary popularity. Young leaves of the plant are endowed with a spicy bitter taste with a sharp aroma. Sage gives a touch of sophistication to poultry, meat, fish and vegetables. It is added everywhere: in appetizers, salads, first and second courses, desserts and even drinks. Remarkable is the fact that, in the dried state, sage leaves are not inferior in their taste to fresh.
Grinded sage in the form of spicy powder can be seasoned dish as it is prepared, and before serving. It is used to give the cheese a savory and refined taste. Do not do without the use in the confectionery and alcoholic beverage industries. Even when creating cigarettes and cigars, sage is used to perfume elite tobacco varieties.
Did you know? Regular use of sage oil orally improves memory.
Clary sage: contraindications
We considered many of the positive properties and application of this wonderful plant in various industries, but what are the contraindications for sage? This plant can not be taken in any form during pregnancy or breastfeeding, unless you deliberately do not need to stop lactation.
People with pronounced problems of the thyroid gland, which can not cope with the production of hormones, should also avoid eating sage. For diseases of the reproductive system in women, this plant is also banned. 
Clary - This is a highly allergenic plant, so dermatologists especially point out contraindications for people with individual intolerance.
