Sage is a silvery-green plant whose leaves impart a good fragrance. The common variety of the Sage plant is found in the Mediterranean and in North America. The leaves of the herb are of culinary and medicinal value. It is in particular used for treating bleeding, sprains, ulcers, swelling, for coughs and sore throats. Herbalists also recommend this herb for [tag]menstrual bleeding[/tag], rheumatism, improving memory, strengthening the nervous system and for alertness.
[tag]Sage oil[/tag], which is derived from this herb consist of chemical substances such as Cineole, Camphor, Alpha and Beta Thujone and other constituents such as flavonoids, tannins, rosmarinic. These substances have antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. While Europeans used this herb for relief from sore throat and inflammation of the gums and mouth, in Germany, the [tag]Sage herb[/tag] is used for treating stomach upset and profuse sweating, where as in England it is used for relief from symptoms associated with menopause.
For sore throat, gingivitis and mouth inflammation, 3 grams of sage leaf can be added to 150 ml of boiling water, allowed to steep, and strained after ten minutes. The resulting tea, when cool can be used for gargling or as a mouthwash several times a day. Alternatively, 5ml of the fluid extract can be diluted with a glass of water and consumed thrice a day.
Also theories suggest that the Sage herb can be used in improving memory and hence can be administered to patients suffering from Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s is accompanied by a drop in a certain chemical substance in the brain, which gets boosted by the herb. Further researches and studies are being conducted to find out the effectiveness of the herb in such patients.
As for the health of gum tissue which you mentioned above – Vitamin C is also important.
In fact, if you look at a bottle of a popular mouthwash you will notice that it uses essential oils. I believe it uses menthol, eucolyptol and another essential oil derivative. It is the oils that are important and not the heavy alcohol content as some may imagine.
There are many plants that contain helpful chemicals. In fact, many of todays modern drugs are synthesized imitations of naturally ocurring plant chemicals in concentrated form.
Sincerely,
David Snape
Author: What You Should Know about Gum Disease