Garden Sage

Salvia officinalis or common sage is one of the 900 species of plants that pertains to genus Salvia as well as Salvia hispanica or Chia (see specific information) but with totally different composition, properties and uses. This comment refers to Salvia officinalis, also called common sage or simply sage.

The leaves and flowering tops of this herbaceous specie which is native from Mediterranean Europe are used It contains thujone, camphor and 1,8 cineol (eucalyptol); phenolic acids, terpenes, flavonoids, tannins ... Thujone and camphor are neurotoxic and may induce seizures. Its concentration varies greatly depending on the season and region of origin ^{(EMA 2016, Cvetkovikj 2015,Jug-Dujaković 2012, WHO 2010, Oniga 2010, Raal 2007)}.The highest concentration appears in the essential oil, whose consumption has caused severe cases of poisoning, especially in children ^{(Lachenmeier 2012, Halicioglu 2011, Burkhard 1999, Millet 1981)}. Traditionally used but without scientific evidence for relief of dyspepsia, excess of sweating, swelling of the mouth, throat and skin.

Sage has been used to reduce milk production ^{(Eid 2020, Eglash 2014, Amir 2011)} and, in some countries, as a galactagogue ^{(Kaygusuz 2021)}. There is no evidence for either of these properties. ^{(Trimeloni 2016, Eglash 2014)}

Breastfed infants of mothers who took eucalyptoldid not experience any significant clinical problems ^{(Kirsch 2012)}

A moderate consumption of leaf tea is devoid of toxicity ^{(Amir 2011)}. It should be convenient to choose plants with low content of thujone and camphor. Essential oil consumption is not recommended during breastfeeding. For culinary purposes it does not pose any health risk if consumed as aromatic seasoning in usual amounts.

See below the information of this related product:

• Chia (Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.)