Sage is an aromatic herb with a long history of culinary and traditional herbal use. Common Sage is known scientifically as Salvia officinalis, and its leaf is the plant part used in Health Canada’s current oral Sage monograph.
Sage supplements may be available as dried-leaf preparations, liquid extracts, tinctures and other herbal formulas.
What Is Sage?
Common Sage is a botanical in the Salvia genus. It is also known as Garden Sage or Dalmatian Sage.
Modern herbal products generally use the leaf of Salvia officinalis. Different products may contain dried leaf or concentrated extracts, so serving amounts should be compared using the complete product label rather than milligrams alone.
What Are Sage Supplements Used For?
Health Canada recognizes several uses for oral Salvia officinalis products.
Sage may be used as a source of antioxidants and is traditionally used in Herbal Medicine to help relieve upset stomach and flatulence.
Health Canada also recognizes Sage for helping reduce hot flashes and night sweats associated with menopause, as well as traditional uses related to excessive sweating.
The exact authorized use depends on the individual product and its NPN.
How to Choose a Sage Supplement
Botanical Species
Look for Salvia officinalis when choosing a Common Sage herbal supplement.
Plant Part
Health Canada’s current oral monograph identifies the leaf as the medicinal plant material.
Product Format
Sage may be available as dried-leaf preparations, liquid tinctures, concentrated extracts and combination herbal products.
Extract Concentration
Concentrated liquid or dry extracts can represent a larger amount of original Sage leaf than the extract weight alone suggests.
Serving Directions
Different Sage preparations can have different serving amounts and directions depending on their concentration and intended use.
NPN
For Canadian natural health products, check the Natural Product Number for the exact medicinal ingredients, authorized uses, dosage and cautions.
Sage and Menopause
Sage is commonly searched for in connection with menopause, hot flashes and night sweats.
Health Canada recognizes oral Salvia officinalis for use in Herbal Medicine to help reduce hot flashes and night sweats associated with menopause.
For products intended specifically for night sweats, Health Canada’s current monograph includes directions to take the product approximately one hour before bedtime. Individual product directions may vary.
Sage and Excessive Sweating
Sage also has traditional Herbal Medicine uses related to perspiration.
Health Canada recognizes Sage as traditionally used to help reduce excessive sweating or perspiration.
The exact dosage and preparation depend on the individual product, so follow the directions provided on its label.
Sage and Digestive Comfort
Sage also has traditional digestive uses.
Health Canada recognizes Common Sage as traditionally used in Herbal Medicine as a carminative to help provide relief from upset stomach and flatulence.
The exact recommended use depends on the individual formulation.
Sage as a Source of Antioxidants
Sage naturally contains plant compounds with antioxidant activity.
Health Canada recognizes Salvia officinalis as a source of antioxidants that can help protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
Check the individual product’s NPN to confirm its authorized use.
Common Sage vs Clary Sage
Common Sage and Clary Sage are different botanical products.
Common Sage supplements typically use Salvia officinalis leaf.
Clary Sage is a different species commonly known as Salvia sclarea and is often sold as an essential oil.
Do not assume that a Clary Sage essential oil and an oral Common Sage supplement have the same uses or directions.
Important Sage Safety Considerations
Health Canada’s current oral Sage monograph states that Sage products should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding or by people with a seizure disorder such as epilepsy.
Health Canada also advises consulting a healthcare professional for use beyond four weeks.
Always follow the directions and cautions on the specific product.
Shop Sage Online in Canada
Browse Sage products at Village Vitamin Store to compare Sage leaf extracts, tinctures and herbal preparations.
Compare the botanical species, plant part, extract concentration, serving directions and NPN before choosing a product.
