| What is it used for? - Hot flushes
- Excessive sweating
- Excessive salivation
- Sore throats
Why is it needed? The menopause signals the beginning of a new stage in a woman’s life. This usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 60, although it may start in the mid to late thirties. Menopause is a time of fundamental hormonal and functional adjustment, and many of the distressing symptoms such as hot flushes, mood changes, insomnia, palpitations, vaginal soreness and cystitis are a result of the body trying to adapt to these changes. Sage appears to have a balancing effect on the hypothalamus, which can become overactive at this time of life as it tries to regulate fluctuating hormone levels. By regulating the function of the hypothalamus, Sage has a beneficial effect on the sweatregulating mechanism housed in the same part of the brain, making it useful for hot flushes. It may also help men who sweat very profusely. Sage has an antibacterial action, which may make it useful as a gargle for sore throats. How does it work? - Hypothalamic action
- Antibacterial
- Astringent
Around the time of the menopause, the amount of oestrogen produced by the ovaries begins to diminish. The lower levels of hormones in the blood trigger the release of a specific regulating factor from the hypothalamus in the brain, encouraging more hormone production from the ovaries. At the same time as having to deal with hormone balance the hypothalamus is also the control centre for temperature regulation. It is an important intermediary between the nervous system and the endocrine system. Many of the physical and mental symptoms which occur during the menopause are a result of an imbalance in this control mechanism, as it struggles with its various tasks. Sage (Salvia officinalis) has a rebalancing effect on the hypothalamus, correcting sweat regulation. Taken internally, Sage can reduce the secretion of saliva. The volatile oils in Sage are good antiseptics. Tannins are anti-inflammatory and astringent and this combination is useful for throat and mouth infections and inflammation, especially when used as a gargle. |