How much sage is too much and why it helps with cough?

Sage properties

Sage (Salvia officinalis) is an herb that thrives and is widely used in Mediterranean countries, as it has a multitude of applications! Apart from being an excellent addition to food and a very nutritious decoction, it is also an ingredient in various skin care products, while it is also used as an air freshener.

Sage has been used since ancient times for the prevention and natural treatment of many unpleasant conditions. There are various reports, both from antiquity and from recent studies, which claim that this particular herb acts as: [1][2][3][4]

• Antioxidant
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antibacterial
• Antiseptic
• Expectorant
• Astringent
• Healing
• Insect repellent
• Antidiarrheal
• Neuroprotective
• Relaxing

In addition, it appears to help with indigestion, hot flashes and sweating (menopausal women), control of blood glucose and lipid levels, and skin health (eg psoriasis). Finally, it appears to enhance cognitive function and may protect against neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. Alzheimer’s). [3]

This herb also helps with bad breath, the prevention and management of gingivitis, and mouth sores. Indeed, there are many who regularly gargle with sage decoction or use mouthwashes that contain its extract in their composition.

Sage benefits for cough and sore throat

Among the various beneficial effects of sage, the protection it provides to the oral cavity and the respiratory tract stands out.

The anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and expectorant properties of the herb, in fact, make it an ideal ally for treating sore throat and coughs. [4][5][6]

Drinking sage tea has been linked to protection against mouth inflammation, pharyngitis, bronchitis and asthma, while helping to treat cough and sore throat, regardless of etiology (common cold, flu, etc.). [4][5][6]

According to research, it has been shown that the combination of sage and echinacea can significantly relieve acute throat pain and contribute to a faster recovery, to the same extent as pharmaceutical products. [6]

How much sage tea is safe to drink?

Despite the multiple benefits of drinking sage tea, it is important to do so in moderation. In particular, sage contains a high content of the substance thujone, which in large quantities can be harmful to health (e.g. liver damage, seizures). [7]

Although there is no official recommendation from the scientific community, regarding the recommended daily consumption of sage tea, it is considered that 2-6 cups per day do not create any health problem, with some experts recommending that consumption be limited to 2-3 cups . [7]

It is also important to know that sage essential oil contains larger amounts of the substance thujone, which is why it should not be taken regularly.

Finally, it is worth mentioning that excessive consumption of sage for a long period of time can lead to side effects, such as dizziness, nausea, liver and kidney problems, while it is recommended not to be consumed – in therapeutic doses – by women during pregnancy and breastfeeding , people with diabetes, kidney or liver disease, as well as people with epilepsy. [7]

In conclusion

Sage is a valuable herb, ideal as tea all year round but especially in winter, for additional protection of the body against coughs and sore throats! However, it should be consumed in moderation to avoid side effects.

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