Sage is native
to the Mediterranean rim, predominantly around the Adriatic Sea.It can now naturalized in in Albania,
Turkey, Greece, Italy, France, U.K. and U.S. It is produced mainly in the
southeastern European countries, the cultivation from northern European
countries dates back to medieval times and it was introduced to North
America during the seventeenth century. [1]
Should be
avoided in pregnancy for its uterotonic effects, and in lactation for its
strong milk-suppressing action. [1]
Interactions:
None known.[2]
Personal
Experience
Organoleptics:
The dried sage
is a pale grey-green, and smells sweet, lemony, and sour.
Preparation Method:
Hot
Infusion: 1
tsp of dried herb in 8 oz of boiling water, steep for 10-15 minutes and
drink 3-4x/day.
Capsules:
250-500
mg of dried herb in capsule form.
Usage Notes:
As a tea, the sage
scent becomes much stronger. It tastes bitter; just a very strong “herbal”
taste. It definitely has a drying effect. I can see why it would be
prudent to mix it with another aesthetic herb, like mint, or hibiscus, to
make it taste better for a client using sage for lactation suppression.
Sources:
Zollinger, R. & Riccio, L.
(2018). Week 11 Study Questions. Bastyr University: WI-18_MW5122-A
Botanicals 2: Postpartum.
Frawley, D. & Lad, V. (2001).
The Yoga of Herbs. Twin Lakes, Wisconsin: Lotus Press.
Tulsi, originating
in India, is widely distributed in tropical areas and can be easily found
at an altitude of 1800 meters in Himalayan region. Some varieties of
tulsi readily grow wild in many areas of Asia and Africa. Named “Queen of
the Herbs”, “Mother Medicine of Nature”, “Elixir of Life” or
“Incomparable one,” tulsi is known for its religious and spiritual
sacredness.In Ayurveda it is
believed to balance mind, spirit and body. [1]
Parts Used:
Aerial parts [2]
Herbal Actions:
Adaptogen
Antimicrobial
Antibacterial
Antiviral
Antifungal
Antiprotozoal
Antimalarial
Anthelmintic
Mosquito
repellent
Anti-diarrheal
Anti-oxidant
Anti-cataract
Anti-inflammatory
Chemoprotective
Radioprotective
Hepato-protective
Neuro-protective
Cardio-protective
Anti-diabetic
Anti-hypercholesterolemia
Anti-hypertensive
Anti-carcinogenic
Analgesic
Anti-pyretic
Anti-allergic
Immunomodulatory
Central nervous
system depressant
Memory
enhancement
Anti-asthmatic
Anti-tussive
Diaphoretic
Anti-thyroid
Anti-fertility
Anti-ulcer
Anti-emetic
Anti-spasmodic
Anti-arthritis
Anti-stress
Anti-leukodermal
[1]
Indications:
Adaptogenic and
neuroprotective in times of stress
Diabetes -
lowers blood sugar and cholesterol levels
For bacterial
or protozoal infections
To increase
circulation, ‘cerebral stimulation’; - vascular disease, mental fog,
speed recovery of head trauma
To protect the
liver during times of radiation exposure
GI issues -
prevention of gastric ulcers
During sickness
or allergen exposure - enhances antibody production and reduces effects
of allergies, hay fever, etc.
Asthma - helps
reduce symptoms
ADD/ADHD
Depression
UTI’s
Skin infections
Gonorrhea
Acne
HSV
Anti-fertility [1]
Plant Constituents:
Some of the
phytochemical constituents of tulsi are oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, rosmarinic
acid, eugenol, carvacrol, linalool, β-caryophyllene (about 8%). [1]
System Affinities:
All systems! [2]
Energetics:
Pungent, sweet,
warm [2]
Safety:
May to toxic to
embryos (animal studies) and can have anti-fertility effects. [2]
Interactions:
May enhance CYP-450 enzyme activity, therefore speeding up the
elimination of some medications.[2]
Personal
Experience
Organoleptics:
This is a
beautiful herb. The dried leaves are dark green, and they smell so fresh
and sweet. I can tell they will be a wonderful tea because they smell like
green tea with honey.
Preparation Method:
Tincture:
(1:5
or 1:2): 40-60 drops, 3x/day.
Tea:
1
tsp. dried leaf to 8 oz hot water, steep covered for 5-10 mins, drink
3x/day.
Usage Notes:
I have been
drinking a tulsi-rose tea blend for the last year or so, and it is my favorite
tea in the world. I never buy anything else now! While the I prefer the
floral hints of rose, I brewed a batch of tulsi alone. It is still
wonderfully soothing, and sweet. I felt all the calming (and energizing at
the same time) effects I would expect from the Queen of the Herbs.
Sources:
Zollinger, R. & Riccio, L.
(2018). Week 11 Study Questions. Bastyr University: WI-18_MW5122-A
Botanicals 2: Postpartum.
Winston, D. & Maimes, S.
(2007). Adaptogens: herbs for strength, stamina, and stress relief. Rochester,
Vermont: Healing Arts Press.
