Menopause is a natural part of aging. Starting in a woman’s mid-thirties to mid-forties, the hormone production in the ovaries begins to fluctuate. This can cause unpleasant symptoms that last for up to ten years, such as:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Mood swings
• Sleep disturbances
• Anxiety
• Irregular heartbeat
• Soreness in muscles
• Fatigue

Women have been battling the symptoms of menopause since time immemorial. Consequently, there are many natural herbal remedies that have been shown over time to help.

One of these natural alternatives for menopause treatment is the use of sage leaf.

What is Sage Leaf?

• Sage leaf is a very common herb that is used in herbal medicine as well as a cooking spice.
• It is a soft, grayish-green plant that emits a subtle, earthy smell when crushed.
• It originates in Spain and the Mediterranean but tolerates many different climates.

Historically, it was used by herbalists to treat

• Sprains
• Swellings
• Ulcers
• Bleeding
• Sore throat and cough
• Rheumatism

Sage is noted for helping:

• Strengthen the nervous system
• Improve memory
• Sharpen the senses

Sage leaf is also though to have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Sage is actually named for its curative herbalist properties. The name “sage” is derived from the Latin salvere, which means “to save.”

How do I take Sage?

There are several effective methods for using sage to treat illness. The tea and dilution method can be taken three times daily.

• Tea: 3 grams of chopped sage leaf can be steeped in 150 ml of boiling water for 10 minutes.
• Dilute 5 ml of sage extract in a glass of water
• As a poultice on sprains and swellings. To make this poultice, bruise a handful of sage leaves and boil them in vinegar for five minutes. Then strain them, put them in a folded napkin, and apply to the affected area.
• As part of an herbal supplement.
• Sage can be purchased at your grocery store, usually found in the spices aisle.
• It is also available from health food stores, or, for the freshest (and cheapest) sage available, you could grow it yourself in a window herb garden.
• Sage can also be grown in your home garden. Sage grows best in a warm, dry climate, but it is a hardy plant and will grow almost anywhere. It prefers partial shade.
• It can be propagated by planting seeds, but a quicker and more common method is to obtain cuttings.

Sage Leaf and Menopause

Sage leaf has been shown to be effective in alleviating the following symptoms of menopause:

• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Night sweats
• Hot flashes

Sage leaf can help to regulate your mood by reducing the severity of mood swings. Combining sage leaf with alfalfa can enhance its effects.

Side Effects

Sage leaf does not have any adverse side effects when taken as directed. As with anything, too much sage can be harmful. Sage oil should not be taken undiluted. Sage should not be taken internally during pregnancy. Sage should be avoided when fever is present.

Sage leaf is most effective in alleviating menopause symptoms when combined with a healthy diet and moderate exercise.

Try Menopol, a natural source of sage leaf for menopause here.

Sources:
http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/s/sages-05.html
http://www.project-aware.org/Experience/symptoms.shtml
http://myhealth.ucsd.edu/library/healthguide/en-us/Cam/topic.asp?hwid=hn-2158004