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Alzheimer's Supplements
Acetyl-L-carnitine
Ginkgo
Huperzine A
Phosphatidylserine
Vinpocetine
Carnosine
Citrulline
Choline or Phosphatidylcholine
DHEA
Lemon Balm
N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)
Sage

Sage , Salvia officinalis, Salvia lavandulaefolia

Proposed Uses: Dyspepsia; Excessive Perspiration (Hyperhidrosis); Sore Throat; Alzheimer’s Disease; Anxiety; Enhancing Mental Function; Herpes; Breast engorgement during weaning

The herb sage has a long history of use in food and medicine. Sage has been approved by Germany’s Commission E for internal use in the treatment of dyspepsia (non-specific digestive distress) and excessive sweating, and for topical use in the treatment of inflammation of the mucous membranes of the throat and nose.

A study of 286 people found that a throat spray made using sage at a 15% concentration significantly reduced sore throat pain as compared to placebo. Hubbert M, Sievers H, Lehnfeld R et al. Efficacy and Tolerability of a Spray with Salvia officinalis in the Treatment of Acute Pharyngitis - A Randomised, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study with Adaptive Design and Interim Analysis.

Additionally, in a double-blind trial performed in Iran, 42 people with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease were given either a sage extract or placebo for 4 months. The results appeared to suggest a modest improvement in mental function in the sage group as compared to the placebo group.

In another double-blind, placebo-controlled study, either placebo or sage essential oil was given to 24 healthy people using a crossover design. The results showed possible improvement in some aspects of mental function, but the design of the study was such that the results are difficult to trust. (The researchers tested too many aspects of memory, leading to a statistical likelihood that benefits would be seen on some of them by random chance.) A similar sized study (with similar flaws) found weak hints that sage leaf might improve mood and reduce anxiety level.

Much weaker evidence, too weak to rely upon at all, hints that sage might have liver protective, anti-cancer, immunomodulatory (alters immune function), antimicrobial,8anti-anxiety, and anti-inflammatory activity.

Dosage
For use as tea or gargle, 1–3 grams of dried sage is steeped in a cup of water, and taken three times daily. The equivalent dose of tincture or extract may also be used

Safety Issues
As a widely used food spice, sage is thought to have a relatively high level of safety. However, comprehensive safety studies have not been performed. Sage essential oil contains the neurotoxic substance thujone. Maximum safe doses in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or people with severe liver or kidney disease have not been established.

Feature Article

The Fountain of Youth?

What if I told you that it may be possible for you to live to age 100 or even longer, in better health than you are in right now? And, if you are already experiencing the ill effects of aging, what if I told you that it may be possible for you to look and feel 20 years younger and stay that way beyond the age of 100.

Aside from the fact that you'd probably call me crazy, I have to tell you that we have never been as close as we are today to actually being able to extend human life!

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