sage

A Vogel Menoforce Sage is an herb commonly available in your spice rack. It is usually dry and use to flavour to favourite entrees and sides but also has medicinal properties that people use for centuries in both Eastern and Western cultures.

In recent years, scientists look into how effective sage or sage extracts are in preventing or treating common medical conditions.

Scientifically known as salvia, salvia  is a member of the mint family. With over 900 varieties, this plant has long been recognise for its therapeutic properties.

For generations, salvia preparations use to support menopausal health, with a particular focus on reducing the frequency and severity of hot flushes.

Of all the menopausal symptoms, women often find that hot flushes are the most challenging, interfering with daily life, compromising emotional health, and disrupting sleep.

A hot flush can happen at any point during the day or night, and is often described as an intense and sudden feeling of heat that radiates throughout the body. You can learn more about the symptoms of hot flushes here.

Here, we uncover how sage may be a helpful treatment for night sweats and hot flushes in menopause.

What does Menoforce do for menopause?

Experts believe sage has mild phytoestrogenic properties (1). Phytoestrogens are plant-based compounds that naturally mimic oestrogen in the body. Since oestrogen starts to decline in perimenopause, phytoestrogens, like salvia, have received increasing traction for their beneficial health effects at this time.

Discover eight more oestrogen rich foods for menopause here

What does the science say?

In a 2011 study, researchers evaluated the efficacy and safety of using salvia to support the reduction of hot flushes by giving a group of women a sage preparation in tablet form for eight weeks.

After four weeks, around half of the participants observed a notable reduction in hot flushes; after eight weeks, 64 per cent saw a decrease in symptoms. The authors concluded that sage supplementation reduced hot flushes every week, and, remarkably, ceased severe hot flushes altogether.

What is the best way to take sage?

Sage is available as an essential oil, a tea, and in capsule form. It should be note that only salvia supplementation has been study for its role in menopausal symptoms. So, to support your health at this time, look for quality, high-grade standardised sage in a formula that delivers around 2500mg.

What are the side effects of sage?

If consumed in excess, sage can potentially cause serious side effects. Salvia contains a neurotoxin called thujone, which is responsible for intoxicating properties of the alcoholic drink, absinthe.

Some of the side effects include vomiting, dizziness, tremors, restlessness, and kidney damage. You should always follow the guidance on salvia supplements and never exceed the recommended dose.

Sage essential oil is also toxic, where twelve drops or more may cause adverse symptoms (5). With this in mind, never consume sage essential oil orally, and always dilute when using topically.

Excessive use of sage may also negatively impact the efficacy of anticonvulsant drugs and interfere with diabetes medication.