How Salvia is an Ally For Women’s Health

Salvia, or Sage, has become one of my favourites. It has not left me disappointed when it comes to women’s health. Salvia includes a variety of species, including Salvia officinalis (common sage) and Salvia miltiorrhiza (red sage or Danshen). These are both celebrated for their medicinal properties in women’s health, since they offer evidence-based benefits in managing hormonal imbalances, symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), insulin regulation, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Let’s explore how this powerful herb is backed by research to support women’s well-being.

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Hormonal Balance

Salvia provides significant support during hormonal fluctuations, particularly in the transition phases of perimenopause and menopause. Women who are experiencing hot flashes, mood swings, and other symptoms of estrogen decline will benefit from Salvia.

Research published in Advances in Therapy highlighted the benefits of Salvia officinalis in menopausal women by noting a reduction in the frequency and severity of hot flashes. This outcome is linked to the herb’s phytoestrogenic properties, which mimic the effects of estrogen and address its decline during menopause.

Also, I often find this helpful in Mood Regulation due to its adaptogenic and anxiety reducing properties.  It’s a great ally if you are going through mood swings. (2)

Support for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Salvia has shown promise in addressing the multifaceted challenges of PCOS, a condition that impacts hormonal and metabolic health.

Insulin Sensitivity

Many women with PCOS struggle with insulin resistance, a key factor in the condition. Research published in the Diabetes & Metabolism Journal demonstrated that Salvia officinalis improves insulin sensitivity and helps regulate blood glucose levels. By incorporating salvia into a broader treatment plan, women may see improvements in symptoms associated with insulin resistance (3)(7).

Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

Inflammation often plays a role in PCOS, contributing to ovarian dysfunction and other symptoms. Sage contains anti-inflammatory compounds such as rosmarinic acid, which can help reduce systemic inflammation. By addressing this underlying issue, salvia supports improved ovarian function and hormonal balance, offering relief to women managing PCOS (4).

Relieving Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects countless women during the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle. This brings physical discomfort and emotional challenges.

Mood Improvement

The essential oil of Salvia officinalis has been shown to provide anxiolytic and antidepressant effects, which can help stabilize mood during PMS. For women dealing with irritability or low energy levels, sage offers a natural way to improve emotional well-being (8) (10) (11).

I have found it useful in various forms such as capsules and tinctures for this purpose.

How to use Salvia: Use as Tea, Capsules or in Herbal Tinctures

First, a precaution: Using salvia in  excessive amounts can be estrogenic. Seek a qualified provider who can advise right dosing and forms customised for your individual journey.

Tea

Salvia tea is a soothing and effective way to experience the herb’s benefits. Preparing a simple infusion with dried sage leaves allows women to enjoy its calming and therapeutic properties.

Capsules

Capsules are more convenient and concentrated. They are particularly useful for addressing specific concerns like hormonal balance or inflammation.

Tinctures

Tinctures, the concentrated liquid form of herbs, are easy to use and allow for precise dosing. Please get in touch if you would like help.

Take the Next Step

If you are struggling with PMS, mood swings, or symptoms related to hormonal imbalances, I encourage you to explore how salvia might fit into your wellness plan. By combining natural remedies with personalized guidance, you can achieve balance and improve your quality of life.

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References

  1. _First_time_proof_of_sage’s_tolerability_and_efficacy_in_menopausal_women_with_hot_flushes
  2. Effect of Salvia officinalis on diabetic patients PMID: 25340127
  3. Clinical trial of Salvia officinalis for glucose management.” Journal of Ethnopharmacolgy. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24050577/
  4. Akaberi, M., et al. (2016). “Chemical and therapeutic properties of Salvia species.” Phytotherapy Research.
  5. The effects of Salvia on cognitive performance and mood.” Nutrition Journal https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20937617
  6.  Efficacy of Salvia Officinalis Extract on the Prevention of Insulin Resistance in Euglycemic Patients With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Double-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.
  7. Estrogenic Activity of Sage (Salvia Officinalis L.) Aerial Parts and Its Isolated Ferulic Acid in Immature Ovariectomized Female Rats.
  8. Salvia Officinalis for Hot Flushes: Towards Determination of Mechanism of Activity and Active Principles.
  9. Effects of Cholinesterase Inhibiting Sage (Salvia Officinalis) on Mood, Anxiety and Performance on a Psychological Stressor Battery.
  10. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Premenstrual Syndrome With Special Emphasis on Herbal Medicine and Nutritional Supplements.