Night sweats are the nocturnal twins of daytime hot flashes, and they often occur during a woman's menopausal years because of fluctuating hormone levels. Conventional hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, is available from your doctor to treat night sweats and other symptoms. Though sage may reduce the severity of night sweats, herbal therapy cannot replace your doctor's advice for treating your symptoms.
Herbal Properties
Sage, or Salvia officinalis, is astringent and antimicrobial, according to James F. Balch, M.D., author of "Prescription for Natural Cures." The leaves of the sage plant contain the active constituent, thujone, and in addition to reducing night sweats and hot flashes, sage may be beneficial in the treatment of excess intestinal gas, gum disease and sore throat. Breastfeeding mothers may use sage to dry up breast milk when weaning their infant.
Potential Benefits for Night Sweats
Sage may reduce night sweats and hot flashes by limiting the overall production of sweat, according to Cox College Health. Early research findings suggest that a combination of sage and alfalfa may be even more beneficial.
Method/Preparation
Sage is available in herbal tea or liquid tincture form. Prepare a tea by pouring 1 cup of boiling water over 2 tsp. of dried sage and steep for 10 minutes before straining and refrigerating. Drink sage tea cold for the best results. Drink up to three cups per day. Alternatively, use up to 6g per day of liquid sage tincture mixed into juice or other liquids.
Considerations
Sage, which is commonly used as a food seasoning, is generally safe for most, but the "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicines" warns against giving the herb to pregnant women or those suffering from epilepsy. Limit the use of sage to a maximum of two weeks to avoid an excessive amount of thujone in the body. Those allergic to plants in the mint family should avoid sage. See your doctor before self-treating with sage to reduce night sweats.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Night Sweats
- "Prescription for Natural Cures"; James F. Balch, M.D., 2004
- Cox College: Sage
- "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, Volume 2"; Jacqueline L. Longe; 2005
