Menopause Blue Mountains Australia | Finding Relief: Sage's Impact on Sweating, Hot Flashes, and Memory.

Menopause can be a difficult time in life. During this transition, we can experience many unpleasant symptoms including vagueness, difficulty with concentration, poor memory, sweating, and hot flushes. The humble sage plant is believed to have health properties that reduce or eliminate these menopausal symptoms and improve quality of life for menopausal women. Discovering natural remedies for menopause can be life-changing. Embrace the benefits of sage and find specialized support with our Menopause Health Coaching in Blue Mountains.

What is sage and what is it good for?

Sage — scientifically known as Salvia officinalis — is a herb from the Labiatae family native to the Middle East and Mediterranean regions. It is known for its soft, light grey-green leaves, which add a burst of flavour to culinary creations. But, beyond its kitchen prowess, sage has also been a trusted ally for centuries in easing the discomforts of menopause. Some research has shown that sage:

1) reduces perspiration;

2) decreases both frequency and intensity of hot flushes; and

3) promotes better mood and cognition.

How can sage help with hot flushes?

Hot flushes can be described as a sudden release of heat by the body. The process involves a lot of sweating, increased movement of blood to the surface of the body, and feeling very hot. During menopause, the difference between the temperature that makes you sweat or shiver becomes smaller so that a small increase in core temperature can trigger a hot flush. Studies have shown that sage acts as a phytoestrogen (pretend oestrogen) helping to reduce sweating and hot flushes that occur during menopause because it causes mild anti-dopaminergic effects on neurons.

What impact can sage have on the cognitive side effects of menopause?

Some of the improved cognitive effects caused by sage come from its actions on multiple neurotransmitters and receptors in the brain such as GABA and acetylcholine. For example, there is a compound in sage which blocks the activity of acetylcholinesterases (the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine), increasing the level of acetylcholine. The increase of acetylcholine is believed to improve mood, motivation, and cognition. Low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress are found in Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative disorders. For this reason, sage is also believed to aid in cognitive health by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. These antioxidative effects are mainly carried out by phenolic compounds found in sage.

Where can I find sage?

Sage can be found fresh, dried, as a tincture, or in oil form.

But what is the best way to take sage?

My preferred way is to steep 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried sage leaves in a cup of boiling water for 10 min. I do this twice a day. An alternative option is to buy or make a sage tincture and take ½ teaspoon of sage tincture up to 3 times a day. When consumed at these doses, side effects are rare. However, when consumed excessively, the side effects can include feelings of warmth, dizziness, increased heart rate, and can induce epilepsy-like seizures. If you experience any of these symptoms cease consumption immediately. As with most things in life, moderation is important. If you would like to use sage oil do so with caution, it can be toxic because it contains high levels of a neurotoxic molecule called thujone. Personally, I would avoid sage oil.

Also avoid sage if you are pregnant or breast feeding, unless it’s a small amount in cooking.

In terms of long-term use, I found one study that treated 30 Alzheimer’s disease patients (with an average age of 72) for four months using 60 drops daily of an ethanolic extract of sage. They found that there were no differences in adverse effects between placebo and sage treatment.

To conclude, sage is a powerful aromatic herb that can be used to help reduce menopausal symptoms if it is not consumed excessively.

If you need support with your nutritional and supplementation needs, please reach out to book a private health coaching session with me. Experience the pinnacle of health and wellness with our exclusive Health Coaching in Blue Mountains and Western Sydney Areas. For specialized support, consider our Menopause Health Coaching services. Seize control of your health journey and reserve your spot now!

Bibliography

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