Getting sick during pregnancy is doubly unpleasant, and sometimes just dangerous. Medicinal synthetic preparations during this period, a woman is not recommended to take. Herbal remedies come to the rescue. One of them is sage.
Healing properties of green sage in the form of a decoction and tincture
The sage plant is popularly called salvia. Our ancestors considered it "a remedy for a hundred diseases." The healing properties of sage are associated with the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, phytoncides and essential oils with bactericidal properties. In autumn, sage is rich in tannins, and during the period of active fruiting, the concentration of essential oils increases in it.
Today, sage is harvested as a wild plant, and is also specially cultivated for further use in pharmacology and cosmetology. The leaves are separated from the stem, dried and processed. The upper parts of the plant are also used.
On the basis of sage, preparations are made for disinfecting wounds, relieving inflammation of the mucous membranes, and stopping bleeding. Salvia is also used as a staphylococcal flora suppressant.
Indications for use:
- gingivitis and stomatitis;
- hyperhidrosis;
- diabetes;
- stomach colic;
- infertility;
- angina;
- catarrh of the upper respiratory tract;
- radiculitis;
- treatment of wounds and burns.
In folk medicine, sage is used in the form of decoctions, infusions. On the basis of the plant, preparations are prepared that can stop lactation or improve the quality of eggs. It is believed that sage contains phytohormones, similar in composition to female estrogen. Therefore, it is prescribed for the treatment of infertility, the removal of uncomfortable sensations during menopause or severe premenstrual syndrome.
Sage during pregnancy
Expectant mothers should only use sage as an external remedy. Any herbs during pregnancy are prescribed with caution. Sage is no exception. It belongs to those plants that affect muscle tone, causing uterine contractions. This property is familiar to doctors of maternity hospitals, who sometimes prescribe sage teas to women who are “walking over” the birth of a baby.
Table: is it possible to use lozenges, essential oil and tincture during pregnancy
During pregnancy, treatment with sage is not excluded. On its basis, infusions are prepared for rinsing mucous membranes or added to cool foot baths in order to relieve swelling. And also sage essential oil is used in aroma lamps for relaxation, getting rid of headaches, tension.
Steam inhalation during pregnancy, including with the use of medicinal herbs, is not recommended.
Why You Shouldn't Use Salvia in Early and Late Pregnancy
Possible negative consequences when using the plant are associated with three main features:
- phytoestrogen is able to reduce the level of natural progesterone, which affects the preservation of pregnancy;
- the plant can increase blood pressure, which leads to vasospasm;
- salvia stimulates uterine tone.
Another feature of the plant is its ability to influence blood clotting. This leads to the risk of thrombosis.
Appointment of sage for bleeding gums, toothache, varicose veins, thrush, sore throat and cough
During the period of expectation of a child, the woman's immune system works with an increased load. Viruses and bacteria pose a serious threat to the body. If necessary, the doctor may prescribe sage to the expectant mother as a remedy. It is most often recommended for the following problems:
- increased bleeding gums or toothache - salvia has a disinfectant and astringent effect;
- sore throat - relieved by rinsing with a decoction or infusion of the plant;
- varicose veins and swelling of the legs - the condition improves with the use of local baths;
- thrush - itching and other uncomfortable sensations are removed if washed with a decoction of sage.
For the treatment of cough, Sage is prescribed if the cause of the cough is irritation and inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa. Then the doctor may recommend gargling with a decoction or infusion of salvia.
Remember that it is impossible to take Sage inside during pregnancy, no matter if it is early or late. Therefore, lozenges and lozenges are strictly prohibited. But the external use of tinctures, decoctions, plant-based baths is not prohibited.
Other Safe Uses for Sage in Pregnant Women
It is important for a pregnant woman to feel beautiful. Unfortunately, while waiting for a child, there are often cases when, due to the increased work of the sebaceous glands and hormonal changes in the body, the condition of the hair or skin worsens. In this case, simple cosmetics based on sage will help. For example, you can strengthen the bulbs, give strength and shine to your hair thanks to a decoction of sage: they need to rinse your head after each wash.
One of the recipes: take 2 tablespoons of sage, chamomile, burdock; pour the mixture with two liters of boiling water; insist two hours, strain and apply as directed.
It is possible to relieve irritation on the skin with the help of a sage-based lotion. It is recommended to freeze salvia decoction and wipe the skin with small therapeutic ice cubes after washing with water in the morning.
During pregnancy, due to a decrease in immunity, women often catch a cold. Since the number of medications allowed for sore throat and runny nose during this period is limited, pregnant women often resort to medicinal herbs that are good for colds. Sage belongs to such healing remedies. However, this is perhaps the only herb that has serious contraindications for use during the gestation period. In what cases can pregnant women use sage?
Sage: chemical composition
Sage (salvia) is a perennial medicinal shrub with a strong aroma. There are many varieties of this plant. Sage officinalis is widely used for the common cold, sore throat, and cough.
The branches of the plant contain aromatic oil, which includes the following substances:
- cineole - antiseptic and expectorant;
- camphor - analgesic, emollient;
- salven - a plant antibiotic;
- borneol - helps with skin diseases, cuts and bruises;
- pinene - has anti-inflammatory activity.
Sage has long been considered a cure for all diseases.
Salvia contains many trace elements:
- potassium;
- calcium;
- iron;
- magnesium;
- mineral salts;
- vitamins.
A unique set of elements determines the medicinal qualities of this shrub.
The effect of sage on the body of a pregnant woman
Despite the fact that sage preparations have many healing properties, their internal use by a pregnant woman is prohibited. It is contraindicated to use even lozenges and sage-based lozenges for the treatment of the throat. When resorbed, the active substance of the tablets very quickly enters the bloodstream and spreads throughout the body.
The benefits of sage
Apply sage during gestation can be topically and externally as an antiseptic and cosmetic. Its preparations have a beneficial effect in inhalations, rinsing the nose and throat, aromatherapy. Rinsing the mouth with a decoction of sage relieves inflammation of the gums and prevents the appearance of caries.
Salvia is also used for the preparation of baths, compresses, lotions. The use of its extract in the form of lotions for abrasions, cuts, burns and light frostbite helps them to heal quickly. With irritations and skin rashes, often annoying during pregnancy, lotions with such a decoction are also very helpful.
Warm baths with sage are indispensable for swollen and tired legs. This simple procedure will help with the first signs of varicose veins.
For cosmetic purposes, salvia infusions are often used to care for facial skin prone to inflammation. The use of the extract of this plant in hair care promotes their restoration and accelerates growth.
Sage has a strong effect, so any use of it when carrying a child must be agreed with the attending physician.
Harm of sage
What properties of sage do not allow expectant mothers to use it? Consider the following:
- the use of a plant in the early stages of gestation is undesirable, primarily because it can cause uterine tone and provoke a threat of interruption;
- natural phytohormone, sage increases the level of estradiol and reduces the amount of progesterone, which at the beginning of pregnancy can lead to fetal loss;
- salvia increases the level of blood pressure in a woman and disrupts placental circulation, leading to oxygen starvation of the fetus;
- due to its ability to improve blood coagulation (clotting), sage increases the risk of blood clots;
- taking sage-based drugs during gestation can provoke the growth of benign neoplasms;
- tannins contained in the plant provoke constipation, and in case of overdose can cause severe intoxication;
- the dangerous alkaloid component present in this shrub can have a toxic effect on the organs and systems of the fetus.
Contraindications
For external use during pregnancy, sage is contraindicated in case of individual intolerance to the components of the plant. If the body is prone to allergic reactions, you should not use any preparations based on sage.
If discomfort occurs with the external use of sage, treatment should be stopped.
Doctors' opinions
Experts advise very careful approach to the use of sage preparations during the entire period of gestation and while feeding the child, as the risks may outweigh the benefits of this remedy. Internal intake is not recommended during the entire pregnancy. External application is safer, but also undesirable in the first months of gestation.
If you feel symptoms of a cold, you need to rest more and move less. In case of nasal congestion, it is recommended to instill aloe juice, half diluted with water. For sore throats, gargling with a decoction of sage, St. John's wort or chamomile will help.
However, before starting to treat a cold, remember to consult with a supervising physician. He will recommend those medicines that are allowed to be taken during pregnancy.
Olga Roaldovna Astsaturova, PhD, obstetrician-gynecologist
https://www.babyblog.ru/user/JohnsonsBaby/48542
Ways to use sage during pregnancy
During childbearing, salvia is indicated only for local and external use. In the second and third trimesters, it can be used for gargling, inhalation and foot baths.
Hot inhalations during pregnancy
For physiotherapy of cough during a cold, it is good to do steam inhalations with decoctions of sage, which dilute sputum and make breathing easier. This process can be carried out using a kettle: we breathe the steam coming out of the spout. Or you can use a container with a hot broth. You just need to be careful not to get too close, so as not to get burns to the face and respiratory tract.
When carrying out inhalation, several rules should be followed:
- the duration of the session should not exceed 5-10 minutes;
- when coughing, inhale through the mouth and exhale through the nose;
- with a runny nose, breathing is done through the nose;
- such treatment for coughing should be carried out every three hours;
- immediately after the session, you should not eat or drink;
- it is better not to talk for an hour after the procedure;
- do not go outside until two hours after treatment.
The concentration of sage during steam inhalation is small and not capable of causing harm.
It should be remembered that hot procedures should not be carried out with an increase in body temperature.
Cold inhalations with sage during pregnancy
With a disease that occurs with a high temperature, cold inhalations with sage cosmetic oil are better suited. They help remove phlegm and kill germs. For treatment, put a little oil on a cotton swab and inhale with one nostril, while the second nasal passage breathes freely, and the mouth is closed. During this procedure, only diluted essential oil is used.
Please note that in order to avoid allergies, you must first do a test for sensitivity to these drugs. In case of an overdose of the drug during the session, heaviness or pain in the head may occur. If unpleasant symptoms appear, you should immediately end the procedure.
Foot baths with sage
During pregnancy, due to the ever-increasing load, women are often worried about their legs: they get tired, swell, in addition, veins may increase. To solve these problems, warm and cool foot baths with salvia infusion are suitable. To prepare a solution:
- Pour 2-3 tbsp. tablespoons of a dry plant with half a liter of boiling water.
- Let it brew and add to a container of water.
To get the effect, it is enough to immerse your feet in a warm solution for 15 minutes. Baths with a temperature of no more than 35 ° C are very refreshing.
Gargling
Gargling with a warm sage solution helps reduce inflammation and itching, as well as clear mucus from the throat. It is necessary to carry out the procedure in such a way as to prevent the solution from getting inside. To prepare a decoction:
- 10 g of raw materials are poured into a glass of boiling water.
- Insist on a water bath for 15 minutes.
- Cool for 30 minutes and strain.
The resulting volume of infusion is diluted to 200 ml with boiled water. This amount is enough for 2-3 rinses per day.
Video: sage - the herb of immortality
Sage when planning pregnancy
Sage has proven itself in solving the problems of female and male infertility. Natural estrogen, it stimulates sex hormones. The use of infusions and decoctions of this herb helps to normalize the woman's menstrual cycle, affects the maturation of the follicles of the desired size and the timely release of the egg into the tube. It has also been recorded that taking sage activates the growth of the endometrium of the uterus, and this increases the chance of successful fixation of a fertilized egg.
The use of this herb for male infertility helps stimulate the reproductive system, but does not affect the quality of sperm.
I did not have to experience the amazing properties of sage when planning a pregnancy, but my friend actively used this remedy. It took her several years to solve the problem of conception. She was already beginning to despair, but she read the information about sage and decided to try it. During the consultation, the gynecologist prescribed an additional examination and recommended a regimen for taking sage and boron uterus. A few months later, the pregnancy came and ended with the birth of a healthy child.
With information about the huge number of positive qualities of the plant, many are interested in whether it is possible to take sage during pregnancy in the early stages. Experts unanimously say - it is impossible. The fact is that the plant increases the tone of the uterus and causes its contractions. This is very dangerous in the first trimester, as it can provoke a miscarriage.
Also, decoctions from seeds or leaves of sage during early pregnancy disrupt blood circulation in the placenta, increase blood pressure. Even small doses cause a number of complications, and the risk of losing a child increases.
Reception with a decoction of sage in the later stages
In order to endure and give birth to a healthy baby, it is advisable to exclude the internal use of sage during late pregnancy.
The effect of the drug on the fetus:
- Increases the tone of the uterus, which can provoke premature birth;
- Due to the deterioration of blood flow, the fetus receives an insufficient amount of oxygen. As a result, this can lead to hypoxia and developmental delay.
Although it is forbidden to take sage in the form of tablets, lozenges, decoction or tea, external use is allowed. In order to prevent varicose veins, you can make a bath of decoction. The procedure will take approximately 15-20 minutes. In addition, such baths help relieve fatigue and stress.
A pregnant woman takes her health seriously. However, no one is immune from a cold, which entails not only a severe headache and runny nose, but also pain in the throat, fever, cough. Given the benefits of the drug, the question arises whether it is possible to use cough sage during pregnancy.
Cold treatment during pregnancy
Undoubtedly, the plant is one of the best helpers in the fight against colds. But during pregnancy, you should not start treatment with sage on your own. It is necessary to consult a doctor. He will tell you whether it is possible to take sage tablets during pregnancy.
Pregnant women should be careful. In order not to harm your baby, it is better to give up sage tablets and lozenges during pregnancy, and give preference to the safest methods of dealing with a cold:
- warming up;
- inhalation;
- rinse.
Since a decoction of sage during pregnancy can lead to irreparable consequences, it can be used to gargle. To get rid of a sore throat, you need a tablespoon of herbs and a glass of boiling water. The broth should be infused (10-15 minutes) and cool slightly. The procedure should be carried out 2-3 times a day. The course of gargling during pregnancy lasts from 3 to 5 days.
No less effective are inhalations with sage during pregnancy. It is one of the safest treatments for colds. For the procedure, it is necessary to make an infusion, the same as for rinsing. It should be ensured that its temperature does not exceed 90 degrees. The broth is poured into a saucepan and placed on a flat hard surface. It is necessary to cover the head of the pot with a towel. The duration of inhalation is 5-10 minutes. It is not recommended to go outside for 1-3 hours after the procedure.
It is advisable to carry out the procedure in the presence of relatives or friends. They will be able to interrupt the inhalation and provide the necessary assistance if the expectant mother feels unwell.
Pregnant women often suffer from insomnia and mood swings. You can relieve fatigue and nervous tension with the help of oils. Essential oil of sage during pregnancy will help get rid of discomfort.
Recipes with sage
In combination with medicinal plants, sage has a positive effect on the body of the expectant mother:
- Chamomile and sage during pregnancy help stop dry cough, prevent the development of stomatitis, the formation of ulcers on the oral mucosa. To prepare a decoction, a tablespoon of a mixture of sage and chamomile should be poured with boiling water and brought to a boil. After the mixture has cooled, you can start gargling.
- Sage with milk during pregnancy also helps fight severe coughing spells. For a glass of milk, it is better to take cow's milk, 1 tablespoon of sage. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes. Set aside for a couple of minutes and repeat again. After strain and you can take. Doses and duration should be discussed with your doctor;
- It is better not to take tea with sage during pregnancy. But during pregnancy planning and infertility, it is necessary. Because it contains useful substances that prepare the uterus for conception.
Abortion
A few decades ago, unwanted pregnancy was a huge problem, but today a woman who is not ready to become a mother can get rid of the fetus in the early stages without surgery.
An infusion or decoction of sage for abortion is added to tea or drunk undiluted. Substances contained in the plant provoke fetal rejection, placental abruption and uterine bleeding. Getting rid of an unwanted pregnancy with the help of herbs is possible only as a last resort.
Having dared to take such a serious step, do not forget about the consequences:
- the occurrence of inflammatory processes;
- partial removal of the fetus;
- profuse bleeding;
- maintaining pregnancy. Even if signs of abortion appear outwardly, the fetus may remain in the uterus and develop further.
Before making decisions, you should carefully consider your actions. To bear a healthy child, you need to learn to think and take care of two and avoid situations that will lead to irreparable consequences.
Currently, there is a widespread opinion about the harmless independent use of various medicinal herbs. Folk remedies are inherently also medical, only they are used in a different form.
Therefore, it is necessary to use medicinal herbs, including sage, during pregnancy with caution so as not to harm the health of the mother and fetus.
Indications for use
Used to solve such problems:
- in the form of rinses - with inflammation of the tonsils and throat, oral mucosa, gums, periodontal disease, gumboils, ulcers on the gums;
- in the form of tea - with inflammatory processes in the pelvis of the kidneys;
- with female infertility caused by high levels of the hormone estradiol;
- in the form of sitz baths - for the prevention and treatment of gynecological diseases;
- in the form of inhalations - with laryngitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, tracheitis, bronchitis;
- with colitis, gastritis, peptic ulcer, diarrhea;
- with insect bites that cause severe pain;
- to prevent the formation of bedsores;
- to normalize the work of the sex glands;
- in the treatment of long healing wounds, ulcers, fistulas;
- with hair loss
Positive effect on the body
The use of sage inside contributes to the enrichment of the body with many phytohormones, which helps to increase the level of some sex hormones in the human body.
In addition, this medicinal herb has a pronounced disinfectant and anti-inflammatory effect.
When taken internally, sage infusion reduces sweating, as well as the amount of milk during breastfeeding. In general, sage has a calming effect on the nervous system.
Why is sage dangerous for pregnant women?
Contraindications for use
With a general positive effect on the human body, there are still some restrictions on its internal use:
- you can not use sage with a decrease in thyroid function;
- can not be used in the event of acute inflammatory processes in the kidneys - glomerulonephritis, nephritis;
- it is undesirable to use when, it enhances it;
- do not recommend using with;
- it is undesirable to use for more than 3 months;
- can not be used orally during pregnancy;
- it is undesirable to use when breastfeeding, because it reduces the amount of milk produced;
- the use of sage is contraindicated for long delays in menstruation
Side effects
The main contraindication when using sage during pregnancy is its internal use.
This is due to an increase in the level of the hormone estradiol, which is already produced in increased quantities during pregnancy. Therefore, an additional increase in the level of this hormone, which also increases blood pressure, can lead to adverse consequences.
Also, an additional risk factor is sage stimulation of uterine contractions, which can lead to.
In addition, the internal use of sage causes increased blood clotting, which can cause thrombosis. This leads to disruption of the normal functioning of the placenta, which causes oxygen starvation and a deficiency of nutrients in the fetus.
Dosage and duration of administration during pregnancy
During pregnancy, sage can only be used externally.. The use of this medicinal herb has a positive effect when rinsing the throat in case of inflammation, for the treatment of various skin lesions (ulcers, bedsores), as well as in the form of warm foot baths when varicose veins appear.
Application Features:
In the first trimester
Sage should not be used internally during pregnancy. The first trimester is the time when the laying and formation of the main organ systems of the unborn child takes place. Therefore, in order to avoid various undesirable consequences, the internal use of sage should not be allowed.
However, the use of this medicinal herb for external use as an antiseptic and disinfectant gives a very good result.
In the second and third trimesters
During the second and third trimester, there is a gradual increase in estradiol levels. Therefore, during this period, the use of sage inside is unacceptable, which also provokes an increase in the level of this hormone.
In some cases, there is a threat of preterm labor in the third trimester, and the use of sage only exacerbates the risk, as it stimulates uterine contractions. In the second and third trimester of pregnancy, sage can only be used externally.
Thus, sage is a very valuable medicinal herb. However, it is impossible to use sage on its own during pregnancy, like other medicinal herbs.
The internal use of sage during pregnancy can provoke extremely undesirable consequences.
At the same time, the external use of sage as an antiseptic gives a very good result.
Since ancient times, sage has been valued as a cure for all diseases. The range of effects of sage on the body is so wide that in different countries in different eras it was called and is still called "sacred herb", "savior of life" and "grass of immortality". Even during periods of plague, this plant was the number one remedy both in treatment and in restoring strength and health, in particular, enhancing the reproductive function of women.
By the way, the Latin naming of sage Salvia translates like this - “promoting health”, “treat”, “feel good”, “be healthy”.
Many healing properties of sage are known. It has a pronounced anti-inflammatory, astringent, hemostatic, softening effect. From time immemorial, sage has helped women get pregnant, and it is equally beneficial influencing both the female and the male body in this sense. What about pregnancy? How can sage be useful during this period? Or can it be vice versa - harmful and dangerous?
What is dangerous sage during pregnancy
Studying the description of sage, its composition, medicinal properties and ease of use, you can gasp with admiration, so good! But if you read carefully, you will certainly find that sage is absolutely contraindicated during pregnancy! Other sources note that it is not advisable to use sage during this period. And rarely when you can find recommendations for its use for pregnant women. Although there is such a thing.
However, unlike many other herbs that can and cannot be used during pregnancy, sage poses a particular danger. It belongs to those herbs that provoke uterine contractions, and for a pregnant woman this means a real threat of miscarriage. Sage affects the hormonal background of a woman, in particular, increases the level and lowers the level of progesterone. One of the causes of placental circulation disorders can also be this medicinal plant. It can also increase, which is also dangerous.
When sage is not allowed during pregnancy
And no matter how great the temptation to be treated with herbs, one should not lose one's mind. Undoubtedly, traditional medicine can greatly help out a pregnant woman. Many methods are recommended by gynecologists themselves to their wards. However, often a woman makes a decision on her own, based only on the fact that any herb will be, if not more useful, then certainly not more harmful than medicine. And this is just our biggest mistake. We do not take herbal medicine seriously. But this is the same medicine, only it has different tools. And like any medicine, herbal, including, has many contraindications and side effects.
It should be noted that there are many cases when a woman unknowingly drank, for example, tea with the addition of sage, and this did not affect either the pregnancy or the condition of the fetus. God saves the safe, as they say. We never know how it might end, but we can almost always prevent disaster. In any case, sage during pregnancy should, if taken, be extremely careful and very dosed. But in general it is forbidden - know.
When sage is possible during pregnancy
However, the above does not mean at all that you should forget about sage for many months, and possibly even years, because it is also contraindicated during breastfeeding, since it significantly reduces (if not completely stops) milk production. The external use of sage is still not prohibited even during this potentially dangerous period. And it is most widely used specifically for gargling during pregnancy, which is often needed. Also, sage can be useful for the prevention and removal of puffiness: a 15-20 minute foot bath in sage broth (but not hot!) Can be not only useful, but also pleasantly relieve fatigue.
Specially for- Elena Kichak