Is Sage compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Sage?

Sage

July 11, 2017 (Low Risk)

Salvia officinalis or common sage is one of the 900 species of plants that pertains to genus Salvia as well as Salvia hispanica or Chia (see specific information) but with totally different composition, properties and uses.
This comment refers to Salvia officinalis, also called common sage or simply sage.

The leaves and flowering tops of this herbaceous specie which is native from Mediterranean Europe are used
It contains thujone, camphor and cineol; phenolic acids, terpenes, flavonoids, tannins ...
Thujone and camphor are neurotoxic and may induce seizures. Its concentration varies greatly depending on the season and region of origin. The highest concentration appears in the essential oil, whose consumption has caused severe cases of poisoning, especially in children.

Traditionally used but without scientific evidence for relief of dyspepsia, excess of sweating, swelling of the mouth, throat and skin.

Sage has been used (also without scientific evidence) to decrease milk production (Eglash 2014, Amir 2011)

At latest update no published data on excretion into breast milk was found.

A moderate consumption of leaf tea is devoid of toxicity. It should be convenient to choose plants with low content of thujone and camphor. Essential oil consumption is not recommended during breastfeeding.
For culinary purposes it does not pose any health risk if consumed as aromatic seasoning in usual amounts.


See below the information of this related product:
  • Chia (Very Low Risk)
Very Low Risk

Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

Low Risk

Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

High Risk

Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.

Very High Risk

Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.

Synonyms

  • Dalmatian Sage
  • Garden Sage
  • Salvia officinalis
  • True Sage

Writings

  • Salvia officinalis (Latin, botanical name)
  • Шалфей (Cyrillic)

Drug trade names

References

  1. EMA. Salvia officinalis L., folium. European Union herbal monograph. 2016 Full text (in our servers)
  2. EMA. Public statement on Salvia officinalis L., aetheroleum. Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products. 2016 Full text (in our servers)
  3. Trimeloni L, Spencer J. Diagnosis and Management of Breast Milk Oversupply. J Am Board Fam Med. 2016Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  4. Cvetkovikj I, Stefkov G, Karapandzova M, Kulevanova S, Satović Z. Essential oils and chemical diversity of southeast European populations of Salvia officinalis L. Chem Biodivers. 2015Abstract
  5. Eglash A. Treatment of maternal hypergalactia. Breastfeed Med. 2014Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  6. Lachenmeier DW, Walch SG. Epileptic seizures caused by accidental ingestion of sage (Salvia officinalis L.) oil in children: a rare, exceptional case or a threat to public health? Pediatr Neurol. 2012Abstract
  7. Jug-Dujaković M, Ristić M, Pljevljakušić D, Dajić-Stevanović Z, Liber Z, Hančević K, Radić T, Satović Z. High diversity of indigenous populations of dalmatian sage (Salvia officinalis L.) in essential-oil composition. Chem Biodivers. 2012Abstract
  8. Halicioglu O, Astarcioglu G, Yaprak I, Aydinlioglu H. Toxicity of Salvia officinalis in a newborn and a child: an alarming report. Pediatr Neurol. 2011Abstract
  9. Amir LH, Pirotta MV, Raval M. Breastfeeding--evidence based guidelines for the use of medicines. Aust Fam Physician. 2011Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  10. Oniga I, Oprean R, Toiu A, Benedec D. Chemical composition of the essential oil of Salvia officinalis L. from Romania. Rev Med Chir Soc Med Nat Iasi. 2010Abstract
  11. WHO. World Health Organization. WHO monographs on medicinal plants commonly used in the Newly Independent States (NIS). WHO monographs. 2010 Full text (in our servers)
  12. Raal A, Orav A, Arak E. Composition of the essential oil of Salvia officinalis L. from various European countries. Nat Prod Res. 2007Abstract
  13. Burkhard PR, Burkhardt K, Haenggeli CA, Landis T. Plant-induced seizures: reappearance of an old problem. J Neurol. 1999Abstract
  14. Millet Y, Jouglard J, Steinmetz MD, Tognetti P, Joanny P, Arditti J. Toxicity of some essential plant oils. Clinical and experimental study. Clin Toxicol. 1981Abstract