Evidence supporting the use of: Sage
For the body system: Thyroid Gland

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Sage (Salvia officinalis) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in European and Mediterranean cultures. It has been used for a variety of ailments, including digestive complaints, sore throats, and menopausal symptoms. In terms of thyroid support, traditional practices have sometimes recommended sage for overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), especially for its purported ability to reduce excessive sweating, which can be a symptom of thyroid imbalance. This use appears to be based more on empirical observation than on a mechanistic understanding of thyroid physiology.

Scientific evidence for sage directly supporting thyroid gland function is limited. Some small studies suggest that sage may have an effect on symptoms related to hyperthyroidism, such as reducing sweating and possibly improving mood and cognitive function. However, these effects are not specific to thyroid hormone regulation. There are no robust clinical trials demonstrating that sage can normalize thyroid hormone levels or directly modulate thyroid gland function in humans. As such, its use for thyroid support is primarily justified by tradition rather than by solid scientific validation.

In conclusion, while sage is a respected herb in traditional medicine with some interesting pharmacological properties, its direct impact on the thyroid gland has not been clearly established in scientific literature. Its traditional use may offer some symptomatic relief, but there is insufficient evidence to recommend it as a primary support for thyroid health.

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