🌿 Sage

{"conditions_treated": ["Sore throat, tonsillitis, and mouth ulcers (powerful astringent and antimicrobial)", "Excessive sweating (night sweats, menopausal hot flashes \u2014 one of the best herbal remedies)", "Digestive issues (indigestion, gas, diarrhea)", "Cognitive decline and memory (mild nootropic; Alzheimer's research ongoing)", "Menstrual issues (irregular cycles, cramps, excessive bleeding)", "Sore gums and oral infections", "Mild anxiety and mood swings", "Respiratory infections and excessive mucus"], "preparation_methods": ["Sage gargle: Strong infusion cooled; gargle for sore throat, tonsillitis, mouth ulcers 3-4x daily", "Sweat-reducing tea: 1 tsp dried sage in cold water brought to boil, steeped 5 min; 1 cup in evening for night sweats", "Tincture: 1:5 in 45% alcohol; 1-2ml 3x daily for menopausal symptoms or excessive sweating", "Smudge stick: Dried sage bundle burned ceremonially (also antimicrobial smoke)", "Tooth powder: Dried powdered sage used historically as tooth cleanser", "Infused honey: Sage in honey for sore throat and cough"], "active_compounds": ["Thujone", "Cineole", "Rosmarinic acid", "Tannins", "Flavonoids", "Camphor"], "toxicity_warnings": "Do NOT use medicinal doses during pregnancy or breastfeeding (thujone can cause uterine contractions and affect milk supply). Avoid if epileptic (thujone may trigger seizures). Limit medicinal use to 1-2 weeks at a time. High doses of thujone are neurotoxic. Culinary amounts are safe. Not for long-term internal medicinal use."}