^86 SAGE. 



and convulsions of various kinds. It is calculated to remedy 

 that defect in the digestive organs from which these formidable 

 diseases take their origin." * Sage is also lauded in trembling 

 of the limbs, obstruction of the menses, fluor albus, gout and 

 rheumatism, and various other disorders f. As a diaphoretic, it 

 has been given, and with apparent benefit, in the commencement 

 of some intermittent fevers J ; as a corroborant to check excessive 

 nocturnal perspiration, and other abundant evacuations which 

 weaken and fatigue patients labouring under chronic com- 

 plaints § ; and as an alexiterial in pestilential and contagious 

 diseases ||; but it does harm in consumption, inducing great 

 heat and dryness ^f. Van Swieten eulogises it for lessening 

 the overflow of milk at the time of weaning. The decoction, 

 in the form of gargle, is beneficial in cleansing ulcers of the 

 mouth, dissipating fungous enlargement of the gums, whether 

 scorbutic or not, and for relieving aphthae. 



Externally, in bags or in fomentations, it is a popular topical 

 application for bruises, local oedema, tumours, and atonic 

 swellings. 



An elegant water and spirit may be distilled from Sage, but 

 its bitterness and astringency are best obtained by a watery in- 

 fusion, which is made in the usual manner ; this, with the addi- 

 tion of lemon-juice, is a useful drink in febrile complaints. The 

 dose of the essential oil is from two to ten drops. 



WINE OF SAGE. 



Take of fresh Sage one ounce. 



White wine one pint. 



Cloves one drachm. 



Macerate for fourteen days, and filter. — Dose, from half an ounce to two 

 ounces. 



* Waller, Brit. Dom. Herb. p. 303. 



f It is thus extolled by the Schola Salernitana : — 



" Cur moriatur homo cui salvia crescit in horto ? 

 Contra vim mortis non est medicamen in hortis. 

 Salvia confortat nervos, manuumque tremorem 

 Tollit : et ejus ope febris acuta fugit. 



• * * ' ' '•' '«►"" * 



Salvia salvatrix naturae conciliatrix. 

 Salvia cum rut a faciunt tibi pocula tuta." 



Schola Salem, cap. 38. p. 400'. 

 % Kalm's Resa, torn. ii. p. 354. § Van Swieten, Comment, torn. ii. p. 370. 

 || Chenot de Peste, p. 130. % Quarin, Animadvers. pract. p. 92. 



