BoneActiv Bone & Joint Rubbing Oil by North American Herb & Spice

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Acne. Although there has been interest in using topical oregano oil for acne, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of oregano for this purpose.
• Asthma. Although there has been interest in using oral oregano for asthma, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of oregano for this purpose.
• Bronchitis. Although there has been interest in using oral oregano for bronchitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of oregano for this purpose.
• Canker sores. Although there has been interest in using topical oregano oil for canker sores, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of oregano for this purpose.
• Cough. Although there has been interest in using oral oregano for cough, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of oregano for this purpose.
• Dandruff. Although there has been interest in using topical oregano oil for dandruff, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of oregano for this purpose.
• Diabetes. Although there has been interest in using oral oregano for diabetes, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of oregano for this purpose.
• Dysmenorrhea. Although there has been interest in using oral oregano for dysmenorrhea, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of oregano for this purpose.
• Dyspepsia. Although there has been interest in using oral oregano for dyspepsia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of oregano for this purpose.
• Gingivitis. Although there has been interest in using topical oregano oil for gingivitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of oregano for this purpose.
• Headache. Although there has been interest in using topical oregano oil for headache, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of oregano for this purpose.
• Insect repellent. Although there has been interest in using topical oregano oil as an insect repellent, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of oregano for this purpose.
• Intestinal parasite infection. It is unclear if oral oregano is beneficial in patients with intestinal parasite infections. Details: In one small, uncontrolled study, taking a specific emulsified oregano leaf oil product (ADP, Biotics Research Corporation) 200 mg orally three times daily with meals for 6 weeks resulted in eradication of Blastocystis hominis, Entamoeba hartmanni, and Endolimax nana from the stool in 10 of 13 patients (6878). The clinical significance of this is unclear since the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) considers Entamoeba hartmanni and Endolimax nana to be non-pathogenic, while blastocystosis caused by Blastocystis hominis is usually self-limiting and does not require treatment.
• Pain (acute). Although there has been interest in using topical oregano oil for the relief of acute pain, including joint and muscle pain, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of oregano for this purpose.
• Psoriasis. Although there has been interest in using topical oregano oil for psoriasis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of oregano for this purpose.
• Rhinosinusitis. Although there has been interest in using oral oregano for rhinosinusitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of oregano for this purpose.
• Seborrheic dermatitis. Although there has been interest in using topical oregano oil for seborrheic dermatitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of oregano for this purpose.
• Tinea capitis. Although there has been interest in using topical oregano oil for tinea capitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of oregano for this purpose.
• Tinea corporis. Although there has been interest in using topical oregano oil for tinea corporis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of oregano for this purpose.
• Tinea pedis. Although there has been interest in using topical oregano oil for tinea pedis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of oregano for this purpose.
• Toothache. Although there has been interest in using topical oregano oil for toothache, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of oregano for this purpose.
• Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). Although there has been interest in using oral oregano for URTIs, such as the common cold and influenza, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of oregano for this purpose.
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs). Although there has been interest in using oral oregano for UTIs, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of oregano for this purpose.
• Varicose veins. Although there has been interest in using topical oregano oil for varicose veins, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of oregano for this purpose.
• Warts. Although there has been interest in using topical oregano oil for warts, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of oregano for this purpose.
• Wound healing. It is unclear if topical oregano is beneficial for improving healing or preventing infections in people with skin wounds. Details: One small clinical trial shows that applying an ointment containing a 3% concentration of the water-soluble fraction of the oregano plant twice daily for 10-14 days after minor dermatological surgery might reduce infection rates and improve scar formation when compared with petrolatum ointment (67348). More evidence is needed to rate oregano for these uses.

(Read more about OREGANO)

POSSIBLY EFFECTIVE

• Memory. Oral rosemary seems to improve memory in young adults. It is unclear if rosemary aromatherapy improves memory. Details: Clinical research in healthy adults shows that taking rosemary 500 mg orally twice daily for one month improves memory by approximately 14% when compared with placebo (98536). Other preliminary clinical research shows that applying four drops of pure rosemary essential oil (Tisserand Aromatherapy) to an aromatherapy diffuser pad 5 minutes before a single test period can improve the quality, but not the speed, of memory recall, and increase alertness and contentment more than lavender aromatherapy or no aroma (18323). Rosemary aromatherapy has also been evaluated for improving memory in adults with kidney failure. A small clinical study in patients (mean age 53 years) undergoing hemodialysis shows that aromatherapy with rosemary essential oil three times weekly for 1 month does not improve medication adherence or measures of prospective and retrospective memory when compared with a control group. In this study, five drops of rosemary essential oil were applied to gauze, which was then placed 10 cm from the patient's nose for 30 minutes starting 1 hour after hemodialysis (109559).

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Abortion. Although there has been interest in the use of oral rosemary as an abortifacient, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of rosemary for this purpose.
• Age-related cognitive decline. It is unclear if oral rosemary is beneficial for age-related cognitive decline. Details: A small clinical study in healthy individuals aged 65-90 years shows that a single 750 mg dose of powdered rosemary leaf in tomato juice may improve memory speed. However, higher single doses of 1500-6000 mg seem to have a deleterious effect on memory speed. For other measures of attention and memory, there were no clear benefits across the range of doses from 750-6000 mg (18246). Oral rosemary has also been evaluated in combination with other ingredients. A small clinical study in healthy adults aged 62 years or younger shows that taking a combination product containing equal parts rosemary, lemon balm, and sage twice daily for 2 weeks modestly improves word recall when compared with placebo. However, it does not appear to have benefit in adults aged 63 years and older (97277). It is unclear if any benefit is due to rosemary, other ingredients, or the combination.
• Alopecia areata. Topical rosemary oil has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that rosemary oil 114 mg, in combination with lavender oil 108 mg, thyme oil 88 mg, and cedarwood oil 94 mg, mixed with jojoba oil 3 mL and grapeseed oil 20 mL and applied topically to the scalp, improves hair growth in 44% of patients, compared with 15% of those receiving placebo. This combination was massaged into the scalp for a minimum of 2 minutes, followed by wrapping the head in a warm towel, every night for 7 months (5177).
• Androgenic alopecia. It is unclear if topical rosemary is beneficial for androgenic alopecia. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that applying rosemary oil (Barij Essence Pharmaceutical Company) 1 mL to the scalp twice daily for 6 months is as effective as minoxidil 2% for increasing hair count in patients with androgenic alopecia (91729).
• Depression. It is unclear if oral rosemary is beneficial for major depressive disorder. Details: A small clinical trial among adults newly diagnosed with major depressive disorder and recent initiation of antidepressant medication shows that taking rosemary dried leaf extract 650 mg twice daily for 8 weeks might reduce some symptoms of depression and anxiety when compared with placebo (112141). However, the validity of these findings is limited by differences in baseline depression symptom scores between groups.
• Diabetes. It is unclear if oral rosemary is beneficial for improving glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Details: In patients with type 2 diabetes, preliminary clinical research shows that taking rosemary tea daily for 90 days decreases glycated hemoglobin levels by 15% and waist and hip circumference by 6% and improves insulin resistance. However, there was no effect on fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, body weight, or body mass index (BMI). The tea was made by adding rosemary 2 grams to a liter of boiling water for 3 minutes and then passing through a sieve (105323). Other preliminary clinical research in adults with type 2 diabetes shows that taking rosemary powder 3 grams daily for 4 weeks does not reduce fasting blood glucose levels or improve lipid profile when compared with baseline. These endpoints were improved in a group of healthy adults (105327). The validity of the findings from these studies is limited by the lack a comparator group.
• Diabetic nephropathy. Oral rosemary has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking a specific combination product (Canephron N, Bionorica) containing 18 mg each of rosemary leaf, centaury herb, and lovage root per tablet, as two tablets three times daily for 6 months along with standard antidiabetes treatment and enalapril (Vasotec), decreases microalbuminuria by 73%, decreases albumin:creatinine ratio by 46%, increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol by 25%, and lowers triglyceride levels by 43%, but does not improve glomerular filtration rate, when compared to baseline. Improvements were greater in those taking the combination product than in those treated only with standard antidiabetes therapy and enalapril. However, the combination product does not appear to improve reductions in total cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (91726).
• Dysmenorrhea. It is unclear if oral rosemary is beneficial for dysmenorrhea. Details: In patients with moderate primary dysmenorrhea, clinical research shows that taking rosemary extract 220 mg every 8 hours for the first three days of the menstrual cycle, repeated for two menstrual cycles, is as effective as mefenamic acid for reducing average pain and bleeding when compared with two baseline cycles (105328).
• Fatigue. Oral rosemary has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Preliminary clinical research in healthy young adults with below-average energy levels shows that taking a single dose of a mixture of rosemary from Albania (Rosmarinus officinalis) and Morocco (Rosmarinus eriocalyx) 1.7 grams does not consistently improve sustained attention, motivation to perform cognitive tasks, mental energy, or mental fatigue when compared with placebo (91731).
• Fibromyalgia. Oral rosemary has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A small clinical study in patients with fibromyalgia shows that taking an oral product containing rosemary leaf extract, oleanolic acid from olive leaf, and rho iso-alpha acids from hops (Meta050, Metagenics), at a dose of 440 mg three times daily for 4 weeks, then 880 mg twice daily for 4 weeks, does not improve symptoms when compared to baseline (18327).
• Gingivitis. A mouth rinse containing rosemary has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Preliminary clinical research in adults with mild to moderate gingivitis and mild plaque shows that rinsing the mouth with 10 mL of mouthwash containing 5% v/v of a combined alcoholic extract of rosemary, calendula, and ginger for 30 seconds twice daily after meals for 2 weeks decreases plaque formation, gingival inflammation, and gingival bleeding similarly to chlorhexidine gluconate 0.2% mouthwash and better than a placebo mouthwash (93555).
• Hypertension. Although there is interest in using oral rosemary for hypertension, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of rosemary for this condition.
• Hypotension. It is unclear if oral rosemary is beneficial for hypotension. Details: Preliminary clinical research in patients with primary hypotension shows that taking rosemary essential oil (Metapharmaceutical) 1 mL every 8 hours for 44 weeks increases systolic blood pressure by 13 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 7 mmHg when compared to baseline. However, blood pressure returned to near baseline values after treatment discontinuation (91730).
• Mental alertness. It is unclear if rosemary aromatherapy is beneficial for improving mental alertness. Details: Preliminary clinical research in nurses working on a night shift shows that placing one drop of rosemary oil on a surgical mask that is worn for 2 hours with a 10-minute on/15-minute off cycle modestly increases alertness and reduces sleepiness when compared with a water drop control (105324).
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It is unclear if oral rosemary leaf is beneficial in patients with NAFLD. Details: A small clinical study in patients with NAFLD shows that taking rosemary leaf powder 2 grams twice daily for 8 weeks, in conjunction with diet and exercise recommendations, does not improve measures of liver function, glycemic control, cholesterol, or body weight when compared with placebo (109561).
• Opioid withdrawal. It is unclear if oral rosemary is beneficial for opioid withdrawal when used in combination with methadone. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking rosemary leaf along with methadone for 2 weeks improves symptoms of opioid withdrawal and the ability to sleep when compared with methadone alone after 3 and 7 days of treatment, but not after 2 weeks. Rosemary leaf was provided in capsules containing 300 mg each (Barij Essence Pharmaceutical Company) at a dose of 16 capsules daily for the first 3 days, 12 capsules daily for the next 4 days, and eight capsules daily for the next 7 days, in divided doses (91727).
• Osteoarthritis. Oral rosemary has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows subjective reductions in pain associated with osteoarthritis when oral formulations containing rosemary leaf extract, oleanolic acid from olive leaf, and rho iso-alpha acids from hops (NG440-2, Metagenics; Meta050, Metagenics) are used (18326,18327). The formulation used in one of these studies (Meta050, Metagenics) was taken in a dose of 440 mg three times daily for 4 weeks, then 880 mg twice daily for 4 weeks (18327). The formulation used in the other study, which was taken daily for 4 weeks, contained rosemary leaf extract 112.5 mg, oleanolic acid from olive leaf 1 mg, and rho iso-alpha acids from hops 225 mg per tablet (18326).
• Raynaud syndrome. It is unclear if topical rosemary essential oil is beneficial in patients with Raynaud syndrome. Details: A very small, open-label study in patients with Raynaud syndrome caused by systemic scleroderma shows that applying 10 drops of rosemary 10% essential oil to the hands does not increase skin temperature or improve warmth perception when compared with olive oil (109560). However, this study may have been inadequately powered to detect a difference between groups.
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Oral rosemary has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows subjective decreases in pain associated with RA when oral formulations containing rosemary leaf extract, oleanolic acid from olive leaf, and rho iso-alpha acids from hops (NG440-2, Metagenics; Meta050, Metagenics) are used (18326,18327). The formulation used in one of these studies (Meta050, Metagenics) was taken in a dose of 440 mg three times daily for 4 weeks, then 880 mg twice daily for 4 weeks (18327). The formulation used in the other study, which was taken daily for 4 weeks, contained rosemary leaf extract 112.5 mg, oleanolic acid from olive leaf 1 mg, and rho iso-alpha acids from hops 225 mg per tablet (18326).
• Stress. It is unclear if rosemary aromatherapy is beneficial for stress. Details: Preliminary clinical research on the use of rosemary aromatherapy for anxiety and stress is conflicting. In a group of graduate nursing students, perceived stress associated with taking a test was lower when inhalers containing rosemary or lavender oil were used. Three drops of rosemary essential oil were added to an inhaler and inhaled before and during the test. Pulse rates, but not blood pressure, were also reduced (18324). In contrast, a small clinical study in adults aged 18-30 years shows that the aroma from diluted rosemary essential oil applied to the wrist during timed crossword puzzle completion actually increases subjective feelings of anxiety and tension when compared with placebo (18325).
• Sunburn. Oral rosemary has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking a combination of rosemary and grapefruit extracts in a 1:1 ratio (NutroxSun, Monteloeder, Inc.), 250 mg orally once daily for 12 weeks, increases the amount of UV radiation needed to cause sunburn by 34% after 8 weeks and 56% after 12 weeks when compared to baseline (91728). The validity of these findings is limited by the lack of a comparator group.
• Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). Oral rosemary has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A small clinical trial among healthy adults shows that taking a combination product containing rosemary leaf extract, aloe gel powder, and poria mushroom extract daily for 8 weeks does not reduce the frequency, duration, or severity of URTI-related symptoms when compared with placebo. However, in patients receiving an influenza vaccine midway through the study, this product does seem to improve some immune response biomarkers when compared with placebo (111921). The amount of rosemary leaf extract in the supplement was not disclosed.
• Wound healing. It is unclear if topical rosemary cream is beneficial for wound healing. Details: A moderate-sized clinical trial among primiparous adults with medio-lateral episiotomy shows that applying a cream containing rosemary extract to the wound twice daily for 10 days improves episiotomy wound healing and reduces redness and discharge when compared with placebo cream (112143). More evidence is needed to rate rosemary for these uses.

(Read more about ROSEMARY)

POSSIBLY EFFECTIVE

• Cognitive function. Oral sage seems to be beneficial for improving cognitive function in healthy adults. The benefits of sage aromatherapy are unclear. Details: Clinical research shows that taking a specific product providing common sage polyphenols and Spanish sage terpenoids (Cognivia), either as a single dose or daily for 29 days, modestly improves working memory and accuracy when compared with placebo. A single dose of this product contains common sage leaf extract 400 mg and Spanish sage essential oil 200 mg (105337). In addition, preliminary clinical research shows that Spanish sage essential oil 25-50 mcL orally as a single dose seems to dose-dependently enhance some measures of cognitive performance in young adults by a small amount (10811,72609,72616,72660). When used as aromatherapy, essential oils of common sage, but not Spanish sage, seem to improve quality of memory and secondary memory. Neither species improves speed of memory or working memory when used as aromatherapy. In this study, five drops of common sage essential oil and 5 mL water were placed on a warmed stone and allowed to diffuse for 5 minutes prior to exposure (72658).
• Hyperlipidemia. Oral sage seems to be beneficial for reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Details: Clinical research in adults with mixed hyperlipidemia types shows that taking common sage leaf extract 500 mg, standardized to quercetin 2.16%, three times daily for 2 months reduces LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels by about 20% and 23%, respectively, and increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels by 20%, when compared with placebo (72662). Also, preliminary clinical research in adults with type 2 diabetes and hypercholesterolemia shows that taking common sage leaf extract 500 mg three times daily for 3 months lowers total cholesterol by 17%, LDL cholesterol by 36%, and triglycerides by 56%, and increases HDL cholesterol by 28%, when compared with placebo (91971).
• Menopausal symptoms. Oral sage seems to be beneficial for reducing menopausal symptoms. Details: Clinical research shows that taking a thujone-free common sage extract (Menosan, A.Vogel AG) 280 mg daily for 4 weeks reduces overall symptoms of menopause by 39% when compared with placebo. About 41% of patients taking common sage had at least a 50% reduction in symptoms, compared with 8% of those taking placebo. Hot flushes, sleep problems, joint and muscle discomfort, irritability, and physical and mental exhaustion were improved, whereas urogenital symptoms such as sexual desire and vaginal dryness were not (105338). Other clinical research shows that taking common sage extract 300 mg daily for 3 months moderately reduces overall symptoms of menopause after about 10 weeks when compared with placebo. However, there was no effect on vaginal dryness, physical and mental exhaustion, or urinary incontinence (103379). Another small clinical study shows that taking a specific thujone-free common sage extract (Sage Menopause, Bioforce AG) 280 mg daily for 56 days reduces daily hot flash frequency by 40% and reduces hot flash intensity when compared with baseline (17177). The validity of these findings is limited by the lack of a comparator group.

POSSIBLY INEFFECTIVE

• Postoperative pain. Using an oral rinse containing common sage does not seem to be beneficial for reducing postoperative pain. Details: A large open-label clinical trial in children and adults shows that using a common sage oral rinse 6 times daily in combination with ibuprofen or diclofenac is less effective than benzydamine hydrochloride, a local anesthetic, for reducing pain following tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy. Furthermore, treatment with common sage oral rinse is associated with an increased risk of postoperative infection in adults when compared with benzydamine hydrochloride (72700).

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Age-related cognitive decline. It is unclear if a single oral dose of common sage is beneficial for age-related cognitive decline. Details: Clinical research in healthy, older adults shows that taking a single dose of common sage extract 333 mg improves accuracy of attention and some measures of memory when compared with placebo. However, not all doses were effective and some measures of cognitive function were not affected (72642).
• Alzheimer disease. It is unclear if oral sage is beneficial for Alzheimer disease. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking extracts of common sage and Spanish sage orally seems to improve cognitive function in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer disease when used for up to 4 months (10334,10810). In one study, a fixed dose of common sage hydroalcoholic extract, equivalent to 1 gram of sage per day, was used for 4 months (10810). In the other, an extract of Spanish sage titrated up to 2.5 mg three times daily for 6 weeks was used (10334). These studies are limited by their short duration and small numbers of participants.
• Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT)-associated hot flashes. It is unclear if oral sage is beneficial for ADT-associated hot flashes. Details: Preliminary clinical research in patients with prostate cancer receiving ADT shows that taking common sage extract 150 mg three times daily with meals for 4 weeks reduces hot flash severity by 48% and hot flash frequency by 42% when compared with baseline. These improvements were maintained with an additional 8 weeks of treatment (91970). The validity of these findings is limited by the lack of a comparator group.
• Athletic performance. It is unclear if oral sage is beneficial for improving athletic performance. Details: In young, healthy, physically active adults, taking a specific supplement (Cognivia, Nexira) containing 400 mg common sage leaf extract and 200 mg Spanish sage oil, orally 2 hours prior to a 40-minute stationary cycling session at 80% of maximum aerobic power, lowers perceived exertion scores and improves working memory and reaction times when compared with placebo (108961).
• Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). It is unclear if topical sage is beneficial for the treatment or prevention of CINV. Details: A small clinical study in patients undergoing chemotherapy shows that using common sage oil 2 mL topically during 15-minute sessions of Swedish abdominal massage twice daily for 3 days modestly reduces nausea severity scores, but does not affect vomiting frequency, when compared with massage alone (107023).
• Dental plaque. It is unclear if rinsing the mouth with sage is beneficial for reducing plaque. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that rinsing the mouth with 10-15 mL of a solution containing common sage, twice for 30 seconds four times daily for 4 days, in addition to standard oral care with brushing and use of an oral gel (Biotene), is as effective as normal saline for reducing dental plaque. However, there was no effect on tongue plaque. The rinse was made by steeping 2.5 grams of dried sage leaf in 100 mL boiled water for two minutes (105339).
• Diabetes. It is unclear if oral sage is beneficial for diabetes. Details: A small clinical study in adults with type 2 diabetes shows that taking common sage leaf extract 500 mg three times daily for 3 months lowers fasting blood glucose by 32% and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) by 23% when compared with placebo (91971). However, another small clinical study in patients with type 2 diabetes shows that taking common sage extract 150 mg three times daily for 3 months does not lower fasting blood glucose or HbA1c when compared with placebo, although there is a modest reduction in 2-hour postprandial blood glucose levels (105340). A meta-analysis of 3 small studies, including the 2 described above, shows that taking common sage, 150-500 mg three times daily for 2-3 months, modestly reduces fasting blood glucose and 2-hour postprandial blood glucose levels, as well as HbA1c, when compared with placebo (108962). These studies were all conducted in Iran; it is unclear if these findings are generalizable to other geographic locations.
• Dry mouth. It is unclear if rinsing the mouth with common sage is beneficial for dry mouth. Details: Preliminary clinical research in patients receiving palliative cancer care shows that rinsing the mouth with 10-15 mL of a solution containing common sage, twice for 30 seconds four times daily for 4 days, in conjunction with standard care involving brushing and an oral gel (Biotene), is as effective as normal saline for improving overall oral health and modestly more effective than normal saline for improving dry mouth. The rinse was made by steeping 2.5 grams dried sage leaf in 100 mL boiled water for two minutes (105339).
• Gingivitis. Sage has only been evaluated as a mouthwash in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A small clinical trial in elderly individuals shows that rinsing the mouth with a mouthwash containing sage, marshmallow, calendula, tormentil, horse chestnut, neem, and myrrh, once daily for 30 seconds for 6 weeks, is no more effective than placebo for improving plaque and gingival bleeding (105341).
• Herpes labialis (cold sores). It is unclear if topical sage is beneficial for herpes labialis. Details: Clinical research shows that topical application of a cream containing either sage alone or sage with rhubarb, starting within 1 day of the first symptoms and continuing for 10-14 days, heals herpes labialis legions in 7.6 days or 6.7 days, respectively, compared to a healing time of 6.3 days with acyclovir cream. The combination of sage and rhubarb also improves the time to healing and reduces pain when compared with sage alone. The cream provided 23 mg sage extract, with or without 23 mg rhubarb extract, per gram and was applied every 2-4 hours while awake (10437).
• Lung cancer. It is unclear if dietary sage is beneficial for lung cancer prevention. Details: Epidemiological research has found that regularly consuming sage is associated with a 54% lower risk of developing lung cancer when compared with those who do not use sage as a spice (72593).
• Oral mucositis. It is unclear if rinsing the mouth with sage is beneficial for oral mucositis. Details: Preliminary clinical research in patients receiving palliative cancer care shows that rinsing the mouth with 10-15 mL of a rinse containing common sage, twice for 30 seconds four times daily for 4 days, in addition to standard oral care with brushing and use of an oral gel (Biotene), does not improve oral mucositis when compared with baseline or normal saline rinse. The rinse was made by steeping 2.5 grams of dried sage leaf in 100 mL boiled water for two minutes (105339).
• Pharyngitis. It is unclear if inhaling a spray containing sage, with or without other ingredients, is beneficial for pharyngitis. Details: Clinical research in patients with acute viral pharyngitis shows that inhaling three puffs (140 mcL) of a specific spray (Valverde Salvia Rachenspray) containing common sage extract 15%, six to nine times daily for 3 days, reduces throat pain intensity over 2 hours when compared with placebo. However, sprays containing common sage extract 5% or 30% do not seem to be more effective than placebo for reducing throat pain (72619). Other preliminary clinical research in patients with sore throat due to acute pharyngitis or tonsillitis shows that applying a combination spray product containing common sage leaf tincture 430 mg/mL, Echinacea flowering aerial parts tincture 863.3 mg/mL, and Echinacea root tincture 45.5 mg/mL, every 2 hours up to 10 times daily for up to 5 consecutive days improves symptoms as effectively as a chlorhexidine-lidocaine spray (20077).
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It is unclear if oral sage is beneficial for PCOS. Details: Clinical research shows that taking common sage extract 330 mg daily for 8 weeks modestly reduces body mass index (BMI), diastolic blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose, and modestly improves measures of insulin resistance, when compared with placebo in individuals with PCOS. However, there was no effect on waist to hip ratio or systolic blood pressure (103380).
• Sunburn. It is unclear if topical sage is beneficial for sunburn prevention. Details: Clinical research shows that a single application of a hydrophilic ointment containing common sage extract 2% to the skin immediately after exposure to ultraviolet light reduces the development of skin redness when compared with placebo (72638).
• Swallowing dysfunction. It is unclear if rinsing the mouth with sage is beneficial for swallowing dysfunction. Details: Preliminary clinical research in patients receiving palliative cancer care shows that rinsing the mouth with 10-15 mL of a solution containing common sage, twice for 30 seconds four times daily for 4 days, in addition to standard oral care with brushing and use of an oral gel (Biotene), does not improve swallowing when compared with baseline or normal saline rinse. The rinse was made by steeping 2.5 grams of dried sage leaf in 100 mL boiled water for two minutes (105339).
• Tonsillitis. Sage has only been evaluated in a spray in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Preliminary clinical research in patients with sore throat due to acute pharyngitis or tonsillitis shows that applying a combination spray product containing common sage leaf tincture 430 mg/mL, Echinacea flowering aerial parts tincture 863.3 mg/mL, and Echinacea root tincture 45.5 mg/mL, every 2 hours up to 10 times daily for up to 5 consecutive days improves symptoms as effectively as a chlorhexidine-lidocaine spray (20077).
• Tonsillopharyngitis. It is unclear if oral sage is beneficial for treating tonsillopharyngitis. Details: A moderate-sized observational study in patients aged 12-75 years old with acute tonsillopharyngitis suggests that taking lozenges containing sage extract 378.5 mg and echinacea extract 5 times daily for 4 days reduces throat pain and tonsillopharyngitis symptoms when compared to baseline, both acutely within 90 minutes and after 4 days of treatment (111530). The validity of these findings is limited by the lack of a comparator group. Also, it is unclear if these effects are due to sage, echinacea, the combination, or natural resolution of the condition. More evidence is needed to rate sage for these uses.

(Read more about SAGE)

LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally in amounts commonly found in foods. Oregano leaf and oil have Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status in the US (4912). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of oregano when used orally in amounts greater than those found in food. There is also insufficient reliable information available about the safety of oregano when used topically. Oregano oil in concentrations of greater than 1% may be irritating when applied to mucous membranes (67348,88188).

PREGNANCY: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used orally in medicinal amounts. Oregano is thought to have abortifacient and emmenagogue effects (19,7122,19104).

LACTATION:
There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of oregano when used in medicinal amounts; avoid amounts greater than those found in food.

(Read more about OREGANO)

LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally in amounts typically found in foods. Rosemary has Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status in the US (4912).

POSSIBLY SAFE ...when the leaf is used orally and appropriately in medicinal amounts (18). Powdered rosemary leaf has been used with apparent safety as a single dose of up to 1.5 grams (18246,91731) or at a dose of 1-4 grams daily for up to 8 weeks (91727,98536,105327,109561). ...when the essential oil is used topically and appropriately for up to 7 months (5177,91729,109560). ...when the essential oil is used by inhalation as aromatherapy, short-term (7107,18323,105324,109559).

LIKELY UNSAFE ...when the essential oil or very large quantities of rosemary leaf are used orally. Ingestion of undiluted rosemary oil or very large quantities of rosemary leaf can cause serious adverse effects (18,515).

PREGNANCY: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used orally in medicinal amounts. Rosemary might have uterine and menstrual flow stimulant effects (4,12,18), and might increase metabolism of estradiol and estrone (18331); avoid using. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of rosemary when used topically during pregnancy.

LACTATION:
There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of using rosemary in medicinal amounts during lactation; avoid using.

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LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally in amounts commonly found in foods. Sage is approved for use as a food in the United States (4912).

POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally in medicinal doses, short-term. Common sage (Salvia officinalis) and Spanish sage (Salvia lavandulaefolia) have been used with apparent safety when taken orally in doses of 280 mg daily for up to 8 weeks (10334,10810,17177,105338). ...when used topically. Common sage (Salvia officinalis) has been used with apparent safety as a single agent or in combination products for up to one week (10437,72619,107023). ...when the essential oil is inhaled as aromatherapy, short-term (72658).

POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when used orally in high doses or long-term (12,1304). Some species of sage, including common sage (Salvia officinalis), contain a thujone constituent that can be toxic if consumed in large enough quantities (12,1304).

PREGNANCY: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally. The constituent thujone can have menstrual stimulant and abortifacient effects (19).

LACTATION: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used orally; sage is thought to reduce the supply of mother's milk (19).

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ANTICOAGULANT/ANTIPLATELET DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, oregano might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.  Details In vitro research shows that aristolochic acid isolated from oregano leaves has antithrombin activity (67164). It has also been reported that oregano oil inhibits arachidonic acid-induced, and ADP-induced, platelet aggregation (49445).

ANTIDIABETES DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, oregano might increase the risk for hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.  Details In vitro and animal research shows that oregano extracts might lower blood glucose levels (67191,67204,110122).

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ANTICOAGULANT/ANTIPLATELET DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, rosemary may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.  Details In vitro and animal research suggests that rosemary inhibits platelet aggregation (18334,18335,18336,18337).

ANTIDIABETES DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = B Theoretically, taking rosemary with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.  Details Animal research shows that rosemary extract can decrease blood glucose levels in diabetic models (71821,71923). However, research in humans is conflicting. Although rosemary powder decreased blood glucose levels in healthy adults (105327), no change in blood glucose levels was seen in adults with type 2 diabetes, most of whom were taking antidiabetes drugs (105323,105327).

ASPIRIN Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, rosemary might have additive effects with salicylate-containing drugs such as aspirin.  Details Rosemary is reported to contain salicylates (18330).

CHOLINE MAGNESIUM TRISALICYLATE (Trilisate) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, rosemary might have additive effects with salicylate-containing drugs such as choline magnesium trisalicylate.  Details Rosemary is reported to contain salicylate (18330).

CYTOCHROME P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) SUBSTRATES Interaction Rating = Minor Be watchful with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Unlikely •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, rosemary might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A1 substrates.  Details In vitro research shows that rosemary induces CYP1A1 enzymes (18332,18333). This effect has not been reported in humans.

CYTOCHROME P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) SUBSTRATES Interaction Rating = Minor Be watchful with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Unlikely •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, rosemary might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A2 substrates.  Details In vitro research shows that rosemary induces CYP1A2 enzymes (18332,18333). This effect has not been reported in humans.

SALSALATE (Disalcid) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, rosemary might have additive effects with salicylate-containing drugs such as salsalate.  Details Rosemary is reported to contain salicylate (18330).

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ANTICHOLINERGIC DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, sage might decrease the clinical effects of anticholinergic drugs.  Details In vitro evidence suggests that common sage (Salvia officinalis) and Spanish sage (Salvia lavandulaefolia) can inhibit acetylcholinesterase and might increase acetylcholine levels (31438,39566,72603,72616).

ANTICONVULSANTS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, sage might interfere with the clinical effects of anticonvulsant drugs.  Details Some species of sage can cause convulsions when consumed in large quantities (10812).

ANTIDIABETES DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = B Theoretically, taking sage with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.  Details In patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes, common sage (Salvia officinalis) has demonstrated hypoglycemic activity (91971,103380). However, other clinical research in patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes shows that common sage extract does not lower fasting blood glucose levels (105340).

ANTIHYPERTENSIVE DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, sage might increase or decrease the effects of antihypertensive drugs.  Details Animal research suggests that common sage (Salvia officinalis) can cause prolonged blood pressure reduction (4152). However, clinical research suggests that Spanish sage (Salvia lavandulaefolia) can increase blood pressure in some people with hypertension (10334). Until more is known, use with caution.

BENZODIAZEPINES Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, taking sage might increase the sedative and adverse effects of benzodiazepines.  Details In vitro evidence suggests that certain components of common sage (Salvia officinalis) can bind to benzodiazepine receptors (72588). This effect has not been reported in humans.

CHOLINERGIC DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, sage might have additive effects when used with cholinergic drugs.  Details In vitro evidence suggests that common sage (Salvia officinalis) and Spanish sage (Salvia lavandulaefolia) can inhibit acetylcholinesterase and might increase acetylcholine levels (31438,39566,72603,72616).

CNS DEPRESSANTS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, taking sage might increase the sedative and adverse effects of CNS depressants.  Details Some constituents of sage have CNS depressant activity (10334).

CYTOCHROME P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) SUBSTRATES Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, sage might increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP2C19.  Details In vitro evidence suggests that aqueous extracts of sage can inhibit CYP2C19 (10848). So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

CYTOCHROME P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) SUBSTRATES Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, sage might increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.  Details In vitro evidence suggests that aqueous extracts of sage can inhibit CYP2C9 (10848). So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

CYTOCHROME P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) SUBSTRATES Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, sage might increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.  Details In vitro evidence suggests that aqueous extracts of sage can inhibit CYP2D6 (10848,19430). So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

CYTOCHROME P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) SUBSTRATES Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, sage might decrease the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP2E1.  Details Animal research suggests that drinking common sage (Salvia officinalis) tea increases the expression of CYP2E1 (72627). So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, sage might increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.  Details In vitro evidence suggests that aqueous extracts of sage can inhibit CYP3A4 (10848,72641). So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

ESTROGENS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, sage might interfere with hormone therapy.  Details In vitro evidence suggests that geraniol, a constituent of Spanish sage (Salvia lavandulaefolia), exerts estrogenic activity (39572). The clinical significance of this effect is unclear.

P-GLYCOPROTEIN SUBSTRATES Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, sage might increase levels of drugs transported by P-glycoprotein.  Details In vitro research suggests that common sage (Salvia officinalis) can inhibit the multi-drug transporter protein, P-glycoprotein (72641). This effect has not been reported in humans.

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General ...Orally, oregano is well tolerated when used in amounts typically found in foods. There is currently a limited amount of information available about the safety of oregano when used in larger amounts as medicine.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Gastrointestinal upset.
Topically: Dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Systemic allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, in sensitive individuals.

Dermatologic ...Oregano has been reported to cause allergic contact dermatitis (46902). Topically, oregano oil in concentrations of greater than 1% has been reported to cause irritation when applied to mucous membranes (67348,88188).

Gastrointestinal ...Orally, large amounts of oregano can cause gastrointestinal upset. Concentrated, non-emulsified oil of oregano can cause localized irritation of the gastrointestinal tract (6878).

Immunologic ...Systemic allergic reactions have been reported with oregano. A 45-year-old male developed pruritus, respiratory difficulty, hypotension, swelling of the lips and tongue, and facial edema after ingesting pizza seasoned with oregano. He had 2 similar episodes after ingesting foods seasoned with thyme, another member of the Lamiaceae family. He did not react to similar foods without the seasoning, and he had positive skin tests to plants of the Lamiaceae family (3705).

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General ...Orally, rosemary seems to be well tolerated when used in appropriate medicinal amounts. Undiluted rosemary oil or very large quantities of rosemary leaf should not be consumed. Topically and as aromatherapy, rosemary seems to be well tolerated.

Dermatologic ...Topically, rosemary use can lead to photosensitivity, erythema, dermatitis, and cheilitis in hypersensitive individuals (4,6).

Immunologic ...Topically, allergic reactions can occur. When used in the mouth, lip and gum edema have occurred (101173). When used on the skin, allergic contact dermatitis has occurred, likely due to the constituent carnosol (71715,71924,71926).
Rosemary might also cause occupational asthma. A case of occupational asthma caused by several aromatic herbs including thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and garlic has been reported. The diagnosis was confirmed by inhalation challenges. Although all of the herbs caused immediate skin reactivity, a radioallergosorbent test (RAST) showed that garlic was the most potent allergen by weight, with rosemary and the other herbs showing less reactivity (783).

Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, the undiluted oil, as well as the camphor constituent of rosemary, might cause seizures (4,5,6,12868).

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General ...Orally, topically, and when inhaled, sage seems to be well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Abdominal pain, agitation, diarrhea, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.
Topically: Burning, dermatitis, pain.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Generalized tonic-clonic seizures associated with the thujone, camphor, and/or cineol constituents.

Cardiovascular ...By inhalation, sage essential oil has been reported to increase the blood pressure of hypertensive patients (10334).

Dermatologic ...Orally, sage extract has been reported to cause acneiform skin eruptions in one patient in a clinical trial (91970).
Topically, sage leaves can cause contact dermatitis (46902,72661,72710). Sage extract can cause burning and pain (10437).

Gastrointestinal ...Orally, sage can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea (10810,17177).
Topically, sage extract sprayed into the mouth and throat can cause dryness or mild burning of the throat (72619).

Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, sage can cause dizziness or agitation (10810,17177). Thujone, a constituent of common sage (Salvia officinalis), is a neurotoxin and can cause seizures (10812,12868). Camphor and cineol, constituents of common sage and Spanish sage, can also cause neurotoxicity and seizures in high doses (10334,12868). Generalized tonic-clonic seizures have been reported in adults, children, and infants after ingestion of sage oil (12868,72666).

Pulmonary/Respiratory ...Orally, sage can cause wheezing (10810,17177).
Occupational exposure to sage dust can cause reduction in ventilatory capacity and chronic respiratory impairment (72672,72682,72686).

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