Sage leaves

What are sage leaves?

Sage leaves are the leaves of the plant Salvia officinalis, which belongs to the labiate family. The plant originates from the Mediterranean region and has been used for centuries as a medicinal and aromatic plant. The name sage is derived from the Latin word "salvare", which means "to heal".

Sage leaves have an aromatic, slightly bitter taste and a characteristic scent. They contain many valuable ingredients, such as essential oils, bitter substances, flavonoids, antioxidants and thujone. These have an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, digestive, pain-relieving and immune-boosting effect.

How can sage leaves help your dog?

Sage leaves can help your dog with various health problems, such as

• Gum inflammation and bad breath: Regularly rinsing your dog's mouth with sage tea or chewing fresh or dried sage leaves can keep your dog's gums healthy and reduce the risk of gum disease. The essential oils in the leaves inhibit the formation of bacteria in the mouth and thus reduce the unpleasant odor.
• Coughs and respiratory problems: Sage tea can also relieve respiratory problems as it clears your dog's airways and fights viruses and bacteria. If your dog is suffering from an acute cold or cough, you can give him small doses of sage tea or have him inhale it. This promotes sputum production in bronchial diseases and helps to relieve pain in the throat.
• Digestive complaints: Sage leaves can also aid your dog's digestion as they stimulate gastric juice production and promote bowel movements. They can also relieve flatulence, diarrhea and stomach cramps. You can sprinkle dried sage leaves on your dog's food or offer him a mild sage tea.
• Skin irritations: Sage also has a healing effect on your dog's skin. You can apply compresses with sage tea to inflamed or injured areas of skin or apply a sage ointment. This soothes the skin, promotes wound healing and prevents infections.

What should you look out for when feeding sage leaves?

Sage leaves are generally well tolerated by dogs if they are fed in moderation. However, you should pay attention to a few points to avoid side effects:

• Dosage: The dosage of sage leaves depends on the size of your dog. As a guideline, you can give large dogs about one teaspoon of dried sage leaves per day with their food, while a pinch is sufficient for small dogs. For sage tea, you should not offer more than one cup per day. Always start with a low dosage and observe your dog's reaction.
• Quality: Make sure that you only use high-quality sage leaves that are free from harmful substances and pesticides. It is best to use fresh or dried leaves from organic farming or from your own garden. Avoid old or moldy leaves as they may lose their effectiveness or be harmful.
• Thujone: Thujone is an ingredient in sage leaves that can be toxic in high doses. It can cause cramps, tremors, vomiting and diarrhea. Dogs suffering from epilepsy are particularly at risk, as thujone can trigger seizures. Pregnant bitches should also not be given sage, as thujone can have a labor-inducing effect. Therefore, only use small amounts of sage leaves and pay attention to your dog's reaction.
• Allergies: As with any new food or remedy, your dog may have an allergic reaction to sage leaves. Therefore, watch out for possible symptoms such as a rash, itching, swelling or difficulty breathing. If you notice any of these, you should stop giving your dog sage leaves immediately.