10 Possible Side Effects Of Salvia Officinalis (Sage)

Salvia officinalis has some side effects when used improperly, such as dizziness, confusion, and altered mental status.

These side effects are usually caused by consuming high doses of the herb, exceeding recommended amounts, or combining it with other medications that affect the brain.

In severe cases, these side effects can worsen people's lives by impairing daily functioning, affecting work performance, and compromising relationships due to altered behavior and decision-making.

This article explains in details the 10 most common side effects of Salvia officinalis if used imporperly.

1. Disrupts vision

Salvia officinalis causes dizziness due to its ability to stimulate the nervous system and alter brain activity.

The plant's active compounds, including thujone and camphor, can affect the central nervous system, leading to feelings of lightheadedness and disorientation. This is often accompanied by a sense of euphoria or altered perception, which may be attributed to the herb's psychoactive properties.

As Salvia officinalis interacts with the brain, it can disrupt normal cognitive functions, resulting in dizziness as the body adjusts to its effects.

2. Disrupts vision

Salvia officinalis induces vomiting due to its ability to stimulate the digestive system and increase the production of stomach acid.

The herb's bitter compounds can irritate the stomach lining, triggering nausea and vomiting in some individuals. Additionally, Salvia officinalis may cause an increased heart rate and blood pressure, which can exacerbate these adverse effects.

As a result, users may experience discomfort, nausea, and potentially severe vomiting when consuming this herbal remedy.

3. Disrupts vision

Salvia officinalis triggers panic attacks in some individuals due to its potent psychoactive properties.

The herb contains a chemical called salvinorin A, which is known to alter the brain's chemistry and induce intense feelings of anxiety, paranoia, and unease.

When consumed, this can lead to an overwhelming sense of fear or dread, causing panic attacks in susceptible individuals.

4. Disrupts vision

Salvia officinalis increases heart rate due to its ability to stimulate the cardiovascular system.

The herb's essential oils and flavonoids are responsible for this effect, as they can increase blood flow and pressure, leading to an elevated heart rate.

Additionally, Salvia officinalis can also cause a mild stimulatory response, which can further contribute to increased heart activity.

5. Disrupts vision

Salvia officinalis produces hallucinations due to its ability to bind to serotonin receptors in the brain.

This binding causes a release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which can lead to altered perception, thoughts, and mood.

The herb's unique chemical composition, including the presence of alkaloids like salvinorin A, is thought to contribute to its psychoactive properties, resulting in vivid hallucinations that can range from visual distortions to auditory experiences.

6. Disrupts vision

Salvia officinalis creates anxiety due to its unique ability to alter the brain's serotonin and dopamine levels.

This can cause a sense of unease or fear in some individuals, especially when used in large quantities or without proper understanding of its effects.

The plant's potent compounds, such as thujone, have been shown to stimulate the brain's reward system, leading to feelings of anxiety and discomfort in those who are sensitive to its influence.

7. Disrupts vision

Salvia officinalis increases blood pressure due to its ability to constrict blood vessels and stimulate the sympathetic nervous system.

The herb contains bioactive compounds such as rosmarinic acid and triterpenes that can cause vasoconstriction, leading to increased blood pressure.

Additionally, the stimulatory effects on the nervous system can further exacerbate this response, potentially resulting in hypertension or other cardiovascular issues.

8. Disrupts vision

Salvia officinalis provokes nausea due to its volatile oils, particularly thujone and camphor, which can irritate the stomach lining.

These compounds can cause gastrointestinal upset, leading to feelings of queasiness and vomiting in some individuals who consume Salvia officinalis.

The intensity of this side effect varies from person to person, with some people experiencing mild discomfort while others may experience more severe symptoms.

9. Disrupts vision

Salvia officinalis lowers blood sugar by stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreas.

This property is attributed to the presence of rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid in the herb, which have been shown to increase glucose uptake in skeletal muscle cells.

Additionally, sage has been found to inhibit the activity of enzymes involved in starch digestion, further contributing to its hypoglycemic effects.

10. Disrupts vision

Salvia officinalis interferes with sleep due to its stimulating properties that can increase alertness and energy.

The herb's active compounds, including rosmarinic acid and camphor, can stimulate the nervous system, making it difficult for individuals to fall asleep or stay asleep throughout the night. Additionally, sage's ability to improve cognitive function and memory can also lead to increased mental activity, further disrupting sleep patterns.

As a result, taking salvia officinalis too close to bedtime may make it challenging to get a good night's rest.