Medicinal Use and Toxicity
Sagebrush essential oil contains approximately 40% l-camphor; 20% pinene; 7% cineole; 5% methacrolein; and 12% a-terpinene, d-camphor, and sesqiterpenoids.
Big sagebrush was used as an herbal medicine by Native Americans throughout the Intermountain West of North America. To prevent infection in wounds and in the umbilical stump a poultice of the leaves or a wash made from a decoction of the leaves/stem was applied to the affected area. A tisane made from sagebrush was ingested to halt internal bleeding caused by battle wounds and childbirth. For treatment of colds, sagebrush was used in a tisane or a hot vapor bath. The Navajo used the vapors of sagebrush as a treatment for headache. The Paiute used it to treat headache and colds by burning sagebrush and inhaling the smoke. The Washoe, Zuni and Cahuilla used sage smoke to purify and disinfect rooms. The Okanagan and Colville people used sagebrush to smoke hides.
The plant's oils are toxic to the liver and digestive system of humans if taken internally, so care must be taken during any form of internal use. Generally, toxic symptoms will subside 24–48 hours after ingesting the plant.
Read more about this topic: Artemisia Tridentata
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