> Supplement Index > Big Sagebrush / Artemisia tridentata / Basin Sagebrush / Common Sagebrush > Big Sagebrush General Information Big Sagebrush Uses & Scientific Evidence For Big Sagebrush Dosage Information Big Sagebrush Safety & Interaction Information - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Big Sagebrush General Information Big Sagebrush is a woody evergreen shrub with fragrant leaves and a stubby, branched trunk that shreds with age. This shrub is related to European tarragon, wormwood, and mugwort. Native American Indian chewed the leaves to ease stomach gas. They made a tea from the leaves to treat other stomach complaints as well. Early western settlers thought Big Sagebrush was a good omen because where it grew in abundance the soil was fertile and suitable for farming, but they also used found the leaves were useful in treating headache, diarrhea, sore throat, vomiting, and wounds. It was also used to repel bugs, and at one time, was used in granaries to keep pests away from the grain. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Big Sagebrush Uses & Scientific Evidence For Big Sagebrush is rarely used in medicine today, even in folk medicine; however, the leaves can be used to treat some of the same complaints as listed above. The shrub does contain a volatile oil that can be added as an aromatic to liqueurs and hair rinses or used as a bug repellent. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Big Sagebrush Dosage Information Big Sagebrush can come in various forms and can be an ingredient in other products. For best results read and follow product label directions. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Big Sagebrush Safety & Interaction Information Big Sagebrush contains thujone, a narcotic poison that can damage the nervous system and cause mental deterioration. The levels vary considerably among the different species, however, and usually very high doses over a period of years are required before any effects are noted. Do not use while pregnant or nursing. Those with bleeding problems should also avoid the herb as large doses can be toxic. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - -