Cosmetically, an extract of sage is used to cleanse old ulcers and wounds. It is said that if massaged into the scalp, it will control dandruff and loss of hair (if the papilla is dormant and not destroyed). Russian folk medicine claims it to be aromatic, astringent, antiseptic, carminative, and disinfectant (against inflammations). Sage is also reported to bring dark hair back to its normal color. It is antibacterial, fungistatic, stimulating, can be used in mouth rinses and gargles, for inflamed tissue of the oral cavity and throat. It can be applied to insect bites and also has anti-oxidant properties.