Sage {Salvia officinalis}

Sage {Salvia officinalis}
Although cultivated sage is probably best known as an ingredient in poultry stuffing, this herb has been used medicinally for thousands of years. In the Middle Ages, it was thought to promote longevity.

Sage grows up to 3 feet tall and gives off a robust, distinctive fragrance. This shrub-like plant has thick branches and produces dense shoots with velvety gray-green leaves. It needs to be planted in well-drained soil and in a sunny location. (My Sage that is on my balcony only gets partial sun and it does wonderful…but I also am in Southern Florida).

Sage is native to the Mediterranean region. The name Salvare (Latin) means (roughly translated) "to rescue or to heal".

The leaves, flowers and tender stems can all be used. Fresh leaves can be made into tinctures (alcoholic extracts that are to be used medicinally) or dried in the shade.

The essential oils in sage include thujone, camphor and eucalyptol. The leaves also contain bitter compounds, tannins (such as rosmarinic acid), flavonoids and substances with an anti-perspirant and estrogen-like effect.

Sage is often used as a remedy for respiratory infections, nasal congestion, coughs, tonsillitis and sore throats. It also stimulates appetite, relieves indigestion and has a beneficial effect on the liver. It is sometimes given for fever, night sweats, nervous sweating and kidney and urinary-tract problems.

Who Knew?

• When you brush your teeth, add crushed sage leaves (use a mortar to crush the leaves) directly to your toothpaste. Sage is a powerful antiseptic; it helps remove plaque, acts as a disinfectant and strengthens bleeding gums.
   

Various Methods of Administration

• Sage Tea    Pour 1 cup of boiling water over ½ to 1 Tsp. of sage; steep for 10 min.
• Sage Vinegar    Fill a bottle loosely with sage leaves and add wine vinegar (not distilled).
• Sage Pillow    Fill a small pillow with dried sage leaves for a relaxing sleep.
• Sage Oil    Dilute the essential oil in water or massage oil:
• Spice        Spread the sage leaves out to dry, but avoid direct sunlight.
• Fresh Spice    Wash and chop (like Basil) for very flavorful experience. 

Some of the information contained in this blog was obtained from The Complete Guide to Natural Healing.

***See previous posting on Parsley for ordering information or cross-reference.