Picture taken by Isaac Wedin
As sage's botanical name implies the herb has multiple great healing properties. The name salvia comes from the Latin salvare, meaning "to feel well and healthy". Sage belongs to the mint family and is a staple herb used in cuisines all over the world. It's bitter and earthy taste spices up many dishes and is also often used as a natural cleaner and spiritual burnings. The plant has a long list of functions in not only being a game changer in the kitchen and traditional rituals, but also in the medical field. Sage can be a magical remedy for sore throats, poor digestion, irregular periods and many more health complaints.
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History & Folklore
Due to its medical and culinary uses, sage has a very long history of uses. It has been used since ancient times for proposes like deterring the evil and increasing women's fertility. Back in Roman times, the herb was referred as the "holy herb" and was used in religious rituals. Sage was also considered as a part of the official Roman pharmaceutical industry being specifically used as a local anaesthetic applied on the skin or help with digestion and many more medical treatments. During the Middle Ages sage used to treat many diseases including fever, kidney and liver issues and colds. The herb was made into tea and people believed in its health benefits. The tea gained in such a huge significant importance, that Charlemagne, the former King of the Franks, wanted the herb to be planted on German farms, because it had a lucrative trade value. Three to four pound of Chinese tea was exchanged for only one pound of European sage tea.
Habitat & Cultivation
Native to the Mediterranean region of Europe and northern Africa, sage can also be found in some regions of the United States. However the herb is cultivated all around the world in order to harvest it for its cooking ans medical purposes. The plant requires a sunny locality and most commonly can be found in places where the soil is dry, shallow and rocky. It typically grows to 1.5 to 2.5 feet. While the plant grows from seed in spring, the leaves are ready to be picked in summer.
Uses
Sore throat Sage's antiseptic nature makes a perfect gargle for throat infections and a sore throat. Mouth ulcers or sore gums can also be treated with a sage gargle.
Hormonal remedy The herb has a relaxing and calming effect on the body being specifically effective to prevent night sweats and sweating in general. For women sage can be very useful durning menopause and it also encourages blood flow during mensuration for people who struggle with irregular periods. After pregnancy the herb is traditionally used when mothers stop breastfeeding their child to decrease the production of breast-milk.
Digestive tonic Traditionally sage has been used for complaints in the stomach area for ages. Today sage is still used to help promote a better working digestion and support a healthy gut flora.
Parts used
Leaves can be used fresh and dried. They contain natural antiseptic properties.
Key Actions
Antiseptic
Astringent
Anti-catarrhal
Nerve tonic
Oestrogenic
Constituents
Essential oil (1-2%)
Diterpenes
Triterpenes
Phenolic compounds including rosmarinic acid
Tannins
View References
References
- Chevallier, Andrew, FNIMH; Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine - 550 Herbs and Remedies for Common Ailments; 3. Edition 2016; ISBN: 978-0-2412-2944-6; Page 131.
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Colby T.
Reviewed on August 12, 2020
I personally have really bad bowel issues. Sage has really relieved that.
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Anna C.
Reviewed on August 16, 2020
Sage is one of my favorite herbs to use as it has so many wonderful properties. Sage not only has a lovely fragrance, but it also works amazing for a sore throat! When I’m feeling under the weather, a cup of sage tea with honey always makes me feel better.
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bill V.
Reviewed on November 07, 2020
I burn sage bundles and I love the smell. The incense helps relax me and brings up my mood.
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