Wild Sage |
FAMILY
N.O. Labiatae
SPECIES
Salvia officinalis (LINN.) PARTS USED
Leaves, whole herb.
DESCRIPTION
Sage generally grows about a foot or more high, with wiry stems. The leaves are set in pairs on the stem and are 1 1/2 to 2 inches long, stalked, oblong, rounded at the ends, finely wrinkled by a strongly-marked network of veins on both sides, greyish-green in colour, softly hairy and beneath glandular. The flowers are in whorls, purplish and the corollas lipped. They blossom in August. All parts of the plant have a strong, scented odour and a warm, bitter, somewhat astringent taste, due to the volatile oil contained in the tissues.
CULTIVATION
The Garden Sage succeeds best in a warm and rather dry border, but will grow well almost anywhere in ordinary garden soil; it thrives in a situation somewhat shaded from sunshine, but not strictly under trees. |
USES
Stimulant, as tringent, tonic and carminative. Has been used in dyspepsia, but is now mostly employed as a condiment. It is used as a wash for the cure of affections of the mouth and as a gargle in inflamed sore throat, being excellent for relaxed throat and tonsils, and also for ulcerated throat. The gargle is useful for bleeding gums and to prevent an excessive flow of saliva. The flowers are tossed in salads and brewed for a light, balsamic tea, while the leaf tea is an antiseptic nerve and blood tonic. Sage contains hormone precursors that help irregular menstruation and menopause symptoms.
REMARK
Avoid large doses during pregnancy.
APPLICATION |
Garden Sage |
LEAVES
Gargle / Mouthwash : Use a weak infusion for sore throats, tonsillitis, mouth ulcers or gum disease.
Hair Rinse: Use the infusion as a rinse for dandruff or to restore colour to greying hair.
CAUTIONS
Avoid therapeutic doses in preegnancy. Small amounts of sage used in cooking are quite safe.
Sage contains thujone, which can trigger fits in epileptics, who should avoid the herb.
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