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Sage
There are hundreds of salvia species and all of them are medicinal but the most commonly used is the salvia officinalis or the common garden sage. In the Latin salvia means "healthy and whole" and that describes this herb perfectly.
Rosmarinus officinalis
Family: Laminaceae – mint
Parts used: leaves and blossoms
Antibacterial
Anticatarrhal
Antifungal
Anti-Inflammatory
Antioxidant
Antimicrobial
Antispasmodic
Antiviral
Astringent
Antiseptic
Carminative
Digestive
Diaphoretic
Disinfectant
Emmenagogue
Expectorant
Nervine
Nutritive
Stimulant
Energetics/Body Systems Affected
Warming
Drying
Respiratory
Digestive
Nervous
Uses
Prevent and treat any type of illness.
Cough, cold, fever and flu.
Sore throat, tonsillitis, laryngitis, any inflammation of the throat or mouth.
Sinus and respiratory congestion and infections.
Chest cold, lung congestion, bronchitis, croup, asthma, any condition with the lungs.
Canker sores, mouth sores.
Sore, inflamed, bleeding gums, gingivitis, gum infection.
Indigestion
Helps lower cholesterol and regulate blood pressure.
Balance blood sugars.
Cleanse and supports the kidney, liver, and bladder.
Balance hormones, PMS, menopause.
Relieves hot flashes (tea/compress).
Headache
First aid herb for cleansing and preventing infection in cuts and wounds.
Itching, rashes, other skin conditions.
Stress relief, calms nerves.
Sleep aid, insomnia.
Clears thoughts and mind, good for memory.
High mineral content.
Insect and mice repellant.
Body odor; reduces sweating.
Hair loss, dandruff, graying.
Strengthens hair roots and scalp.
Oily skin and hair (facial steam, compress, toner, rinse)
Shrinks large pores of the skin.
Blemishes, acne, any type of facial impurity.
Any type of skin condition.
Sunburn
Cleanse and disinfect the mouth, freshen breath (chew or rub leaf, gargle).
One sage leaf can be an emergency toothbrush and mouth care.
Food; add to culinary dishes, use as a sprinkle
Tea
Compress, poultice
Bath, facial steam, foot soak
Herbal oil
Salve, ointment, balm
Extracts, liniment, vinegar
Powder, capsules, sprinkles, body powder
Honey, syrup
Gargle, mouthwash
Douche
Cut fresh blossoms for a centerpiece to kill airborne bacteria and freshen the room
Sage is hard to start from seed, so it is best to purchase a start from the nursery or propagate from root cuttings.
Loves full sun and well-drained soil, more dry than wet.
Give low to medium amounts of water.
Companion plant with tomatoes, strawberry, and carrots.
Cut or pinch off leaves regularly to prevent it from getting too woody.
After flowers die down, prune plant to half its size.
Sage loses potency after three years so it’s best to start a new plant with cuttings from the old.
Mulch in the fall.
Safety
Avoid medicinal use when pregnant, nursing and if you suffer from seizure disorders. Sage will dry up a nursing mothers milk supply.
References
The New Healing Herbs
Essential Herbal Wisdom
The Herbal Kitchen
Rosemary Gladstar's Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner's Guide
Practical Herbalism
Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs
