SAGE - HEALTH BENEFITS
Family: Labiatae
Comman names: garden sage, meadow sage, Spanish sage, Greek sage, Dalmatian sage; Salbel.
Small, rounded shrub with a height of 2 feet and a width of 2 feet. The flowers are violet-blue, pink or white up to 1 3/8 inches long, small, tubelike, clustered together in whorls along the stem tops. The leaves are woolly white, textured, elongated ovals 1-2½ inches.
Sage has one of the longest histories of medicinal use of any herb. The scientific name of this herb is actually derived from the Latin word for “saved,” salvere. The Romans had a special sage gathering ceremony. Arab physicians believed that it promoted immortality and Europeans in the 14th century used it to keep witchcraft at bay. In fact, sage is so awesome, it even took home the esteemed title of “Herb of the Year” in 2001. Which leads me to wonder, “who votes on this stuff?”
Flavor: It's somewhat savory, somewhat sweet, a little bit minty, and a tad earthy. It's like a grand mix of a lot of different things. The leave have an almost velvety texture.
Medicinal Uses:
1. Sage oil has a unique property from all other healing herbs-- it reduces perspiration. Sage makes a good digestive remedy.
2. Sage encourages the flow of digestive enzymes and bile, settles the stomach, relieves colic, wind, indigestion, nausea, diarrhea and colitis, liver complaints, and worms. Its antiseptic properties are hel pful in infections such as gastroenteritis. Sage is a tonic to the nervous system and has been used to enhance strength and vitality.
3. It has a tonic effect upon the female reproductive tract and is recommended for delayed or scanty menstruation, or lack of periods, menstrual cramps and infertility.
4. Homeopathic: Homeopaths use sage for night sweats, coughs, and to dry breast milk.
5. Respiratory: strengthens the lungs and if useful for colds, flu, coughs and sore throats.
6. Reproductive: Promotes menstruation and is helpful for scanty periods or menstrual cramps. Eases hot flashes and sweating during menopause
7. Muscular System: relaxes the muscles, especially when they have been overworked as in weight-training or other strenuous sports.
8. Skin: Good for cuts and wounds; seems to arrest bleeding from cuts and wounds and helps the formation of scar tissue.
9. Emotion: Quickens the senses, strengthens the memory and tones the conscious mind. Indicated for tiredness, depression and grief .
10. Cosmetic Use: Sage is recommended for oily skin as a deep cleansing mask or a facial steam.
11. Sage tea can be used as an after shampoo rinse to make brunette hair shiny and smooth.
12. Sage is even recommended for maintenance of conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, bronchitis, and atherosclerosis.
Just remember to use sage sparingly as it can quickly overpower a dish.
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