Garden Sage

 Garden Sage

Salvia officinalis

Jo Francks MH

An ancient Latin proverb goes, “Why should a man die when Sage flourishes in his garden?”

Sage is an herb that is so beneficial for so many things one could ask the question, “What isn’t it good for?” There is a lot of history of sage from many cultures. It was used daily in many societies and considered a valuable part of their good health habits.

The Chinese have been using sage for centuries. They use it for kidney infections, sore throat, diarrhea and other discharges. In India it is used for excessive perspiration, tickling coughs, stomach disorders and infection.

In Dr. Christopher’s Herb Syllabus book there is a short sentence mentioning the memory, “It is said to be good for the memory and to enhance mental acuteness.” I have learned not to overlook what the books say. I have also found that fleeting statement to be true. After using sage tea for a couple of weeks to test it, I found my memory improved and was more alert and able to concentrate. It also improved my sleep. 

Sage is known as a flavoring for various dishes especially at Thanksgiving to flavor the stuffing. If we knew it’s full potential we would all have a plant growing right out our back door. It is an astringent and because of this there are lists of things it can help with. If we start from the head down, we already mentioned the memory, it is also good for sinus issues, headaches, and is especially good for sore throats and mouth sores. Rubbing the fresh leaf on the teeth can help whiten them. Using the cold tea will help reduce night sweats and excessive perspiration. The tea or diluted tincture can be applied to the armpits to help reduce perspiration in this area. During pregnancy it is used to help prevent miscarriage. Although a nursing mother would want to put it’s use on hold until she’s ready to wean the baby. At that time sage will help dry up the milk when taken cold. It has also been used to reduce hot flashes and it works really well for this. 

Another one of Sage’s benefits is as a diaphoretic. It will make you sweat when taken hot. This makes it helpful in illnesses accompanied by a fever. Sage can be used internally and externally for rheumatism. It will stop bleeding when applied externally, and will bring color back to the hair. 

I hope you have found something that you can use sage to help you with. It is a very useful and resourceful plant. It is worth growing and in some areas is an evergreen and will keep its leaves all year long. The leaves can easily be dried for use in the winter.