SageBrief History and Mythology

Sage is native to the Mediterranean region, originating on the Island of Crete. Its

botanical name comes from the Latin Salvare or Salvus, which roughly translates

as “to rescue” or “to heal” or “healthy” referring to the plant’s curative powers.

This aromatic member of the mint family is a medicinal wonder, historically

used by ancient Greeks and Romans to treat wounds, tuberculosis and fevers, as

well as to remedy infertility. Although cultivated sage is probably best known as an ingredient in

poultry stuffing, this herb has been used medicinally for thousands of years.

'How can a man die when sage is growing in the garden?' This often quoted

sentence (bothreferenced as an ancient Arab proverb and as coming from

Hippocrates)describes pretty well the omnipotence of sage. The bush was

definitely amongthe most important medicinal herbs of Medieval Europe. It was

believed to have the power to cure all imaginable diseases and therefore a Convent

garden without it would be extremely rare. One common belief was that sage strengthened the memory; hence a sage, or a wise man, always had a

long memory.

Culinary

Sage has traditionally been of such medicinal value that it was not introduced as a culinary herb until the 1700s, when it was discovered that its flavor enhanced poultry and such meats as veal, pork and liver.

If using dried sage in a dish, add only a pinch at a time, and allow the herb to settle in for about 10 min before adding any more.Fresh sage leaves will last for a few days if stored in plastic bags and refrigerated. Dried leaves must be kept in containers in a cool, dark place to retain the flavor. Ground leaves should be stored in airtight containers. In all, there are about 500 species of sage: try pineapple sage for its citrus-like taste; it also makes a delicious cup of tea.

Sage Jelly

Sage jelly compliments meat dishes and makes them more digestible, as well. Simmer 1 cup of red wine and the juice of 1 lemon in a double boiler for 5-10 min; remove from heat. Add 4-6 sage leaves; steep for 20 minutes and strain. Pour the mixture back into the double boiler, and add 3 cups of unsweetened applesauce. Simmer over very low heat until the jelly thickens (10-15 min). Add 1-2 tbsp of honey for taste and a sage leaf for appearance. Refrigerate and use on meat for up to 2 weeks. (Recipe from The Complete Guide to Natural Healing)

Medicinal

Main constituents or components:

Volatile oils (including thujone, cineole, borneol, linalool, camphors, salvene,

pinine), oestrogenic substances, salvin, flavonoids, phenolic acids. It is rich in

antioxidants labiatic acid and carnosic acid. The herbs tannins contribute to

sage’s sweat reducing action. Its volatile oil, with thujone, camphor and ineole,

is antimicrobial; its bitter flavonoids stimulate the appetite. Sage contains

magnesium, as well.Salvia sclarea, Clary Sage Salvia divinorum, is known as the most

psychoactive ofthe salvia’s. The essential oils in sage include the thujone, camphor

andeucalyptol. The leaves also contain bitter compounds, tannins (such asrommarinic acid) flavonoids and substances with an anti-perspirant

andestrogen-like effect. The high levels of these essential oils – its bitters,

which stimulate digestive secretions, and its tannins, which improve

resistance toinfection – give sage its antiseptic and astringent properties. In

addition, whitesage was used to treat coughs and colds, as a general tonic and fever

reliever.

Therapeutic Effect:Sage oil contains thujone, salviol, and camphor, which strengthen the body, reduce fevers, promote expectoration and calm coughs. Sage is often used as a remedy for respiratory infections, nasal congestion, coughs, tonsillitis and sore throats. It’s astringent, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and antiseptic properties relieve digestive complaints, soothe mouth inflammations, making it ideal as a gargle for mouth and throat inflammations such as canker sores and bleeding gums, as well as a wound dressing and vaginal rinse. It is also useful in treating flux, bites and stings, and diarrhea. It alleviates rheumatic pain and prevents excessive sweating. Sage’s bitter constituents, tannins, flavonoids and glavone glycosides relieve digestive difficulties with their appetite-stimulating effects and work to strengthen the constitution overall. It also has a beneficial effect on the liver. It’s given for fever, night sweats, nervous sweating, kidney and urinary-tract problems. In addition, sage is said to have mild estrogen-like effects, explaining

itslongstanding use in promoting menstruation. This, along with its tonic

effect,makes sage tea a good antidote for menopause as well, reducing the

severity ofhot flashes and night sweats. In addition, sage oil firms tissue and speeds the formation of scar tissue.

Ringworm InfectionsFor ringworm infections, thoroughly soak the area with a strong, cooled sage tea twice daily.

Sage TeaSage tea, made with fresh or dried leaves, is an ideal remedy for stomach and intestinal ailments, as well as for menopausal symptoms and irregular menstrual bleeding.

Sage tea also makes an excellent gargle for sore throats and gums, because of its disinfecting essential oils and astringent tannins. Sage tea reduces secretions of the sweat glands and thus can alleviate night sweats, hot flashes during menopause and stress-related nervous perspiration. Drink 3 cups daily, preferably after meals; save 1cup for bedtime if you’re troubled by night sweats. Check with your physician first to make sure the night sweats are not a symptom of any disease.

Tea for inflamed sore throats (irritated larynx and vocal cords) and sore gums,

canker sores:

1 oz sage leaves1/3 oz fennel seedsPour 1 cup boiling water over 1 ½ tsp of this mixture; steep. Use as a

gargle forflu and inflamed throat. Drink as a tea for any infections of the mouth

andthroat. The fennel gives the tea a sweet, mild, licorice-like flavor.

When you brush your teeth, add crush sage leaves (use a mortar to crush the leaves) directly to your toothpaste. Because sage is a powerful antiseptic, it helps remove plaque, acts as a disinfectant and strengthens bleeding gums. A strong sage tea or tincture can also be used to treat and prevent gingivitis and dental infections.

For sore throats, mouth ulcers and gum inflammations, mix 1 drop of sage oil with 1 cup of warm water. Gargle with the solution several times each day, and then spit it out.

As a Breath Freshener:Fresh sage leaves have been used traditionally as a breath freshener. Pick a leaf off a plant, and use it as you would a toothbrush; Rub the leaf over your teeth and tongue. This simple procedure will cool and refresh your mouth and help sweeten your breath as well.

Tea for excessive sweating:1 ½ oz sage leaves2/3 oz horsetail½ oz valerian rootPour 1 cup of hot water over 1 ½ tsp of this mixture and steep

covered, for about15 min. This tea will reduce nervous perspiration and prevent

excessive nightsweats when taken at bedtime.

Caution

As a culinary herb, sage is safe. If you are pregnant, do not use a medicinal dose

of sage in any form. Also not recommended for nursing mothers as sage inhibits

milk production by the mammary glands. The undiluted essential oil can cause

skin irritations and should never be taken internally. Sage essential oil is not

suitable for long-term use. Sage oil should not be given to small children or

epileptics. Also, do not ingest the oil, since it contains poisonous compounds.

This herbal remedy is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice from a physician. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any health or disease condition. Before taking any herbal supplements you should consult your physician to determine that they will not contraindicate any medication that you may be currently taking. Do not stop taking your prescriptions without first contacting your doctor for medical advice.

Sage Pillow:Fill a small pillow with dried sage leaves for a relaxing sleep.

Oils

There are three common types of essential and carrier oils commonly sold:

(1) Dalmatian (Salvia officinalis), (2) Spanish (Salvia lavandulaefolia) and (3) clary (Salvia sclarea).

The herb’s essential oil, extracted by steam distillation from the dried above-ground parts of Salvia officinalis, is used to relieve weakness and refresh the senses. The oil’s potent stimulating properties boost blood circulation and warm the body to ease pain, speed healing and prevent feverish chills. The oil has strong anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects, making it an excellent gargle for sore throats, gingivitis, oral yeast infections, mouth ulcers and gum inflammations. Sage oil may also relieve hot flashes and excessive sweating due to menopausal fluctuations or nervous tension. The oil has an astringent property which firms tissues, tightens pores and speeds scar-tissue formation to heal wounds. It loosens mucus, calms coughs and eases congestion caused by colds and bronchitis, as well. On an emotional level, sage oil helps relieve tension, anxiety and moodiness.

For Feverish Chills:For chills and weakness due to fevers, colds and flu, add a few drops of sage oil to a warm bath. It helps stimulate blood circulation and warms your entire body.

For Problem Skin:A shower gel with sage oil constricts the pores and has an anti-inflammatory effect on oily skin. The oil can also firm the skin tissue and smooth blemishes. In addition, sage oil promotes circulation and speeds the removal of toxins from the skin, reducing the formation of cellulite.

For Healthier Hair:Thin, dry and brittle hair can benefit from a sage-oil shampoo. Sage oil helps tone the scalp while promoting the formation of strong, shiny, healthy hair. To nourish and strengthen your hair, blend 2 drops each of sage, rosemary and lavender oils in 1 oz of jojoba oil and comb the mixture through your hair, all the way to the ends. Shampoo as usual and rinse out. Turkish women used sage as a natural hair dye for gray hair, and it is still recommended for use in dark hair.

To inhibit excessive foot sweating:

Blend 3 drops of sage oil with 1 tsp of cider vinegar and add it to the footbath. Soak your feet for 15 min., and then dry them thoroughly. Foot powder also enhances the drying effect of the footbath.

To relieve chronic rheumatic pain:Mix 1 tbsp of honey with 4 drops of sage oil and 2 drops of juniper oil and add to a bath. Soak for 15-20 min. The oil may strain your circulatory system, so it is best to avoid further exertion; take the bath before bed.

To promote menstruation:Mix 3 drops of sage oil in 1 tbsp of sweet-almond oil. Massage your lower abdomen with the blend, using circular motions.

Aromatherapy LampTo invigorate and refresh: Add the following blend to your aromatherapy lamp3 drops sage oil2 drops lime oil1 drop grapefruit oil

For Colds:To quiet hacking coughs and to loosen mucus, blend 3 drops of sage and 2 drops each of thyme in an aromatherapy lamp. Use sage oil to reduce the spread of highly contagious infections. Burn the oil in an aromatherapy lamp placed in the sickroom to purify the air and fight bacteria.

Magical

Sage is one of the four most commonly herbs used in Wicca.

Gender: Masculine (Hot)Element: Has been mentioned as both an Air and Earth elementPlanet: JupiterPart Used: The HerbBasic Powers: Healing, Prosperity. Longevity, Wisdom,

Protection,Wishes Immortality

Clearing negative energy:Sage is an herb of protection and love, an herb to use in the home to change, eliminate, or encourage energy, thereby keeping the family stress-free. Sage has long been used to purify and cleanse a space. The ancients burned dried sprigs of sage in temples and during religious rituals. The Greeks and Romans wrote that the smoke imparted wisdom and mental acuity. American Indians used sage as a purifier of negative energy and to receive visions. The plant was gathered, the leaves were bundled together and dried and then used to smudge. The dried leaves are set afire and then the flames are extinguished and the smoke is directed all over the body, to dispel negative energy.

Banish Evil:Sage offers the herbal virtues of strength, mental health and it banishes all evil. To guard yourself against contracting the dreaded evil eye, wear a small horn filled with sage. Permeates the environment and creates a barrier of protection while neutralizing the existing negativity.

Grieving:Use it as a healing herb to promote mental and emotional well-being. It can help one deal with grieving and loss, both through healing and by helping one see beyond the immediate loss.

Attract Money, financial prosperity:To attract money carry sage leaves in your wallet or purse to promote financial gain. Burn leaves to increase wisdom or gain guidance from your spirit guide.

Wish Manifestation:Sage is used in wish manifestations. Make a wish and write it on a sage leaf, and hide it beneath your pillow. If you dream about your wish over the next three nights, it will come true.