Sage
Botanical Name: Salvia officinalis
Plant Family: Salvia
Common name: Broad-leaved White Sage, Common Sage, Garden Sage, Narrow-leaved White Sage, Red Sage, Salbei, Salvia salvatrix
History: Sage is named from the Latin salvare, 'to save'. This name was then corrupted to Sauija and Sauge (Fench) and Sawge (Old English)
A beautiful legend about Sage is that when Mary was fleeing from Herod no other plant would give her shelter but Sage. Virgin Mary told the Sage plant: 'From now to eternity you will be the favorite flower of mankind. I give you the power to heal man of all illness and save him from death as you have done for me.'
The Romans used Sage in their baths to ease :
aching muscles
sore, tired feet
Tradition: Sage was
a panacea for immortality
burned at the altar or in a sacred space to consecrates the area
burned in the home to remove impurities, banish evil, and to provide protection
used for bringing prosperity
used in healing amulets, incenses, and sachets
Plant Constituents of Sage
Contains:
estrogen
phenolic acids
flavenoids
resin
saponins
silica
tannins
thujone
volatile Oil
Action:
antibacterial [an agent that destroys bacteria; bactericide]
antihydrotic [an agent that reduces or suppresses perspiration]
antiseptic [an agent for inhibiting the growth of microorganism on living tissue or destroying pathogenic or putrefactive bacteria]
antispasmodic [an agent that relieves or checks spasms or cramps]
antiviral [an agent that destroys viruses]
aphrodisiac [an agent for arousing or increasing sexual desire or potency]
astringent [an agent that contracts organic tissue, reducing secretions or discharges]
carminative [an agent for easing griping pains, colic and expelling gas from the intestines]
stimulant [an agent that excites or quickens the functional activity of the tissues giving more energy]
styptic [an agent that contracts tissues; astringent; specifically, a hemostatic agent that stops bleeding by contracting the blood vessels]
tonic [an agent that tones, strengthens and invigorates organs or the entire organism giving a feeling of well-being]
Usage of Sage
Medicinal Parts Used: Leaves, whole herb
Sage is used for:
Bacterial and Viral Conditions
retro viruses, e.g. Herpes, HIV, etc.
staphylococcus infections
Brain and Nervous System Conditions
aids the memory
cramps
delerium associated with fevers
depression
disorders of the spinal cord
eases mental exhaustion
headaches (combined with Peppermint, Rosemary, and Wood Betony)
nervous conditions
nervous excitement, associated with brain or nerve diseases
paralysis
strengthens the powers of concentration
trembling of limbs
vertigo
weak nerves
Cardiovascular Conditions
prevention of strokes
Female Conditions
amenorrhea (irregular menstruation)
decreasing milk flow in lactating women during weaning
dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation)
hemorrhage from the lungs or stomach
leucorrhoea
night sweats and hot flushes during menopause, combined with Horsetail and Valerian
regulates the menstrual cycle
reduces perspiration (because of its estrogenic properties)
tonic after childbirth
Gastrointestinal Conditions
abdominal troubles
all stomach troubles
diarrhea
eliminates mucous congestion in the stomach
enteritis
flatulence (gas)
gastritis
increases the appetite
rectifies intestinal troubles
stimulates the digestive system
weak stomach
Genitourinary Conditions
kidney troubles
Glandular Conditions
glandular disorders
Liver Conditions
biliousness
liver complaints
Respiratory Tract Conditions
colds
dispels phlegm from the respiratory organs and stomach
eliminates mucous congestion in the respiratory passages and stomach
influenza
Sage is a good gargle for:
laryngitis
sore throat
tonsillitis
ulcerated throat
Chewing the fresh leaves soothes:
sore throats
mouth sores
Other
a deodorant
Sage is a good gargle for:
inflammation of tooth pulp
loose and bleeding teeth
preventing excessive flow of saliva
ulcerated or receding gums
ulcerated gums and mouth
Externally: In a lotion, salve or wash, Sage is useful:
as a hair rinse to remove dandruff
for insect bites
for itchy skin
for skin eruptions
for treating sores
to stop bleeding in all cuts
Other Uses:
condiment added to meat (breaks down the fat in meat)
cosmetics
hair dye
tooth powder
Precautions
Caution:
Avoid during pregnancy as it may have a stimulating effect on the muscle of the womb
Extended or excessive use of Sage can cause symptoms of poisoning