Sage

Brief 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 (both
referenced as an ancient Arab proverb and as coming from Hippocrates)
describes pretty well the omnipotence of sage. The bush was definitely among
the 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 of
the salvia’s. The essential oils in sage include the thujone, camphor and
eucalyptol. The leaves also contain bitter compounds, tannins (such as
rommarinic acid) flavonoids and substances with an anti-perspirant and
estrogen-like effect. The high levels of these essential oils – its bitters, which
stimulate digestive secretions, and its tannins, which improve resistance to
infection – give sage its antiseptic and astringent properties. In addition, white
sage 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 its
longstanding use in promoting menstruation. This, along with its tonic effect,
makes sage tea a good antidote for menopause as well, reducing the severity of
hot flashes and night sweats.
In addition, sage oil firms tissue and speeds the formation of scar tissue.

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

Sage Tea
Sage 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 leaves
1/3 oz fennel seeds
Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 ½ tsp of this mixture; steep. Use as a gargle for
flu and inflamed throat. Drink as a tea for any infections of the mouth and
throat. 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 leaves
2/3 oz horsetail
½ oz valerian root
Pour 1 cup of hot water over 1 ½ tsp of this mixture and steep covered, for about
15 min. This tea will reduce nervous perspiration and prevent excessive night
sweats 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 Lamp
To invigorate and refresh:
Add the following blend to your aromatherapy lamp
3 drops sage oil
2 drops lime oil
1 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 element
Planet: Jupiter
Part Used: The Herb
Basic 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.