Sage who? Not who but what. The herb sage is a plant that has been grown for thousands of years (4000+) perhaps first located in the Mediterranean region and Asia Minor (but who really knows). Honestly, sage may have been here since the beginning of plants. Perhaps in its infancy, it was different as a wild plant. I do know where there is wild sage…brilliant purple flowers maybe a foot tall.
From left to right: Berggarten sage, Pineapple sage, Common sage, Tricolour sage
Common or Greek Sage
The more known sage plant, Greek Sage or common sage (garden zones 4-7), is a grey green with woody stalks so it stands out among the other herbs. It is the one that is sold as a savory herb in the grocery stores for such things as turkey stuffing. It grows well in the colder climates. Sage is classified as a perennial (keeps on growing from one year to the next) rather than an annual (planted every year). Although not all sages like the cold. The Pineapple sage grows as an annual as it likes the south. Take note that not all sages are edible but ornamental like the prawn sage.
Sage comes in many colours and different kinds from Russian Sage to Pineapple Sage with a variety of colours from the usual grey green to yellow and purple.
The Herb Sage All the Way into Your Garden
The Latin name for the herb sage is Salvia meaning ‘to be in good health.’ The Romans used the herb sage for sacred rituals (nice ones I hope) and there is sure to be other earthly humans that used it prior to the invention of Romans.
This is a spot to check out, a website that goes into the edible sages and nonedible sages for your learning and viewing pleasures – incredible colours of flowers and some sages can grow 8 feet tall.
(Late Latin) Latin word ‘salvare’ means to save or heal. Ever consume sage tea?! Tasty. For most of my life, sage is valued for its aroma and flavour in turkey stuffing. Now I will put it in tea and use the herb sage to make soup broths. As I walk the farm, I chew on a sage leaf. Will it bring me wisdom?!
For the fun of it, a sage can be a wise man or woman or even a child that is well behaved.
Sage on Sage, with wisdom to be wise, we would gather it delicately.
The common garden sage is fuzzy leaves with a distinct smell known by any cook and called Salvia Officinalis. Sounds official. Sage is part of the mint family alongside oregano and thyme with a number of uses and several benefits.
Let’s just say, sage is looking better and better for any garden, English, herbal, medicinal or wild!
Sage Stick for Smudging
Uses of the Sage Plant
The uses for the herb sage includes going up in smoke:
- for culinary purposes (herb) such as turkey stuffing and any dish that requires savoury flavour
- to keep pests away, plant near fruit trees
- in cleansing known as ‘smudging’, whether your body or a space
- brew a tea with jam and bread, a number of medicinal benefits (see below)
- apply as a natural insect repellent, chemical free
- for pollinators to enjoy as a pollinator plant, good for bees and other pollinators
- bask in some steamy sage brew and help your respiratory system (see References for link)
- a medicine for various conditions (see below)
Benefits of the Herb Sage
Want some wisdom, start to consume the herb sage! Want longevity, add sage to your regular healthy routine!
This list would make most people happy and surely worth a share with your friends and loved ones. Why? *additional side comments
- contains important vital nutrients such as vitamin K (one teaspoon packs 10% of your required daily value), iron and vitamin B6 * just eat some of the herb sage weekly and leaf the details alone as natural foods will naturally take care of you (smiles)
- boasts over 160 polyphenols that protect you from inflammation, cancer and nerve issues with only 2 cups a day * a little goes a long way and with that kind of protection throw away your coffee and bow down to the herb sage (wink wink)
- may support your mouth health * the mouth, jaw and all will serve us well into our golden years if we take good care of our oral health (whistle)
- may reduce menopause symptoms * since we are talking hormones here best you cleanse your innards and sage may have a play in that SO not just for fe-males (nudge nudge)
- helpful for those with diabetes as in lowering blood sugars * we need blood sugars but just enough which our body will regulate if functioning optimally, and if it does work for you then drink drink but do monitor your medication as you may not need as much (cheers)
- may support brain health and memory * one doesn’t need to remember everything but if in decline it appears that a sage EXTRACT is up this alley (thumbs up)
- for gut health * may help alleviate diarrhea by calming the gut…diarrhea is a survival mechanism for getting things out of the body so pay attention to when needed (gulp)
- for healthy skin as in anti-aging * if you can support your all over health, your skin benefits too (tap tap)
Giving credit where credit is due https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/sage#TOC_TITLE_HDR_4 shares more information on the above along with research links for those brilliant need to know and read humans.
Russian Sage
The herb sage can be consumed fresh, dried, in tea, as a tincture or an oil. Each one is different. Dried sage can be used in less quantity than fresh but fresh would be raw and vibrant. Tinctures contain alcohol and stronger along with the oil. Best to research or consult a health practitioner. The first three are safe unless you are pregnant then there will be a disclaimer on most herbs. Herbs vary in this case so best you know your herbs, culinary or medicinal.
A Sage once shared ‘let food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food’ – Hippocrates, Greek Philosopher and Father of Medicine.
Your medical professional aka doctor does not normally recommend herbs or nutraceuticals (supplements such as omega 3 seal oil) even though there is published research. This is standard and written into their laws. As a Holistic Nutritionist and researcher, there is only so much any profession can do SO theirs is pharmaceuticals (side effects not side benefits) because they pay well and maintain a grand relationship with the government/corporations. This is not always in your best interest. Do your research and reap the benefits.
Best of health,
Cheryl Millett
Tricolour Sage
Cheryl Millett
Champion for your better health…
Before the age of 20, it never dawned on me that what I chose to put in my mouth would have such a dramatic effect on my well being.
On my path of discovery, I learned that our eating choices directly affected how much energy we have first thing in the morning or that it would build our immune system strength during flu season. Part of it was coming to understand how gentle nutritional cleansing directly helped overcome my health challenges. People keep telling me how beautiful my skin is or how I look younger.
As my studies continued, it became obvious that there is an intrinsic connection between the mind, body, and spirit which directly affects our health and happiness. Omegas are another critical piece of the wellness puzzle. The Auum omegas alone turned on some switches in my brain in just one day.
I have developed a deep appreciation for the wonderful miracle workers our bodies are in the recovery process. Our bodies have natural intelligence. I am passionate to share the connection between nutrition and wellness in my practice and my presentations.
Book All Guts All Glory 2020 on Amazon
References
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/sage-salvia-officinalis/
For respiratory tea https://grobrix.com/using-sage-plant-for-everyday-wellbeing/
