Description.
In past centuries it was also used for hair care, insect bites and wasp stings, nervous conditions, mental conditions, oral preparations for inflammation of the mouth, tongue and throat, and also to reduce fevers. Salvia officinalis (sage, also called garden sage, or common sage) is a perennial, evergreen subshrub, with woody stems, grayish leaves, and blue to purplish flowers. It is a member of the family Lamiaceae and is native to the Mediterranean region, though it has naturalized in many places throughout the world. It has a long history of medicinal and culinary use. The specific epithet, officinalis, refers to the plants medicinal use—the officina was the traditional storeroom of a monastery where herbs and medicines were stored.The plant had a high reputation throughout the Middle Ages, with many sayings referring to its healing properties and value. It was sometimes called Salvia salvatrix (sage the saviour), and was one of the ingredients of Four Thieves Vinegar, a blend of herbs which was supposed to ward off the plague. Dioscorides, Pliny, and Galen all recommended sage as a diuretic, hemostatic, emmenagogue, and tonic. John Gerard s Herball (1597) states that sage is singularly good for the head and brain, it quickeneth the senses and memory, strengtheneth the sinews, restoreth health to those that have the palsy, and taketh away shakey trembling of the members. The soft, yet sweet savory flavor of sage along with its wonderful health-promoting properties is held in such high esteem that the International Herb Association awarded sage the title of Herb of the Year in 2001!
Flavour / Look.
Sage tea may taste bitter, but you’ll be surprised at how effective it can be. Sweeten it with honey.
Botanical name.
Salvia officinalis. Its reputation as a panacea is even represented in its scientific name, Salvia
officinalis, derived from the Latin word, salvere, which means to be saved.
Links.
http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-sage.html
http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-eats/nutrition/how- sage-can- help-your- health/
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=76#descr
http://www.livestrong.com/article/96369-health- benefits-sage- tea/
http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/sage-tea- good-for- 8148.html