April 13, 2015
An old English proverb says: He that would live for aye, must eat Sage in May.
Although sage now is used mainly for culinary purposes, it used to be a valuable cure-all. As one reads of the different uses of sage, you will realize there were very few ailments that the herb couldn’t cure. It was even considered an immortality herb. An ancient Latin proverb states, “Why should a man die when Sage flourishes in his garden?”
SAGE HISTORYThe name Salvia is said to mean, “I Save”, because the herb was thought to save lives. It is derived from salvere, to be saved. The name was corrupted to Sauia and Sauge (the French form), in English to Sage. The name was thought to refer to a person who took Sage every day as wise.
The Greek herbalist, Theophrastus, taught that sage cleansed the body of disease and reduced strain on the heart. Pliny said that it killed germs in the air. Dioscorides claimed that it would cure most kidney troubles and turn faded hair black again. He advised it for ulcers, rheumatism, consumption, coughs, sore throats, and more. Sage was thought to cure snake bites, and that it was good for the head and brain, to cure palsy, and for spitting of blood.
SAGE USESModern uses of sage range from disinfectant to helping with memory. It is an excellent natural deodorizer and disinfectant and helps to eliminate body odor, so it is often found in deodorants. Extracts of sage are also used in personal skin care products because of its ability to heal the skin.
Sage is used for female difficulties. It is said to relieve hot flashes of menopause and slow heavy menstrual bleeding. It is a good tea to help dry up breast milk for weaning.
Clinical studies and tradition use agree that sage has positive effects on memory and concentration in both older people with cognitive problems and younger people with ADD.
Properties of sage: analgesic, antibacterial, anticancer, antifungal, antioxidant, aromatic, astringent, depurative, emmenagogue, nervine.
I hope you enjoyed this information about this old useful herb. Let’s be wise and use it. At Herbs4You, Headache Tea contains sage. We also carry sage in bulk.
I hope you enjoyed this information about this old useful herb. Let’s be wise and use it. At Herbs4You, Headache Tea contains sage. We also carry sage in bulk.
Be sure to check out the blog post Healthy Tidbit: Sage Wisdom.
For Your HealthAmy Willis, Your Local Herbalist