Sanative Sage

This “miniature medicine cabinet” is found to be known as Spanish sage (Salvia lavandulaefolia) and (Salvia officinalis), common sage. It has a few names, but what I will call Sanative (having the power to cure or heal) Sage. The Latin word Salvia literally means "to save or heal”. Actually to some this a sacred herb due to its incredible healing properties. God absolutely made this herb to be strong medicine. It’s an ancient herb found all over the world: China, Europe, along the Mediterranean, Indigenous Tribes and many cultures utilize this culinary spice more often as medicine. In this Botanical Blip, I want to share why this is a favorite in our garden and some of the potent benefits this has to offer that you may wish to consider.

As I mentioned in my first Botanical Blip - Lovely Linden, these are just brief overviews from my personal experience and study. These are by no means a clinical comprehensive breakdown but I certainly encourage you to research what interests you.

For me Sanative Sage is an aromatic herb that has a strong earthy camphor smell and taste. It reminds me of special holiday memories. It is from the mint family. Sage has cousins like basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Plus it is a pretty bush accent to our garden. Our Sage has a corner spot to beautify. It has soft fuzzy like leaves that are a soft blue-green hue and stands about 2 feet tall and about as wide with a natural roundness to its overall shape. I think it would be quite a bit bigger but we use it and keep it trimmed. It has soft blue flowers and the leaves tend to be bluer in autumn and greener in the summer. The bees and butterflies really enjoy buzzing and fluttering on our herbs and our Sanative Sage is no exception. After a good rain shower it smells like open forest without the pine fragrance, although we do have some fragrant evergreens nearby.

I like using Sage in some of my cuisines. It can be used in cooking or medicinally fresh, dried, or in oil. For example, it is in my veggie sausages, artesian breads, soups, sauces, dressings, wild rice and grains. It adds a punch of flavor to many other of my dishes. A little goes a long way. I bet you have some of your own favorite ways to use it.

Did you know that Sage is packed with nutrients like antioxidants and minerals? For those being careful with Vitamin K please note, 1 teaspoon of dried ground Sage has 10% of the daily recommendation. Always, do a personal check when using any herb or spice. They are wonderful gifts to add flavor and nutrients to our bodies but some bodies need a bit of caution in approaching certain compounds, all things with care and temperance. That doesn’t mean you can’t use them, you may just need to use less or less often. Do your research especially if you have certain conditions or are with child or nursing.

Like many of the mint family members, Sage is also antibacterial and can be used as a mouthwash to help heal the mouth and kill bacteria and fight off plaque. I don’t mind chewing a little fresh with a touch of water until pulverized. Swish and then expectorate into the trash or out on the ground. I understand some folks use Sage to help with sore throats; I haven’t done that but I can recognize how that could be helpful.

I understand that the Spanish sage is often recommended for medicinal use as it does not contain a certain compound called thujone. But you really would need to consume quite a bit to have adverse affects. If drinking for health reasons 3 to 6 cups of tea with 1 tsp of dried ground per cup daily is often the safe range. The measurements are for adults only, as children would be substantially less. But again use wisdom and common sense, every body is unique.

Oils are pretty potent so I personally have not used those regularly. I prefer teas, a random fresh leaf to chew and in food.

Sage contains astringent properties as well and can be helpful in even cleansing the air of impurities when used like incense.  

Here are a few other benefits that I’ve discovered and may be worth your consideration and further investigation:

Boosts Memory and Helps the Brain Be Well

Fights off Forms of Cancer

Helps Lower Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Levels

Helps the Skin Battle Aging

Helps Alleviate Menopause Symptoms