Salvia officinalis
Other Names: Red Sage, Garden Sage, Sage, purple top sage
Family: Labiatae

Description
Sage generally grows about a foot or more high, with wiry stems. The leaves are set in pairs on the stem and are 1 1/2 to 2 inches long, stalked, oblong, rounded at the ends, finely wrinkled by a strongly-marked network of veins on both sides, greyish-green in colour, softly hairy and beneath glandular. The flowers are in whorls, purplish and the corollas lipped. They blossom in August. All parts of the plant have a strong, scented odour and a warm, bitter, somewhat astringent taste, due to the volatile oil contained in the tissues.

Parts used
Leaves, whole herb.

Usage
Carminative, anti-spasmodic, anti-microbial, astringent, anti-inflammatory, sudorific, expectorant, tonic, aromatic, nervine, vermifuge, menstrual, diuretic, stimulant, diaphoretic, stomachic, antiseptic. Sage is used to relieve excess mucous build-up. It is beneficial to the mind by easing mental exhaustion and by strengthening the concentrating abilities. In a lotion or salve, it is useful for treating sores and skin eruptions, and for stopping bleeding in all cuts. Chewing the fresh leaves soothes mouth sores and sore throats, as will sage tea. It is good for all stomach troubles, diarrhoea, gas retention, flu and colds. As a hair rinse, it removes dandruff. Sage combined with Peppermint, Rosemary, and Wood betony provides an excellent headache remedy. It is used to regulate the menstrual cycle, to decrease milk flow in lactating women, aids in treating hot flashes, and is used as a deodorant. Sage stimulates the muscles of the uterus and so should be avoided during pregnancy. Jethro Kloss calls sage an almost "cure-all - you could never go amiss if you take sage".

Infusion: Pour a cup of boiling water onto 1-2 teaspoonfuls of the leaves and let infuse for 10 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.

Mouthwash: Put 2 teaspoonfuls of the leaves in half a litre ( one pint) of water, bring to the boil and let stand, covered, for 15 minutes. Gargle deeply with the hot tea for 5-10 minutes several times a day.

External use: We can apply compress along the problematic area using the infusion.

Side effects: Not to be consumed daily and in large doses due to danger of light poising, palpitation or head ache. Also, not to be taken from women while suckling because it makes milk bitter.

* The information here should not be considered medical advice, and you should always consult a physician before beginning any herbal therapy.