Names:

Salvia Officinalis, common sage, garden sage, culinary sage

Description:

Sage is and aromatic perennial, woody stems, greyish leaves, blue to purple flowers, and furry like leaves. Part of the Lamiaceae family which is part of the mint family. Native to the Mediterranean region though it has become popular in many places throughout the world. This herb is known for its culinary, medicinal, spiritual and ornamental uses. The leaves are aromatic and the blooms are attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It is found in many gardens for its pollinator benefits, texture, long-lasting blooms, drought tolerant, and low maintenance. Due to its aromatic foliage it is known to deter deer and rabbits as well. Sage has many spiritual and healing uses but it often used in rituals to cleanse spaces and people of negative energies by smudging, cleaning, and charging. Some say that burning sage can not one help to improve ones mood and reduce stress but that by burning it the smoke can help to remove bacteria from the air.

Cultivation:

Sage is a hardy, perennial herb plant that can grow 12-24 inches tall. Though many species can develop woody stems and grow to be more shrub like. Propagation can be done from seed, cutting, division, or laying. Seeds can be directly sow into soil in the spring after last frost or started indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. When starting indoors plant about 1/4in into soil while keeping soil moist but not soggy. Once the seedling has several true leaves it can be hardened off and then transplanted into the garden. For cuttings you want to use a non-flowering stem that is 4-6 inches long. Softwood cutting can be gathered in spring to early summer. Semi-ripe cutting can be gathers in late summer to autumn. Cuttings can be rooted in a growing medium and even water. Roots can take 3-4 to grow but once they are about 1-2 inches long you can transplant. Division is done with a mature plant while it is in its dormant phase by digging it up and cutting the root ball into sections then transplanting. For layering you root a branch from the sage plant while it is still attached to the parent plant. This is done by laying the branch into the soil and pin it in place and leaving it there until roots develop. This technique can be done in the spring or in the fall. Once roots have formed it is time to cut the branch away from the parent plant and transplant it to your desired place in the garden, in a container, or give it as a gift.

Light requirements:

Full sun (minimum of 6 hours of direct light each day), can tolerate partial shade

Soil requirements:

Well-draining, can tolerate poor soil fertility

Watering:

Drought tolerant. Can be watered deeply and then allowed to slightly dry out between waterings

Parts Used:

Leaf, flowers and essential oil

Herbal Actions:

Anticatarrhal, antihydrotic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, expectorant

Energetics:

Warming, and drying

Medicinal Uses:

Medicinally sage has been used to promote digestive health by stimulating digestion, reducing inflammation in the digestive tract, and helping to relieve stomach cramps, nausea, and bloating. It has also been know to help with respiratory health by soothing sore throats and coughs, as an expectorant to help loosen mucus, and with the antimicrobial properties it has that may help fight infections. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties have been said to help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Other potential uses are wound healing, and help skin conditions. Has been used since ancient times in Greece, Rome, China, and Native America Romans considers sage a "holy herb" and used it in religious rituals but also used it as a diuretic, anesthetic, and styptic. The Chinese were known to use it to treat colds, joint pain, along with kidney and liver issues. Modern uses are helping with memory loss, improving high cholesterol levels, soothing sore throats and mouth, improving moods, increasing alertness and cognition, and aiding in diabetes.

Allies:

Rosemary, thyme, oregano, and other herbs

Cabbages, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and carrots

Cautions:

Should be avoided by those with seizure issues

Consult a doctor before using during pregnancy or breastfeeding

May have interactions with some medications consult a doctor before using.