Salvia officinalis
Salvia officinalis
Family: Labiatae (Mint)
Parts: leaves
Sage is part of the mint (Lamiaceae/Labiatae) family. There are hundreds of salvia species and all of them are medicinal but the most commonly used is the salvia officinalis or the common garden sage. In the Latin salvia means "healthy and whole" and that describes this herb perfectly.
Family: Labiatae (Mint)
Parts: leaves
Sage is part of the mint (Lamiaceae/Labiatae) family. There are hundreds of salvia species and all of them are medicinal but the most commonly used is the salvia officinalis or the common garden sage. In the Latin salvia means "healthy and whole" and that describes this herb perfectly.
Properties
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Beauty and Personal Care
- Body odor, reduces sweating.
- Hair loss, dandruff, and graying.
- Strengthens hair roots and scalp.
- Oily skin and hair (facial steam, compress, toner, rinse).
- Shrinks large pores of the skin.
- Blemishes, acne, any type of facial impurity.
- Any type of skin condition.
- Sunburn
- Cleanse and disinfect the mouth, freshen breath (chew or rub leaf, gargle).
- One sage leaf can be an emergency toothbrush and mouth care.
- Insect and mice repellant.
Medicinal Properties
- Prevent and treat any type of illness.
- Cough, cold, fever and flu.
- Sore throat, tonsillitis, laryngitis, any inflammation of the throat or mouth.
- Sinus and respiratory congestion and infections.
- Chest cold, lung congestion, bronchitis, croup, asthma, any condition with the lungs.
- Canker sores, mouth sores.
- Sore/inflamed/bleeding gums, gingivitis, gum infection.
- Indigestion and digestive complaints.
- Helps lower cholesterol and regulate blood pressure.
- Balance blood sugars.
- Cleanse and supports the kidney, liver, and bladder.
- Balance hormones.
- PMS and menopause
- Relieves hot flashes (tea/compress).
- Headache
- First aid herb for cleansing and preventing infection in cuts and wounds.
- Itching, rashes, other skin conditions.
- Stress relief, calms nerves.
- Sleep aid, insomnia.
- Clears thoughts and mind, good for memory.
- High mineral content.
Methods of Use
- Fresh leaves
- Infusion - tea, drink or use as a gargle.
- Compress, poultice
- Herbal bath, facial steam and foot soak.
- Herbal oil, salve, ointment, and balm.
- Tincture, glycerite, vinegar, and syrup.
- Powdered, add to deodorant or use as a sprinkle.
- Capsules or pills.
- Herbal honey
- Food: pesto, culinary dishes, herbal sprinkle to flavor food, smoothies, drinks, etc.
- Cut fresh blossoms for centerpiece to kill airborne bacteria and freshen the room and your mind.
- essential oil
Care and Harvesting
- Sage is hard to start from seed so it is best to purchase a start from the nursery or propagate from root cuttings.
- Loves full sun and well drained soil, more dry than wet.
- Give low to medium amounts of water.
- Companion plant with tomatoes, strawberry and carrots.
- Cut or pinch off leaves regularly to prevent it from getting too woody.
- After flowers die down, prune plant to half its size.
- Sage loses potency after three years so its best to start a new plant with cuttings from the old.
- Mulch in the fall.
Cautions
Avoid use when pregnant, nursing, and if you suffer from seizure disorders. Sage will dry up a nursing mothers milk supply so avoid while nursing.
Recipes
 Four Thieves Blend |  Respiratory Salve |  Osteo-Blend |  Anti-viral Medicinal Honey |
Resources
Sage Through the Ages - The Herbal Academy
Books:
Rosemary Gladstar's Medicinal Herbs A Beginner's Guide
Practical Herbalism
The New Healing Herbs
Essential Herbal Wisdom
The Herbal Kitchen
Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs
Books:
Rosemary Gladstar's Medicinal Herbs A Beginner's Guide
Practical Herbalism
The New Healing Herbs
Essential Herbal Wisdom
The Herbal Kitchen
Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs
Where to Get Sage
Because of the many healing properties of this herb I highly recommend every person to grow this herb either in their garden, flower beds or a pot in the kitchen window. You can also purchase this herb dried from either Bulk Herb Store or Mountain Rose Herbs, both with high quality herbs.
