Each month a herb is featured at our meetings and in our monthly newsletter - The Herbal Thymes. Apart from presenting information on the herb, we often have the plants, or examples of how the herb can be used in food or craft. Here we share some information with you. You are welcome to attend our meetings to find out more.

Common Name -  Sage

Botanical Name  -  Salvia, from the word ‘salvre’ which means to save or heal.  Salvia officinalis is the most widely known and used.  Belongs to the Mint family Labiatae.

Propagation  -  From seeds or cuttings.

Position  -  Needs full sun and does not like wet feet as this will promote fungus growth which will kill plant.

Companion planting  -  Rosemary and Sage planted side by side will stimulate each other resulting in healthy plants.  Members of the cabbage family and carrots also benefit from growing close to Sage.  Sage is also deters cabbage white butterfly and tenderises the cabbage.  Never plant near cucumbers or Rue as they are incompatible.

Description  -  An erect perennial with pointed rough, pungent grey green leaves.  Grows to around 60cm high.  In time the stems become very woody and sometimes quite unattractive.  In spring it produces lovely spikes of lavender coloured flowers, which are attractive to bees.  After flowering, cut the stems back by one third to stimulate new leaf growth.

History  -  Through the ages, Sage was believed to improve  memory, bestow wisdom and long life.  Some even thought it could bring immortality.  Modern scientists may well be able to provide a scientific explanation of the 17^th century herbalist John Gerard who said that Sage “helpeth a weake braine or memory and restoreth them from being decayed in a short time”.  Researchers from Newcastle Upon Tyne have discovered that Sage oil inhibits an enzyme known as (AChE) which may play a part in memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease.  Modern drugs used to slow the progress of this disease can have unpleasant side effects including liver damage.  Of 15 Herbs tested, Sage oil was the most promising and further tests are being carried out. 

Sage grows wild along the Mediterranean coast; Dalmatian Sage is considered to be of the finest quality and is traded throughout Europe .  When the spice trade opened, the Chinese became so fond of Sage tea that they would trade Dutch sea captains several pounds of tea for one pound of Sage.

Uses  -  Sage tea was a popular beverage in Medieval England and is still un use today to settle an upset stomach, to dry up Mother’s milk, to assist in diminishing hot flushes in menopausal women and reduce sweating.  The tea used as a gargle or mouthwash will help alleviate the symptoms of sore throats and mouth ulcers.

As a hair rinse, a Sage infusion will give dark hair a healthy shine.  Because of its astringent and antiseptic qualities, Sage also makes an excellent aftershave lotion for men who suffer with facial rashes due to shaving.  It also makes a good wound wash.

In cooking, Sage has been chiefly used with pork, turkey, goose and in sausages to help break down the oils and fats and so aid digestion.

For general household use, Sage makes a very potent antiseptic by steeping two handfuls of chopped Sage in two sups of white vinegar in a sealed jar for 2-4 weeks.  Strain and bottle.