Sage

Sage is a tonic herb with many virtues making it one of the most valued medicinal plants of antiquity. The generic name Salvia means “to be saved” and this has made its way into many historical references about sage. In 1931 Maud Grieve wrote in A Modern Herbal that sage is sometimes spoken of as Salvia salvatrix or ‘Sage the Saviour’ and there is a saying from medieval times which, when translated from Latin, says “Why should a man die whilst sage grows in his garden?” Despite recently being pigeonholed as a menopause herb, and often thought of as purely a culinary herb for use in the kitchen, sage supports all bodily systems with major medicinal abilities. Its reputation as a climacteric herb is well founded as its hormone balancing properties can reduce menopausal symptoms, plus its astringent action gives it a drying tendency which has led to its use for the excessive sweating some women experience during this time. This tightening and toning is a valuable part of healing leaky or lax tissues. It can also quieten overzealous saliva glands (especially when supporting patients with Parkinson’s disease), cease lactation, ease a runny nose, calm excessive vaginal discharges and loose stools. 

Sage is a bitter herb with digestive and liver stimulant actions useful for encouraging the flow of digestive enzymes and promoting the appetite. This also explains its use in the preparation of fatty foods. Its carminative action helps ease gas and bloating. It also improves cholesterol and diabetes markers making it beneficial for people with diabetes and insulin resistance. Its astringency makes it the herbal go-to sore throat remedy long used for oral health and symptoms of laryngitis and tonsilitis along with its use as a gargle or mouthwash to assist in the healing of inflamed gums and mouth ulcers. It will enhance the immune system and help prevent infections, especially in the respiratory system, and autoimmune problems. 

Sage is a tonic for the nervous system, enhancing strength and vitality, and can be considered for nervous exhaustion, post-viral fatigue and general debility. Its cognitive enhancing effects may be beneficial for memory and attention in people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), memory loss and Alzheimer’s symptoms. Its powerful antioxidant properties make it a traditional tonic for longevity where it helps delay the aging process and reduce the harmful effects of free radicals. It also has applications as an anti-inflammatory. All the more reasons to bring sage to the front of the spice rack and herbal dispensary.

References

Jones L. A Working Herbal Dispensary. Aeon:Glasgow. 2023. p317-8

Lovell Verinder E. Plants for the People. Thames and Hudson:Port Melbourne.

2020. p173

Grieve M. A Modern Herbal. Penguin Books:Middelsex. 1931. p701