Sages (Salvia sp.)

Another grouping within the Mint family (Labiaceae), sages draw their genus name from the Latin word salvere “to save/heal” attesting to the high regard these plants are held in. There are over 750 species of sage across the globe from annuals to shrubby perennials, some of which are highly regarded medicinally or in cooking. Sage is traditionally considered to be good for the brain, the senses and memory, making you wise (sagacious).

Our standard culinary and medicinal sage is Common Sage Salvia officinalis (officinalis is a name given to herbs that have been official to a pharmacopaeia, i.e. are medicinally useful). This has a variant called Purple Sage (Salvia officinalis Purpurescens group) which only breeds true from cuttings, as does the variegated Gold Sage (Salvia officinalis ‘Icterina’). Pineapple Sage (Salvia elegans ‘Scarlet Pineapple’) is native to Mexico and produces striking red flowers in mid-late summer, while the leaves genuinely smell of pineapples! Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) has longer broader leaves with white/blue/pink flowers, it is mainly used for essential oil production. Cretan Sage (Salvia triloba) is milder tasting than Common Sage and safe to use for longer periods of time – it is a common daily tea in the eastern Mediterranean.

Sage is an excellent culinary herbs, though the flavour is strong so use in small amounts. It aids in the digestion of fatty foods and as a strong anti-microbial can reduce food spoilage and digestive upsets. It works well in stuffings, sausages and nut roasts. The blue flowers, which taste of sage, are a stunning addition to salads!

Medicinal uses

Common Sage is an excellent contact pain-killer for sore throats, dental infections and mouth ulcers – make a strong tea (1 teaspoon sage per cup of tea as sage is a low dose herb) and, once cooled, gargle with it for 1-2mins. It also reduces excess sweating (from any cause) and balances hormones, making it useful for menopausal night sweats and hot flushes. It can also help regulated scanty or irregular periods. It is adaptogenic, i.e. it can help stimulate or calm various body systems (including the nerves and hormones) as needed to bring balance. It is used to raise mood and energy in convalescence or depression. A word of caution – this is a low dose herb so use half the usual amount in teas (1/2/ teaspoon per cup) and do not use at medicinal doses (3 cups per day) for longer than 6 weeks because it contains a neurotoxic essential oil called thujone. Cretan Sage can be consumed for longer as it contains much less thujone.

Clary Sage essential oil is used to balance female hormones to regulate the menstrual cycle and as an anti-spasmodic to reduce cramping, high blood pressure and in epilepsy (under medical supervision only). It is a relaxing nervine, good for stress, PMS and depression. Mildly intoxicating, it can create a sense of euphoria.

Tuscan Beans

Sweat 1 finely chopped onion in 2 tablespoons olive oil until transparent. Add 2-3 cloves minced garlic and 1 diced red pepper and cook for a further 2 minutes. Add 5-6 sprigs chopped sage, 1 tin cannellini beans, 1 tin chopped tomatoes, a handful of olives and black pepper and bouillon powder to taste. Simmer for 15-30 minutes. Taste for seasoning and serve with bread or a grain.