2. Sage
• Salvia officinalis, or more commonly known as garden sage, common sage,
or sage, is the name of an herb in the family Lamiaceae. Salvia officinalis is
the type species for the genus Salvia. It is a perennial herb that is native
mainly to the Mediterranean region. Over the years, sage has been
classified under numerous different names, six alone since 1940. The word
sage is derived from the Latin salvere meaning “to save.” Some other
common names for it are kitchen sage, Dalmatian sage, golden sage, true
sage, broadleaf sage, and culinary sage. Sage has been used since ancient
times, being used in the Middle Ages for its’ many healing properties. Did
you know that throughout time, sage has been recommended for almost
every kind of medical ailment you could think of?
• There are many different species of sage, so not all species of sage will look
the same. Traditionally, sage leaves are a gray-green color with white hairs
growing on the bottoms of the leaves, making the bottoms of the leaves
appear white. However, with many different species and cross-species,
some leaves can be rose, purple, cream, or even yellow in color. The leaves
are oblong and are normally about 2 and a half inches long and one inch
wide, with the herb growing about 2 feet tall.
• This herb has many different uses for many different products and
industries. It can be used for bath and body products, medicinal purposes,
hair care, skin care, cosmetics, and food and beverages. In the Middle Ages,
sage was sometimes called “S. Salvatrix,” meaning “sage the savior.” It was a
main ingredient for a blend of herbs called the Four Thieves Vinegar which
was supposed to ward off the plague.
3. Growing Conditions
• Sage is a very easy herb to grow. It will grow in generally any
climate, but it is best when grown in an area with full sun
exposure and well-drained light soil. But it can tolerate dry
conditions with average soils as well. However, to grow sage a
pH level of 5.5-6.5 is needed in the soil. It does not do well in
rainy climates, or soggy conditions. It can survive in cold
winters, with temperatures up to -10 or -20 degrees Fahrenheit.
• This herb should be planted in late spring. In late spring/early
summer time, the shoots should be trimmed in order for the
plant to be bigger and bloom more later. The plants will grow
for several years, however it should be replaced every 4 or 5
years. Sage plants will flower in late spring or early summer.
The flowers are usually a lavender color, but with all the
different species that exist, some flowers can be pink, purple,
or white.
• There are some pests that can affect sage. It can develop fungal
leaf spots and have problems with a powdery mildew. It also
can have problems like rust and stem rot, and is bothered by
aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies.
4. Sage Uses in Industries
Food and Beverages
• One of the main modern day uses for common sage is for culinary purposes.
You can make a homemade sage tea that is great for relieving the itching
caused by poison ivy. Sage is also used in American and British cooking in a
stuffing with sage and onion that is traditionally served on Thanksgiving or
Christmas Day. It also appears in many Italian and Middle Eastern dishes. It is
also included in Lincolnshire sausages, Sage Derby cheese, and pork casserole.
Bath and Body Products
• Sage can be used in many different products and industries. It can be used for
skin care, hair care, foods, beverages, bath and body products and medicinal
purposes. When used in soap making, sage works as an astringent and also
helps to relieve itchy skin.
• Many common products that include sage are creams, lotions, ointments, bath
bombs, eye pillows, scrubs, bath teas, facial masks, incense, shampoos and
conditioners and natural herbal waters.
• There are many skin care benefits to using sage. It helps to treat cold sores and
helps to improve blood circulation and stimulate new cell growth. Sage has
many antioxidants that help treat signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. It
also helps to reduce redness to make the skin look lighter and younger and is a
natural remedy for cellulite.
• For hair care, sage will help to stop hair loss and keep the hair healthier. It also
helps to bring better blood flow to the scalp, and helps to stop premature
aging.
• Sage is also a natural deodorizer and disinfectant and helps to eliminate body
odor and dry perspiration. It also helps to reduce the overproduction of saliva.
• For aromatherapy, the oils of the decorative sage, clary, are used.
5. Uses in Industries
Medicinal
• There are many medicinal and health purposes to using sage. Through out time, sage has
been prescribed for almost every ailment you could think of. It is used to treat fevers, colds,
sore throats, laryngitis, tonsillitis, heart burn, stomach pains, diarrhea, bloating, gas, and
loss of appetite.
• Woolly sage treats flatulence, nausea, and colic.
• For asthma sufferers, sage smoke can be inhaled to help treat asthma effects.
• For women, European and kitchen sage can help to reduce the pain caused from menstrual
cramps, regulate the flow, and reduce hot flashes caused by menopause. However, sage
should be avoided during pregnancy as it stimulates the muscles of the uterus which can
lead to miscarriage. After the baby is born, sage can be used to reduce any excessive milk
flow that the mother may experience during nursing.
• Salvia elegans, or otherwise known as Pineapple sage or Tangerine Sage, has red flowers,
and helps to lower blood pressure and has antianxiety properties. It is also used as an
antidepressant.
• It can be used to treat varicose veins and acts as a stimulant to the central nervous system.
• For teeth care, sage can be used to treat gingivitis and sore gums, and it works as a breath
freshener and tooth cleanser. Greek sage also helps sore throats and inflamed mouths.
• In traditional Austrian medicine, sage is used to treat many things internally such as
disorders of the respiratory tract, mouth, skin, and gastrointestinal tract.
• It is also said that sage can be used as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, as well as having
positive effects on older people who suffer from cognitive and memory problems and
people who suffer from ADD.
6. Uses in Industries Cont.
• The 49ers used California sage in a poultice as a treatment for gunshot
wounds. It can also be used to treat fevers, infections, and can be used
as an eye cleanser. (Blackcurrant or baby sage, which ranges in colors
from magenta to rose, also treats fevers.)
• Lyreleaf sage has been used to treat coughs, diarrhea, and colds. It also
removes warts, treats sores and wounds and is a possible cure for
cancer.
• Sage can be used to treat spider bites and jellyfish stings. It works as
an antiseptic and is perfect for washing out dirty wounds or cuts.
• Salvia miltiorrhiza, or more commonly known as red sage or Chinese
sage, has been used to treat diabetes, chronic renal failure, and many
cardiovascular diseases.
• In traditional Indian medicine, salvia splendens, or otherwise known as
scarlet sage, is used as a treatment for diabetes. It can grow up to 26
feet tall and has bright red flowers.
• Sage can even be used to treat lethargy, measles, joint pains, kidney
problems, typhoid fever, and even hemorrhaging in the lung and
stomach.
• Salvia guaraniticia, or hummingbird sage, which has mint colored
leaves and flowers in various shades of blue, can be used as a sedative.
7. Other Uses
• Since ancient times, it has been believed that sage brings immortality
and eternal youth.
• Dry sage has been used as a purifier to get rid of evil spirits.
• Sage can even be frozen and used in ice cubes.
• Native Americans used white sage for smudging ceremonies to remove
negative energies from people, relax the body, and clear the mind.
• Nature’s Garden sells sage for external use only. We do not sell it as a
food item. The information above talks about how great sage is for
many industries, however we only sell it for external use. We provide
this data for educational purposes only. Nothing in this article is to be
construed as medical advice. Please consult your doctor before using
this product or any of this information for treatment purposes.
• We also sell whole leaves of white sage for incense and an actual Sage
Smudge Incense Wand. We also offer many sage fragrances and free
recipes that are made with sage fragrances like our Blackberry Sage
Soap and our Lavender Sage Bath Bomb! But make sure to check out
all the rest of our amazing free classes and recipes as well!
www.naturesgardencandles.com