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Sage
Sage
Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Sage is a decorative evergreen shrub with downy foliage that varies in color from gray to gray-green, with one variety producing deep purple leaves. The camphor scented, purple-blue flowers, which appear in mid-summer are exceptionally attractive. Plants can reach a height of 2 feet with a spread of 18 inches.
Cultivation
Sage prefers a sunny location with alkaline soil. It grows best in a warm climate. Propagate from summer cuttings taken with a heel or by layering established branches in spring and fall. Seed is unreliable and slow to flower. Keep the plant well pruned to encourage young shoots with a strong flavor. Pruning also keeps the plants from becoming leggy and twiggy.
Culinary Uses
Use in sauces and stuffings for fatty meats such as goose, duck, pork and sausage.
In Italy, the fresh leaves are lightly fried with liver, and rolled up with ham and veal in saltimbocca.
In Germany and Belgium, the leaves are added to eel and other oily fish dishes.
In Middle Eastern countries the leaves are used liberally in salads.
· · · · Cosmetic Uses
Leaves can be strewn in bathwater and in rinsewater to enhance dark hair.
Medicinal Uses
Because of its anticeptic qualities, sage tea is used as a gargle for a sore throat. There's also compelling new research indicating that sage may be of value to people with diabetes. Laboratory studies indicate that sage may boost insulin's action. Sage was among 24 herbs tested that were found to boost insulin activity two- to fivefold or more in patients with Type II (non-insulin dependent) diabetes. For people who have diabetes, this means that drinking sage tea in conjunction with their insulin treatments is worth a try.
To make a tea, pour a cup of boiling water over one to two teaspoons of dried leaves and steep for ten minutes. If you have diabetes, it would be a good idea to discuss using sage with your doctor. For sore throat, allow the tea to cool till warm, then gargle as needed.
Other Uses
Dark sage leaves are an attractive addition to potpourri.
Sage
Salvia officinalis
Labiatae family Language and mythology The name sage comes from the Latin salvere or salvation meaning 'to be in good health, to cure, to save.' Sage was a sacred ceremonial herb of the Romans. It was associated with immortality and was thought to increase mental capacity in ancient times, as referenced in the proverb, "How can a man grow old who has sage in his garden." Sage is found on many continents. The Chinese valued it for use in teas, and the American Indians used it for medicinal purposes. Description Sage has square, downy stems that become woody after the second year. The paired leaves are 2 inches long and grayish green with soft, velvety hairs and pronounced veining underneath. Yellow blotches appear on old leaves. The deep-throated mauve-blue flowers grow in whorls. They are two-lipped, have a bee-shaped calyx, and are 1/2 to 3/4 inch long. The tiny ovoid seeds are dark brown. Plant type and hardiness Perennial, hardy evergreen shrub; hardiness zones 4 to 8. Height and width Height 12 to 30 inches; width to 24 inches. Light and soil Full sun; fairly rich, light, dry, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.4. Pests and disease Root rot, slugs, spider mites, spittle bugs, and wilt. Cultivation Sow in spring and transplant to 2 feet apart when seedlings are 4 inches tall. The site should have well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. Keep the soil moist when the seedlings are young. When the plants are well established, water only in dry weather. Companion planting Sage attracts bees and grows well with rosemary. Sage also helps repel cabbage butterflies and improves the flavor of cabbage. Propagation method Cuttings, layering, division, or seeds. Bloom time and color June; mauve-blue, pink, and white. Harvesting Harvest sage before the plant flowers. Gather sprigs, tie in loose bundles, and hang upside down in a cool, airy place. Branches also may be placed on wire racks in a warm location out of direct sunlight. When the sprigs are dry and brittle, remove the leaves from the stems. Store either whole or crumbled in an airtight container. Fresh sage may be chopped, placed in an ice cube tray with water, and frozen. Herbal uses Aromatic, cosmetic, culinary, decorative, and medicinal.
Sage is used for insect repellent and for fragrance in potpourris. It also is used for infusions to color hair silver and it stimulates the skin in facial steams, baths, and lotions. It flavors vinegars, herbal butter, omelets, soups, and poultry stuffings. Fresh sage is sometimes added to salads. Because it dries well, it is used in herbal wreaths (especially culinary) and nosegays. It can be grown in containers. It is said to have some medicinal qualities. Garden notes The common silver sage, the purple variety, and two variegated forms of sage were a major part of our garden. They filled out well, and their coloration provided great contrast. We harvested large quantities throughout the season, with a single plant producing more leaves than expected.
Sage
Other names: Salvia officinalis
Parts Used: The leaves.
Culinary uses: Sage leaves added to poultry stuffing give it its characteristic flavor.
Sage is a strong flavored herb-very pungent and aromatic.
It is used in sausage, liver, fish, and cheese.
If used sparingly, it is good with pickles and onions.
Uses: Sage directs its stimulating therapeutic action toward the liver, kidneys, and gallbladder, from which the latter two organs it helps to remove fravel and stone formations.
For this purpose, the herb is usually combined with others of similar but gentler nature such as dandelion , and yarrow .
It is a carminative which helps expel the sharp pains caused by gas or wind and a tonic-restorative in debility of the nervous system.
Sages astringent action helps heal affections of the mouth and throat, for it is used as a mouthwash and gargle for sore throat, mouth ulcers, and inflamed tonsils.
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