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Sage Facts

Sage Facts
Sage is evergreen plant that belongs to the family Lamiaceae. There are numerous species of sage that are native to Mediterranean region. Sage grows in the form of bush. It prefers warm climate and dry soil. Sage can be found in habitats that provide enough sunlight such as meadows and fields. Many types of sage are cultivated throughout the world. This plant is mostly used as spice and remedy. People are familiar with healing properties of sage at least couple of thousand years. Among numerous other disorders, recent medical studies indicate that sage has potential to treat Alzheimer’s disease. Sage is also cultivated because of its ornamental morphology.
Interesting Sage Facts:
Sage has woody stem that can reach 2 feet in height.
Leaves are usually 2.5 inches long and 1 inch wide. They are oblong in shape and grayish to green in color. Bottom side of leaves is whitish due to large number of fine hairs. Upper side of leaves is wrinkled.
Sage develops white, purple, pink or (more common) lavender-colored flowers. They contain both male (stamens) and female (pistil) reproductive organs. Flowers are pollinated by various types of insects (usually by honeybees).
People use sage as flavoring agent at least 2000 years. Sage has savory and peppery taste. It is often used with dishes made of beans, cheese, tomatoes and eggs.
“Salvia” is Latin name for sage. Latin name is derived from a word “salvare” which means “to save”. Name indicates healing properties of this plant.
Leaves and flowers contain different types of compounds (chemically known as flavonoids, phenols and tannins) which exhibit anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic properties. Sage facilitates digestion and elimination of the excess water from the body (acts like diuretic). Tonics made of sage can improve growth of hair and they are often used in treatment of alopecia.
Sage can be used in the fresh form (by extracting juice directly from leaves) or in the form of tea, capsule, tinctures and mouthwashes.
Sage has been used as meat preservative in the ancient Greece and Rome, because it possesses antibacterial properties.
Ancient Romans used sage for treatment of sore throat, bleeding wounds, snake bites, hot flushes and ulcers. Sage was also used as memory enhancer.
Sage is an important part of traditional Chinese medicine during the past couple of thousand years. This plant increases body strength, mental capacity and body heat.
Native American used sage leaves to treat sores on the skin and to heal swollen gums.
Fresh leaves or juices squeezed from leaves can be used to soothe insect bites.
Sage can stimulate appetite when it is used in combination with dandelion or artichoke.
One species of sage, known as Salvia divinorum, exhibit strong psychoactive properties.
Sage is perennial plant, which means that it can survive more than 2 years in the wild.


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