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Sage (Salvia officinalis) Print E-mail

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In the Garden | Culinary | Fragrance | Medicinal use | Related articles

Popular garden varieties

English Sage

English Sage Flowers

Purple Sage

Tricolour Sage

Pineapple Sage

Cleveland Sage

Cleveland Sage Flowers

Russian Sage Flower

Silver stem & leaves
of Russian Sage

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In the Garden
Growth Characteristics:
  • English Sage (Salvia officinalis):
    • Perennial; Evergreen; Pale, grey-purple flowers; Frost hardy,
    • Height and spread:± 30cm,
  • Purple Sage (Salvia):
    • Purple leaves, Strongest Medicinal properties,
    • Perennial; Evergreen; Frost tolerant,
    • Height and spread:± 30cm,
  • Tricolour Sage (Salvia):
    • Purple, white and pink markings on leaves,
    • Perennial; Evergreen; Frost tolerant,
    • Height and spread:± 30cm,
  • Pineapple Sage (Salvia elegans):
    • Pineapple scented leaves and Red flowers,
    • Perennial; Evergreen; Bright red flowers; Semi hardy,
    • Height and spread:± 1.2 - 1.5m,
  • Cleveland Sage (Salvia clevelandii)
    • Deep blue flowers with highly scented leaves,
    • Perennial; Evergreen; Lavender-blue flowers; Frost hardy,
    • Height and spread:± 1.2 - 1.5m,
  • Russian Sage (Salvia )
    • Deep blue clusters of velvety flowers on silver-grey stems. A very interesting addition to the garden, especially during full moon when the soft grey stems reflect the moonlight,
    • Use it as a general insect repellant for companion planting and Insect sprays,
    • Perennial; Frost hardy - dies down in winter and grows out again in spring,
    • Height and spread:± 1.2 - 1.5m,

Cultivation:

  • Full sun; Well drained, composted soil,
  • Harvesting:
  • Pick fresh leaves and flowers throughout the year,

Companion Planting:

  • Vegetables:
    • Plant English, Purple and Ticolour Sage with Beans, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Peas, Tomatoes,
  • Herbs:
    • Plant English, Purple and Tricolour Sage with Marjoram, Rosemary,
  • Fruit:
    • Plant English, Purple and Tricolour Sage with Strawberries,
  • Do not plant English, Purple and Tricolour Sage with:
    • Cucumber, Rue,
  • English, Purple, Tricolour and Russian Sage is a Repellant for:
    • Cabbage moth and worm,

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Culinary use

English, Purple and Tricolour Sage leaves are used to flavour:

  • Chicken, Goose, Liver, Pork, Poultry (use in stuffing), Sausage, Veal,
  • Butter, Sauces, Salads, Soups, Cheeses, Vinegar,
  • French dishes, Italian dishes,

     

Cleveland Sage leaves are used:

  • As a substitute for English Sage with strongly flavoured or rich foods, such as pork, duck, goose, game, sausages, and cheese dishes,

     

Pineapple Sage leaves and flowers are used:

  • To add a pineapple taste to cold drinks and fruit salads,
  • Give a sage-like aroma to pork dishes,

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Fragrance

Add English, Purple, Tricolour, Cleveland and Pineapple Sage to:

  • Potpourris, herbal baths, sachets, wreaths, tussie-mussies,
  • Use in facial steams and astringent cleansing lotion, and as a rinse to condition and darken grey hair,
  • Boil in water to disinfect a room,
  • Smudge sticks; Sage smoke deodorizes animal and cooking smells,

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Medicinal use

English and Purple Sage ( Salvia officinalis, ) may be beneficial in the following cases:

General

MOUTH

  • Use in a mouthwash,
  • Anti-microbial against oral bacteria,
  • Mouth ulcers, Inflamed and tender gums, Rub on teeth to whiten,
Nervous System
  • Mild depression and nervous exhaustion,
  • Anxiety and confusion in elderly people
Skin
  • Soothe insect bites and stings,
  • Acne - apply as a lotion, Eczema,
  • Febrifuge: Excessive night sweats and sweating, tincture taken cold,
  • Antiseptic wash for dirty wounds which are slow to heal,
Lymphatic System
  • Anti-microbial
Respiratory System
  • Chronic sore throats (tonsillitis) and coughs (astringent and antiseptic - especially when linked to sinusitis and chronic infection) - drink as a tea, gargle,
  • Prevent drying of the nasal mucous,
  • Weak lungs with persistent and recurrent coughs and allergies,
Digestive system
  • Carminative, Indigestion - drink as a tea,
  • Anti-microbial on Digestive System,
Reproductive System
  • To abate the intensity of the hot flushes or sweating,
  • Menstrual cramps, Premenstrual painful breasts (as tea and compress),

 

Preparation and dosage:

TEA:

  • Steep 1 teaspoon leaves in ½ cup water for 30 minutes; take 1 tablespoon at a time, 1cup per day.

TINCTURE:

  • 4 teaspoons daily in a little water, for stopping night sweats.

     

CONTRAINDICATION:

  • Avoid during pregnancy, stimulates the muscles of the uterus.

     

DO NOT USE:

  • If suffering from Epilepsy,

     

SIDE EFFECTS:

  • Sage is not known to have any side effects

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Featured Herb

Parsley: Adding flavour to food and packed with minerals and vitamins.

 

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