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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

Three ways to use Lavender in cooking:

1. The flowers add a beautiful colour to salads and desserts,
2. Lavender can also be substituted for rosemary in many bread recipes,
3. Use the spikes or stems for making fruit or shrimp kebabs. Just place your favourite fruit on the stems and grill.

Lavender

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