Herbs - Sage

Sage (Salvia officinalis) has been known for thousands of years as a culinary and medicimal herb and originated in the lands around the Mediterannean Sea. "Sage" has come to mean "wise" and it's scientific name, Salvia, means "to be in good health".

Why should a man die when sage flourishes in his garden? a saying from the Middle ages.

Apart from containing vitamins A and C, calcium and iron, sage contains a variety of volatile oils, flavonoids and phenolic acids. It is known to be an excellent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory plus like its name it improves brain function "wisdom". Its other benefits are as an astringent, hormone stimulant, natural antibiotic, reduces hot flushes in menopause and boosts natural estrogen production, improves liver function and digestion, relieves muscles spasm, reduces excessive perspiration and salivation.

Sage is excellent for treating cuts and minor wounds. Make a make a poultice of crushed sage and apply it to the wound..

Sage Tea
Pour a cup of boiling water over 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried leaves and steep for 10 minutes.
Sage tea is a pleasant drink to drink at any time.
It can also be used as a gargle when you have a sore throat.
Sage tea relaxes the muscles lining the digestive tract and soothes stomach.
Sage tea can be drunk to relieve excess mucous buildup.

Warning: Do not use sage preparations and oil while pregnant.

Worried about Grey Hair ? Why not try this recipe.
Sage Recipe for Covering Grey Hair
This is from Purdue University and will gradually bring back the color of you hair! You
must use it for at least 3 weeks to see results.
1/4 cup dried sage
1/4 cup dried rosemary
2 cups water
Simmer the sage and rosemary in the water for 30 minutes, then steep for several hours.
Apply to hair and leave on until dried. Then rinse and dry. Repeat weekly, until desired shade, then monthly to maintain color.

To store fresh sage leaves, carefully wrap them in a damp paper towel and place inside a loosely closed plastic bag. Store in the refrigerator where it should keep fresh for several days. Dried sage should be kept in a tightly sealed glass container in a cool, dark and dry place where it will keep fresh for about six months.

Sage can be used in many ways like homemade tomato sauce, adding to soups and stews. It is a delicate herb so add it towards the end of cooking in soups and stews to get the best flavour.

For more health and beauty info on sage, with hair care and other recipes, see my other blog Herbs 'n Oils.

Sage and Bean Pasta
SeedsOfKnowledge

8 ounces eggless penne pasta
3/4 cups diced carrots
1 1/2 cups canned green beans, or fresh that have been cooked
2 tablespoon oil
2 tsp. minced garlic
3-4 sage leaves, chopped
salt and pepper to taste

Cook pasta as directed, adding carrots the last 5 minutes.
Drain, and place in serving bowl to keep warm.
Saute drained beans, garlic and sage in the olive oil.
Cook until garlic is lightly colored and beans are hot.
Add to pasta; season with salt and pepper and toss to mix.
Makes 5 1/2 cups.

Delightful Herb Tea Blend

1/4 cup dried orange, pineapple or apple mint
2 tablespoons dried rosemary
1 tablespoon dried sage
2 tablespoons lemon thyme or lemon balm, dried
1 tablespoon dried, calendula petals
3 tablespoons dried chamomile flowers

Combine the dried herbs together and store in an airtight container.
Use 1 tsp. for a cup of tea.

Tags: weblogs health sage