Sage

by Renee Lindstrom, GCFP

Mortartea kettleEdibleDyedeer

sage

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Sage is a herb that is used to flavour recipes, a medicinal, a natural dye for fabric and restoring a darker color for graying hair, smudging and to ward off evil.  It is also a stinky plant to deer!

The recommended active life of a sage plant is two maybe three years, however, I have one that has traveled with me for over six years.  It is the one that I go to for adding sage to Christmas stuffing’s.  It is a tradition.  It is also the one that I have set an intention for protection in the placement of the pot in relationship to my front doors!

Constituents of Sage

Sage leaves contain tannins, estrogen, phenol acids, flavenoids, resin, saponins, silica, thujone and volatile oil.

Medicinal Uses of Sage

The medicinal use of sage are as an antibacterial, antihydrotic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, aphrodisiac, astringent, carminative, stimulant, styptic, and tonic. 

  • Bacterial and Viral Conditions
  • Cardiovascular
  • Cold Sores
  • Gargle for: laryngitis, sore throat, tonsillitis, ulcerated throat, inflammation of tooth pulp, loose and bleeding teeth, preventing excessive flow of saliva, ulcerated or receding gums, ulcerated gums and mouth
  • Gastrointestinal Conditions
  • Glandular Conditions
  • Liver conditons
  • Menopausal sweating & hot flash’s
  • Mouth Sores
  • Regulates the menstrual cycle
  • Reduces perspiration
  • Salves & Washes for;  dandruff, insect bites, itchy skin, skin eruptions, treating sores, stop bleeding in all cuts
  • Sore Throats
  • Tooth Powder

Sage is used in Cosmetics and as a Hair Dye

Read more on Edible, Medicinal, Tea and Dye Flowers, Weeds & Plants


  • antibacterial –  destroys bacteria,  bactericide
  • antihydrotic  – reduces  perspiration
  • antiseptic – inhibits growth of microorganism and destroys pathogenic or putrefactive bacteria
  • antispasmodic – relieves spasms or cramps
  • antiviral – destroys viruses
  • aphrodisiac – arousing or increasing sexual desire or potency
  • astringent  – contracts organic tissue, reducing secretions or discharges
  • carminative  – eases pains, colic and expells gas from the intestines
  • stimulant – quickens the functional activity of the tissues giving more energy
  • styptic – stops bleeding by contracting the blood vessels
  • tonic – tones, strengthens and invigorates organs or the entire organism giving a feeling of well-being

Traditional uses and properties of herbs are for educational purposes only.  This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.  Every attempt has been made for accuracy, but none is guaranteed. Any serious health concerns or if you are pregnant, you should always check with your health care practitioner before self-administering herbs.
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