Parts Used
Properties
Common Uses
Locating and Handling
Caution
Origin
"A decoction of the leaves and branches . . . provoketh urine, bringeth down the feminine courses, helpeth to expell the dead child . . . stayeth the bleeding of wounds, and clenseth foule ulcers or sores.
The juice, taken with salt, may help women to conceive and retain fetus.
An aid to healing consumption, helps hoarsness and cough, helps with palsie, leaves soaked in wine and laid on affected place . . .
A conserve made of the flowers is used to help the memory. Sage eaten with salt shall keep one safe from a serpent's bite. Good for bathing the body (boiled with other herbs and added to bath water). Recommended against the 'stitch or paines in the side comming of winde.' "
Leaves
Astringent, antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti-diarreheal, antidiaphoretic, carminative, tonic, wound healing
Drink in tea for colds, flu, coughs, to soothe a sore throat, or to aid digestion. Sage is believed to lower blood sugar in diabetics. It is a common component of herbal teas to relieve menstrual cramping. Works together with rosemary as a natural preservative for foods. Used in herbal antiperspirant preparations. Historically used in poultices to stop bleeding and aid in healing.
Purchase fresh or dried at a grocery store. Available in teas at health food stores.
Do not use in large amounts for long periods of time, due to thujone content.
Medeterranean region
