Okay, I admit , I haven't researched where the term "sage advice" came from ~ however, it must have been derived from the powerful, meaningful and beneficial properties of the actual sage plant. This one herb has the most diverse, versatile and proven attributes of any . A member of the mint family, it has a long provenance of use as a weapon against many disease processes.
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We live in the region where sage grows as a perennial . ( USDA zones 5-8 ) In regions further south, it is an annual, not being tolerant of heat and humidity. Mildew is an enemy of sage and care should be taken to thin the plant and provide well drained, loose soil, whether garden or container grown. It is a great companion plant to rosemary, a cousin in the mint family as well.
Sage has a very beloved history as a medicinal herb. It has been widely used for cleansing wounds, ulcers, skin lesions / sores and to stop bleeding. It finds its way into the arsenal for fighting dental abscesses , gum and mouth ulcers , sore throats and hoarseness. The phenolic acids are a particularly powerful agent against Staphylococcus aureus . It is often made into a mouthwash or gargle for these purposes , giving it a respected place in the herbalist medicine cabinet.
The benefits aren't limited to those uses, as it has proven itself a powerful agent in the pain and issues related to arthritis. Its ability to be an anti-spasmodic lends itself to the rescue of muscular tension, discomfort and fatigue. You would be able to use a topical rinse or tea made from the leaf for this remedy.
Throughout history, sage has gained merit as a calming, relaxing herb used to treat anxiety, nervousness, and excitability. The sage oil properties earn it a place in the mental health arena, showing promising results in symptomatic relief in Alzheimer's patients. It improves brain function and memory skills.
Gastrointestinal problems are remedied with the usage of sage tinctures, essential oils and extracts. It assists in providing relief from the symptoms of menopause, especially night sweats and hot flashes.
As with most herbs, fresh is the best for use in culinary or medicinal purposes. Dried sage is easily managed by storing in a dark, dry place in a sealed container. To properly dry the sage plant, harvest about eight weeks prior to the first frost. This will allow newer growth to mature and be more able to withstand the winter. Hang the sage stems upside down until dried. Strip the leaves off onto a clean towel or parchment paper and place into the storage containers. I prefer glass jars. The shelf life of dried sage is about 6 months for best potency. Sage is rich in vitamin K, vitamin A, volatile oils and flavonoids.
Culinary qualities are limitless for this respectable herb. It goes beyond the traditional use in pork sausage ~ being at home with poultry, fish, lamb, pork, wild game, vegetables and bean dishes. Chefs often infuse butter, honey or olive oil with the sage leaves. Eggs marry well with sage, making it a delish addition to omelettes or a frittata. I mix it with hemp seed oil in a soothing, anti-arthritic sea salt scrub. ( More on the scrub recipes and ideas to come ! ;-) )
Please, consider the healing and delicious attributes of the lovely sage plant when gardening. It is a very bee-friendly plant, remember to grow without pesticides, fungicides or herbicides. And, if you are a self - sufficiency, sustainable living, homeopathic, survivalist sort , you will certainly want to learn the many ways sage can benefit your life and be an integral part of your on-demand supply .