| Common Name: |
Sage |
| Other Names: |
Common Sage, Garden Sage |
| Botanical Name: |
Salvia officinalis |
| Family: |
Labiatae |
| Location: |
North America, Mediterranean, Albania, France, Greece, Italy, Turkey. |
| Tarot: |
V The Hierophant |
| Planet: |
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| Element: |
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| Magical Effects: |
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| History: |
"Why should a man die whilst sage grows in his garden?" So goes a medieval saying that pays tribute to sage's longstanding history as a panacea for human ills. In fact, the plant's original Latin name was salvia salvatrix, for "sage the savior"—and the ancients weren't exaggerating. Most of us modern folk may think of sage only as a fabulous culinary spice, but the first-century CE Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans used the herb to treat a veritable legion of ailments: from asthma, diarrhea, eczema, and gingivitis to colds, constipation, indigestion, and infertility. And like all ancient and venerated herbs, sage was esteemed for its magical and spiritual properties as well. Many ancient people, the Greeks among them, believed that drinking sage guaranteed immortality. Extreme longevity (though not of the eternal variety) was indeed believed to be one of sage's greatest gifts. For centuries many people drank sage tonic or tea several times a day, to ward off disease, improve the mind, and soothe the spirit. And sprinkling oneself with crushed sage cured nightmares and chased away demons. Sage was also strongly associated with grief and remembrance, and sprigs of the herb were customarily placed on the graves of loved ones. Like many strongly scented plants, sage was a favorite strewing herb in the Middle Ages. Not only did it act as a disinfectant during plague times, but it was also an excellent insect and rodent repellent. The ancient Egyptians believed that drinking a sage tonic for four days (while refraining from marital relations) could cure a couple of infertility. And Europeans strongly believed that when sage thrived in a home's garden, the woman of the house was the true "master". This curious belief often led to the early (and mysterious) demise of many a healthy sage plant. |
| Extraction: |
Steam Distillation |
| Parts Used: |
Leaves |
| Color and Odor: |
The essential oil is colorless with a fresh, warm, herbaceous and camphoraceous aroma. |
| Background: |
Long thought to prolong life and promote wisdom, sage remained very popular throughout Europe, often used as a tea (indeed, it still is, though less commonly). The Chinese have long regarded sage very highly and at the height of the tea trade would barter 3kg of their own tea for 1 kg of sage. |
| Properties: |
Tonic, antispasmodic, antiseptic, digestive, emmenagogue, astringent. |
| Phytochemical and Nutritional Content: |
Vitamin A, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium, Zinc, Alpha-Amyrin, Alpha-Pinene, Alpha-terpineol, Apigenin, Beta-Carotene, Beta-Sitosterol, Betulin, Borneol, Caffeic Acid, Campesterol, Camphene, Camphor, Carnosolic Acid, Caryophyllene, Catechin, Chlorogenic Acid, Citral, Farnesol, Ferulic Acid, Gallic Acid, Genkwanin, Geraniol, Hispidulin, Limonene, Linalool, Luteolin, Maslinic Acid, Oleanolic Acid, 1,8-Cineol, P-Coumaric Acid, Pinene, Rosmarinic Acid, Saponin, Stigmasterol, Tannins, Terpineol, Thymol, Ursolic Acid, Vanillic Acid, Boron, Calcium, Iron, Manganese, Phosphorus, Selenium, Pantothenic Acid. |
| Precaution: |
This oil is best used in lower concentrations as it may cause irritation in sensitive people |
| Magical Influences: |
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| Uses: |
- Digestive Sytem—Helpful for weak or debilitated digestion, also good for diarrhea.
- Respiratory System—Strengthens the lungs and is useful for colds, flu, coughs, and sore throats.
- Reproductive Sytem—Promotes menstruation and is helpful for scanty periods or menstrual cramps. Eases hot flushes and sweating during menopause.
- Muscular System—Relaxes the muscles, especially when they have been overworked as in weight-training or other strenuous sports.
- Skin—Good for cuts and wounds.
- Emotions—Quickens the senses, strengthens the memory and tones the conscious mind. Indicated for tiredness, depression and grief.
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| Medicinal Uses: |
Sage has antidepressant, antihydrotic (perspiration-inhibiting), anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, calming, digestive, and estrogenic properties. It also supports healthy liver function and lowers blood sugar levels. Sage is taken internally for anxiety, debilitation, depression, diarrhea, excessive perspiration and salivation, flatulence, gastritis, indigestion, infertility, liver ailments, menopausal problems (especially hot flashes and night sweats), menstrual irregularities, stress, and vertigo (dizziness). Sage is applied externally to treat insect bites, minor skin infections, and vaginitis. Sage tea may be used as a gargle for gingivitis, sore throat, laryngitis, and tonsillitis. |
| Preparation: |
Sage is available as dried or fresh herb and in capsules, oils, teas, and tinctures. To make a tea, pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of dried herb, or 2 teaspoons of fresh herb and steep for 10 minutes. Strain, and drink up to 3 cups a day. You may also soak a compress in the tea solution and apply it to insect bites and minor skin irritations. |
| Blends: |
| Caution: |
Do not take sage if you have been diagnosed with epilepsy, or if you are pregnant, nursing, or trying to conceive. If you have diabetes, arterial disease, or hypoglycemia, consult your medical practitioner before using sage medicinally. Minor side effects can include irritated mouth or lips. Fresh sage contains thujone, a toxic chemical that can cause convulsions if taken in high doses. Heating fresh herb with boiled water (as in tea preparation) reduces toxicity, but never exceed recommended doses. Do not ingest sage oil. |
| Bibliography: |
Aromatherapy Blends and Remedies by Franzesca Watson Copyright ©: 1995 Thorsons, Harper Collins Publishers, Inc. pp.166-167
The Herbal Tarot by Michael Tierra, Herbalist and Candis Cantin, Artist Copyright©1988 U.S. Games Systems Inc. Card V.
The Modern Herbal Primer by Nancy Burke Copyright©2000 Yankee Publishing, Inc. pp. 124-125 |
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