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Botanical name
Salvia officinalis
Other Names
- Common sage
- White sage
- Garden sage
- Golden sage
- Kitchen sage
- True sage
- Culinary sage
- Broadleaf sage.
Description
A small evergreen subshrub that is often used as a culinary herb. Sage originated in the Mediterranean and belongs to the same family as oregano, lavender, rosemary, thyme, and basil (the mint family).
Vitamins, Minerals and Potential Health Benefits
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin K
- Magnesium
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Folate
- Beta-carotene
- Sage contains numerous anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds. These compounds include: 1,8-cineole, camphor, borneol, bornyl acetate, and camphene.
- Sage leaf also contains tannic acid, oleic acid, ursonic acid, ursolic acid, carnosol, carnosic acid, fumaric acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, niacin, nicotinamide, flavones, flavonoid glycosides, and estrogenic substances.
Health Benefits
- Sage can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals due to its high antioxidant capacity.
- Sage has antimicrobial effects, which can neutralize microbes that promote dental plaque.
- May improve memory and cognitive skills.
- May help with the symptoms of menopause.
- Can help ease a sore throat.
- Lowering blood glucose
- Lowering cholesterol
Flavor Profile
Sweet and somewhat bitter, with a pine-like flavor and aroma.
Background and History
Today, sage is mostly viewed as a culinary herb, but has a long history of being considered a purifying, healing and mystical herb that was (and still is by some), highly revered.
The Romans referred to sage as the “holy herb,” and employed it in their religious rituals.
The Chinese became enamored with French sage tea, trading four pounds of Chinese tea for every one pound of sage tea.
In 812 AD, sage was one of the plants deemed so important that Charlemagne ordered it planted on German Imperial farms.
Popular Uses
- Combined with brown butter to form a sauce that is delightful with ravioli.
- Sage has been proven to be a natural antiseptic and preservative for meat.
- Sage is often used as a tea.
- Traditionally used by Native Americans as a “smudge stick” that is considered a spiritual cleansing tool. Sage is bundle and burned to release the smoke. Smudge sticks are also used today by herbalists and in various spiritual settings.
- Sage can be used as a rinse for your hair, skin, and nails. It is said to improve the texture and tone of hair, as well as leave a shine.
- Sage steeped in water can also be used as a facial toner that helps control oily skin.