Grow | Harvest | Make with Sage
Salvia officinalis
Lamiaceae family
Indigenous to Mediterranean region
"Where Rosemary thrives, the woman rules the house. Where Sage thrives, the man rules."
I D E N T I F I C A T I O N
Shrubby
Oval, rounded tipped, finely wrinkled, aromatic gray green leaves
Blue or purple whorl flowers on upper stems
Square stems
G R O W
Perennial
Hardy to zone 4
Light, well drained soil
Full, hot sun
In spring, trim overwintered woody stems before new growth
Can propagate from root cuttings
Excellent companion plant
Grows well in a container
H A R V E S T
Summer through fall
Midday
Before flowering
Trim regularly throughout season
D R Y
In bunches or flat with air flow in a cool, dry place
"Why should a man die who has Sage growing in his garden."
Translation of a Roman proverb.
P R O P E R T I E S
Warm I Dry I Bitter I Stimulating
Astringent I Antispasmodic I Antiseptic I Digestive
M A K E
Tea: sore throats and coughs, to dry up fluids such as breast milk and sweating from hot flashes, memory, headaches, cramps, nervousness, fever,indigestion
Oil: inflamed tissue, wounds, sores, bites, acne, oily facial types, arthritis
Steam: oily skin, cold and flu
Wash/Compress: mouth wash, gargle, darken hair, dandruff
Culinary: preservation, fatty meats like roasts and sausages, mushrooms
Burn: cleansing, protection
C O N T R A D I C T I O N S
Tea should be taken in small amounts and in short increments of time.
Not to be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless choosing to dry milk supply.
For educational purposes only. Not intended for medical advice. Always consult your physician.
Folklore & Fables of Sage
"The desire of sage is to render man immortal"
It's species name Salvia comes from several possible latin forebearers:
"Salvia" meaning "savior"
"Salvere" meaning "to save" or "to be well."
"Salveo" meaning "to heal" or "to be well."
"Sapere" meaning "to have good taste" or "to be wise."
Common names include Garden Sage and Common Sage.
Ruled by Jupiter and the sign Leo, its elements are earth and air.
In floriography, or Victorian Language of Flowers, Sage signifies domestic virtue, good health and long life.
"Sage make green the winter rain, charm the demon in my brain."
Symbolism includes:
Wisdom
Longevity
Healing
Good luck
Purification
Strength
Psychic awareness
Prosperity
Mental clarity
Used as a verb and a noun, a person may be known to give sage advice or be a wise, sage person.
Ancient Greeks used it medicinally and culinarily, but also grew it in their gardens for wisdom and immortality.
Sage is known to invoke the deity Consus, the ruling God of councils and may be burned when important decisions need to be made.
Solomon included Sage in his aspurger when preparing a sacred space.
Burn to cleanse the body or sacred space prior to healing work.
Cleanse your hands by dipping them in a bowl of Sage water.
The condition of the Sage bush in the garden can indicate the state of affairs within the home, especially its prosperity.
Wishes can be written on Sage leaves with the intention sanctified by burning them or put under your pillow to dream of how to manifest your goal.
Carry a Sage leaf in your wallet to attract money.
Associated with fall, Sage has connections to the Autumn Equinox, Samhain and Yule.