Nature has provided us with various plants, which we have learned to use over time. On this occasion, we will talk to you about sage, its usesand benefits, which has been used for a long time by man. This plant stands out for its excellent medicinal properties. It is therefore interesting to know what it is used for and why many grow it in their garden. Let’s go there!
Table of Contents
What is sage?
The sage, whose scientific name is “Salvia officinalis L.”, is an herbaceous plant of Mediterranean origin. It has elongated leaves and violet flowers with an exquisite aroma. Its name comes from the Latin salvare, which in Spanish means to save or cure.
Since ancient times the properties of sage have been used for medicinal and culinary purposes. This is why this bush has spread around the world in many varieties. Sage uses and health benefits
The medicinal properties of sage are many. That is why it has become a healing herb since ancient times. Hence the saying “What could a man die of if he had sage in his garden? Among the health benefits of sage are- Anti-inflammatory . Helps to reduce swelling and headaches, muscular, rheumatic, among others.
- Astringent . Accelerates the healing of wounds in the skin.
- Antiseptic . It is ideal for treating any infection or mild irritation and for cleaning wounds. You can use its infusion as a mouthwash in case of gingivitis, stomatitis or pharyngitis. Also, it is advisable to gargle with sage in case of a sore throat.
- Antispasmodic . It can be used in the treatment of spasms or cramps.
- Anti-fungal . It helps to eliminate or prevent the growth of fungus on the skin.
- Relieves menstrual and menopausal symptoms.
- Ideal in case of indigestion or heartburn .
- Central nervous system activator . Increases mental clarity and memory while relieving depression. It is useful in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline.
- It is used in the treatment of circulatory problems .
- Rich in vitamins A, B and C needed to strengthen our immune system.
- Anti-febrile
Uses of sage in the kitchen
Sage has been used for culinary purposes since ancient times, especially in Italian and French cuisine. Its pleasant aroma makes it the ideal ingredient for a variety of dishes. You can use it to season meats, vegetable creams, pasta, rice, butter and much more. Also, it is recommended to take it as an infusion. In addition, you can choose to use fresh or dried sage leaves according to your preference or dish to be prepared. In any case, we recommend using it sparingly, as the fragrance of this plant is somewhat strong and you don’t want to overdo it.Learn how to prepare a sage tea, easy and simple!
To make a s age tea, you will need the following ingredients:- 5 g of dried sage or 5 fresh leaves
- 1 cup of water.
- Honey or sugar to taste.
- Lemon juice (optional).
- Heat the water to a boil.
- Add the sage and leave to stand.
- Strain to remove the remains of the plant.
- Add sugar or honey to sweeten.
- You can add lemon juice to taste.
- Ready! Now you can enjoy a sage tea
Growing sage in the garden – Some recommendations
Thanks to the different uses of sage, it would be good for you to know how to grow sage in your garden or orchard. If you decide to take this step, it is very useful to have a look at the following recommendations:- This type of bush can reach about 50 cm high, so you should leave a space of 60 cm between one and the other .
- Although it adapts to almost any type of soil , it is preferable to cultivate it in somewhat dry and low acid soil that drains very well.
- As it is a plant with high temperatures , it should be protected during the winter frosts.
- Although it needs direct sun it can grow with some shade.
- At the beginning it will need frequent and abundant watering, but as it grows you will be able to do it in a moderate way.
