Sage – Salvia officinalis

Botanical Description

Perennial evergreen shrub, grows up to 1 metre. The plant has grey green or purple green foliage, with spikes of flowers extending above the foliage. These are normally violet-blue, but there are cultivars in all shades of blue and purple, as well as white and pink. The stems are square. Other ornamental cultivars with variegated leaves, are not true sage. It is indigenous to the Mediterranean, although cultivated throughout the world and therefore needs sun. The grey/green form can be grown from seed or cuttings; Purple sage (Salvia officinalis purpureum) is considered superior for medicinal use and needs to be raised from cuttings. There are two related native species; Salvia pratensis has been used to reduce sweating and Salvia sclarea mainly used in the form of an essential oil although the leaves are used to make fritters, and in brewing to make beers more euphoric. The oil is used to regulate hormones, as a euphoric and antispasmodic. Salvia elegans or Pineapple sage is a native of Mexico which is often grown as an ornamental; it is used as an antidepressant, anxiolytic and nerve tonic as well as for heartburn and indigestion. 

Part used

Leaves. The flowers are delicious added to salads. Harvesting Time July to September. 

History/Folklore/Taste/Energetics

The species name from the Latin root salvere (salvation, healing) attests to the high regard given to this plant. It is deemed to be an adaptogen by Julian Barker and is definitely valuable for restoring neuroendocrine balance after periods of stress on any level. The common name sage reflects its ability to work on memory and wisdom; it can be seen as an ally that embodies the medicine person energy. It is, however, a strong ally that is normally only used in small doses and for no more than 6 weeks at a time at medicinal doses due to its thujone content. It is particularly useful for women stepping into their crone energy, but also for younger women to balance their fertility.. Cretan sage (Salvia triloba) contains far less thujone and can therefore be used for longer periods of time. Aromatic and bitter, cooling and drying. 

Constituents

Essential oil, about 50% thujone, Flavonoids, Tannins, Diterpene bitters, Phenolic acids 

Actions

Astringent, Antiseptic, Aromatic, Carminative, Hormonal balancing action, Antihydrotic, Tonic, Spasmolytic 

Traditional and current uses 

• Flatulent dyspepsia and mild diarrhoea 
• Pharyngitis, laryngitis, uvulitis, gingivitis, glossitis, both internally and as a mouthwash or gargle 
• Excessive sweating, including night sweats and hot flushes of menopause 
• Nerve tonic, can calm or stimulate the central nervous system, depending on what is needed 
• Depression and extreme fatigue following illness 
• May promote fertility 
• Helps improve the memory 
• Irregular and scanty periods 
• Asthma 
• Reduces milk production 
• Thujone is a potential neurotoxin and abortifacient. Therefore, should be avoided in pregnancy and lactation 

This herbal monograph is used with the permission of The Plant Medicine School.