Sage

Growth form:

Evergreen, grows to 80cm. Has mauve-blue flowers in summer. There are many varieties of sage.

Uses:

Edible: Sage is used to aid in the digestion of fatty meats, and is popular in poultry stuffings.

Medicinal:Leaf tea is an antiseptic nerve and blood tonic. Contains hormone precursors that help irregular menstruation and menopause symptoms. Avoid large doses during pregnancy. Burn on embers or boil in water to disinfect a room. Sage smoke deodorizes animal and cooking smell. Rub fresh leaf on teeth to whiten them, or use in a mouthwash. Clary sage seed infused in water may be used to remove foreign matter from eyes painlessly. The leaf of sage helps combat diarrhea. The tea reduces sweating, soothes coughs and colds. Sage should not be taken in large doses over long periods.