Salvia
fruticosa Mill
Labi'atae
family
What does it look like?
Where does it grow?
When is it picked?
Sources and folklore
What is the origin of the Hebrew name?
Folk Medicine
Who uses it?
What is it good for?
Uses
for: intestinal problems-
stomach ache.
accumulation of gas in the intestine.
Dysentery.
lack of appetite.
respiratory problems-
colds.
coughing.
sore throat.
chest pains.
skin problems-
getting rid of Athlete's foot.
General malease-
high blood pressure.
healing wounds.
generally strengthen the body
Description-
This Sage is a
dwarf shrub growing up to a meter high. The branches are long,
hairy and covered with
felt-like
leaves. The leaves are bright green and are accompanied by two
lobes each.
This structure
is the source of the Hebrew name for Salvia fruticosa Mill- the
"Threefold Sage ".
The plant
flowers from March to June with pink purple flowers. All of the
plant parts have a strong
and pleasant
aroma.
See pictures of Salvia Fruticosa...
The plant
grows near by the Mediterranean maquis or in parts of it with
plenty of light, it is collected throughout the year.
Sources and
Folklore -
The hebrew
name for Sage is "Marvah". The origin of this name is
probably in Syria where it was called "Maroa". A.
Hareoveni names the Sages Moria and B. Tschzick claims the Sage
is mentioned in the ancient Jewish Literature as a drug named
"Meramehin" whose purpose is to open the airway
(Gittin, 69,
72).
Folk Medicine -
Today as in
the past Salvia fruticosa Mill is famous as a medicinal herb
throughout the Mediterranean. Both as a medicinal and a spice,
this Sage has a honorable role for the Arab land farmers of
Israel. It is used to treat stomach ache,
accumulation of gas in the intestine, dysentery, lack of
appetite,
colds, coughing, sore throat, chest pains, high blood pressure,
getting
rid of Athlete's
foot, healing wounds and to generally strengthen the body.
Uses-
The simplest
way of preparing this Sage is to pour boiling water on it to
spice a cup of
tea. This tea is a remedy for stomach ache and lack of appetite.
Sage Tinker:
Cook a handful of leaves in a liter of water, filter and drink
half a cup
a day. This
Tinker is effective for accumulation of gas in the intestine,
Dysentery,
coughing,
chest pains, sore throat, high blood pressure, and to generally
strengthen the
body.
Healing
wounds: Grind the dry leaves of the Sage to a powder and
spread over wound. To disinfect wounds or deep cuts chew fresh
leaves and place them on the wound.
Treating
colds: Cook 100 grams of leaves in a liter of water. As the
steam rises build a tent of cloth over the head and inhale the
vapors.
Getting rid
of Athlete's foot: place a number of leaves in the end of the
sock and walk about for a whole day.
