SALVIA (Sage)

(Labiatae/Lamiaceae)

A genus of some 900 species of mostly aromatic annuals, biennials, perennials, and mainly evergreen shrubs and sub-shrubs, which, with the exception of only a few, are mostly tender or half hardy. They occur worldwide, especially in warmer temperate regions, favoring dry, sunny hillsides, and open ground. The flowers secrete abundant nectar, making them important bee plants.

Salvias have interesting aromas, textures, and colors. The floral spikes of S. viridis and S. sclarea are excellent as fresh or dried cut flowers. About 80 species and many variants are available as ornamentals, some of which have medicinal and culinary uses. Salvia is from the Latin "salvere," meaning "to be well", or "to cure", in reference to the health-giving properties of the plants. A medieval saying echoes this: "Why should a man die while Sage grows in his garden?"

S. officinalis has been cultivated in northern Europe since medieval times, and was introduced to N. America in the 17th century. Known as Salvia salvatrix ("Sage the savior"), its reputation for promoting longevity began in Classical times.

Sages are rich in volatile oils, which vary from species to species, producing a wide range of aromas. S. officinalis contains a camphoraceous oil, consisting of about 50 percent thujone. In excess, this compound is hallucinogenic, addictive, and toxic. S. fruticosa has less thujone, and S. lavandulifolia has none. S. officinalis also contains rosmarinic acid. It has the effect of stopping perspiration within about two hours of the correct dose being given, and the Medicinal uses of both it and S. sclarea were known to Dioscorides. The ancient Egyptians used S. officinalis to increase fertility and respected Sage as a giver and saver of life and treated plague victims with it. The Romans thought it enhanced female fertility. In the Middle Ages, it was included in many a prescriptions for longevity and the "Elixir of life." The ancient Greeks knew Sage as the immortality herb as it was said to cure so many ills. In C. America the flowers and minty leaves of S. microphylla (Red Bush) are infused to treat fevers, and the mucilaginous seeds of the Mexican S. hispanica are mixed with water, lemon juice, and sugar to make a drink known as "chia." S. miltiorhiza (known as "Red Ginseng" because of its roots), has been an important Chinese Medicinal Herb since 206 BC. S. officinalis is a widely used culinary herb; the dried leaves are often mixed with those of S. fruticosa, S. pomifera, and S. lavandulifolia as commercial dried Sage.

Taken Internally, Sage makes an excellent remedy for infections, with its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, and can be taken for colds, flu, fevers, sore throats and chest infections. It was an old remedy for tuberculosis and bronchitis. Its diuretic properties make it a good detoxifying remedy, useful for treating arthritis and gout. In the digestive tract it relaxes tension and colic, stimulates appetite and enhances digestion, and has a beneficial effect on the liver. Sage can be taken for irregular, scanty or painful periods and its estrogenic properties make it a good remedy for menopausal problems, particularly night sweats and hot flushes. Externally it is an excellent antiseptic first-aid remedy for cuts, wounds, burns, sores, ulcers and sunburn.

Note:  Should be avoided during pregnancy and while breast-feeding; should not be taken in large doses for a long period. Lip and mouth inflammation has occurred in some cases following Sage tea ingestion.

Salvia fruiticosa, syn.

S. triloba (Greek Sage)

Much imported Sage is, in fact, this species, not the true Garden or Dalmation Sage (S. officinalis) as is commonly believed. Of ancient use; its distinctive trilobate leaves are visible in the wonderful Minoan frescoes at Knossos, dated 1400 BC Although somewhat inferior in quality, Greek Sage offers the advantage that it is easier to grow indoors.

An evergreen shrub with lavender-scented, ovate to oblong, gray-green leaves which have white, downy undersides. mauve to pink, occasionally white flowers appear in panicles up to 8 in. (20 cm.) long in spring & summer.

Height and Spread:  3 feet (1m).

PARTS USED:  Leaves, oil.

PROPAGATION:  By seed sown in spring (species & annual cultivars only), by softwood cuttings in spring and summer, or by layering in autumn or spring.

SPACING:  12-24 in. apart.

CULTIVATION:  Well-drained to dry, neutral to alkaline soil in sun. If grown under cover, pinch out new growths regularly to encourage a compact habit. Plants under cover are prone to spider mite, whitefly, and aphids sages become woody and sparse with age and should be replaced every 4-7 years. Cut back after flowering. Some hardy sages will survive 14 f/-10 c, but may succumb to lower temperatures, especially if conditions are damp.

HARVEST:  Leaves are picked for immediate use, or before flowers open for oil distillation and drying; dried leaves are used in infusions, liquid extracts, and tinctures.

PROPERTIES:   Similar to S. lavanulifolia.

ECONOMIC:  Dried leaves make up 50-95 percent of commercial Sage. Oil is used to adulterate Spike lavender oil (from Lavandula latifolia).

CULINARY:  Leaves are infused for "chanomilia" (Cyprus) and mixed with those of S. pomifera for "faskomelo tea" (Greece).

MEDICINAL:  Internally for influenza, coughs, and rheumatic pains.

Salvia lavandulifolia

(Narrow-leafed Sage, Spanish Sage)

The most familiar culinary variety, does not contain the volatile oil thujone.

Spreading, evergreen perennial with hairy stems and narrowly oblong, gray-to-white, woolly wrinkled leaves, up to 1 in. (2.5 cm.) long, that have a balsam-lavender aroma. Spikes of blue-violet flowers appear in summer.

HEIGHT:  12-20 in. (30-50 cm.), SPREAD:  24 in. (60 cm.).

PARTS USED:  Leaves, oil.

PROPAGATION:  By seed sown in spring (species & annual cultivars only), by softwood cuttings in spring and summer, or by layering in autumn or spring.

SPACING:  12-24 in. apart.

CULTIVATION:  Well-drained to dry, neutral to alkaline soil in sun. If grown under cover, pinch out new growths regularly to encourage a compact habit. Plants under cover are prone to spider mite, whitefly, and aphids sages become woody and sparse with age and should be replaced every 4-7 years. Cut back after flowering. Some hardy sages will survive 14 f/-10 c, but may succumb to lower temperatures, especially if conditions are damp.

HARVEST:  Leaves are picked for immediate use, or before flowers open for oil distillation and drying; dried leaves are used in infusions, liquid extracts, and tinctures.

PROPERTIES:  An antiseptic, astringent, tonic herb with a lavender-balsam aroma. It improves digestion, lowers fever, strengthens the immune and nervous systems, cleanses toxins, stimulates the uterus, and has expectorant and estrogenic effects.

AROMATIC:  Oil is used in perfumery.

ECONOMIC:  Leaves are used as a substitute for S. officinalis in food flavoring and made into tea. Oil is used in food flavoring, soaps, and cosmetics.

MEDICINAL:  Internally for digestive and respiratory complaints, menstrual problems, infertility, nervous tension, and depression.

NOTE:  Not given in pregnancy.

Salvia miltiorrhiza

(Red Sage, Dan Shen)

Native to China, dan shen is now cultivated in northeastern China and Mongolia. It requires moist sandy soil and is propagated by root division in spring. The root is harvested from late autumn through to early spring.

A most important herb in Chinese Medicine, traditionally used to stabilize the heart and calm the nerves, and to "lighten" or to remove stagnant blood, primarily those conditions affecting the lower abdomen, such as absent or painful menstrual periods and fibroids.

The Divine Husbandman's Classic (Shen'nong Bencaojing), the earliest of all Chinese Herbal texts, listed dan shen as an herb that "invigorates the blood."

Dan shen has been esteemed by the Chinese for thousands of years as a circulatory stimulant. Like Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha), it is a safe effective remedy for many circulatory problems. It particularly benefits the coronary circulation, opening up the arteries and improving blood flow to the heart, and is therefore helpful in treating coronary heart disease. Although it does not lower blood pressure, dan shen relaxes the blood vessels and improves circulation throughout the body.

The sedative action of Dan shen helps calm the nerves, and it is therefore helpful in treating angina, a condition made worse by anxiety and worry. Palpitations, insomnia, and irritability also benefit from dan shen's sedative properties.

Dan shen is a soothing remedy that is used to remove "excess heat," particularly in the heart and liver. It can also alleviate inflammatory skin problems, such as abscesses, boils, and sores.

Recent scientific research has confirmed the validity of Dan shen's traditional usage for heart and circulatory problems. Clinical experience shows that the roots are effective against angina pectoris, cerebral arteriosclerosis, intravascular clotting and phlebitis. It reduces blood pressure, improves circulation by dilating the blood vessels, and reduces blood cholesterol. Useful for palpitations, irritability and insomnia. Also effective against hepatitis, infections, and many skin diseases such as shingles, dermatitis and psoriasis.

Hairy, herbaceous perennial, hardy to 5f (-15c), with red-purple roots and toothed leaves. Spikes of blue-purple flowers, about 3/4 in. (2 cm.) long, appear from late spring to autumn.

HEIGHT:  12-32 in. (30-80 cm.),  SPREAD:  9-12 in. (23-30 cm.)

PARTS USED:  Roots (Dan shen)

CONSTITUENTS:  Tanshinones, tanshinol, salviol, vitamin K, volatile oil.

KEY ACTIONS:  Circulatory tonic, dilates the blood vessels, sedative, antibacterial.

PROPAGATION:  By seed sown in spring (species & annual cultivars only), by softwood cuttings or by division in spring and summer, or by layering in autumn or spring.

SPACING:  12-24 in. apart.

CULTIVATION:  Well-drained, moist, sandy, neutral to alkaline soil in sun.

HARVEST:  Roots are lifted in late autumn and winter, and dried for pills, decoctions, and tinctures.

PROPERTIES:  A bitter, sedative, "cooling" herb that controls bleeding, stimulates the circulatory and immune systems, lowers cholesterol levels, promotes healing, and inhibits many disease-causing organisms. It acts mainly on the "heart" energy.

MEDICINAL:  Internally for coronary heart disease, poor circulation, palpitations, irritability, insomnia, breast abscesses, mastitis, ulcers, boils, sores, bruises, menstrual problems, and postnatal pains. Often combined with Angelica polymorpha var. sinensis for suppressed menstruation.

RESEARCH:

There has been extensive research into Dan shen in China, and the tanshinones have been shown to have a profound affect on the coronary circulation, reducing the symptoms of angina and improving heart function.

The whole herb (rather than isolated constituents) has been used in China to assist patients who are recovering from a heart attack, and it appears to support heart function at this critical time. Clinical trials in China however, have shown that Dan shen is most effective when taken as a preventive, rather than as a remedy after the heart attack has taken place.

Other research has shown that dan shen inhibits the action of tuberclebacillus.

KEY PREPARATIONS & THEIR USES:

CAUTIONS: For serious circulatory or heart problems, take only under professional supervision. The tincture may produce digestive and skin reactions. Avoid in pregnancy. Do not take Dan shen with anticoagulant or anti-platelet drugs.

Root:  Is an ancient Chinese remedy for circulatory disorders.

Tincture:  Is used by Herbalists to treat angina and other circulatory problems.

Decoction: For painful menstrual periods, take 1/2 cup up to 3 times a day.

Palpitations:  Make a decoction and take 3-4 doses during the day for up to 1 week. Alternatively, take half the daily dose for up to 2-3 weeks.

Salvia officinalis

(Common Sage, Garden Sage)

Native to the Mediterranean, Sage is cultivated all around the world, thriving in sunny conditions.

Sage's combination of antiseptic, relaxing, and astringent actions makes it ideal for almost all types of sore throat, and it is widely used in gargles. It is also used for canker sores and sore gums. Sage's astringency also makes it useful for mild diarrhea.

Sage is a digestive tonic and stimulant. In Chinese Medicine it is a Yin tonic with a well-deserved reputation as a nerve tonic, helping both to calm and stimulate the nervous system.

Sage is a valuable remedy for irregular and light menstruation, encouraging a better flow of blood. Although its hormonal action is not completely understood, there is no doubt that it reduces sweating, which, coupled with its tonic and estrogenic effects, makes it an excellent remedy for menopause, not only reducing hot flashes but helping the body to adapt to the hormonal changes involved.

Sage has traditionally been used to treat asthma, and the dried leaves are still included in Herbal smoking mixtures for this complaint.

Shrubby evergreen perennial with much-branched stems and wrinkled, velvety, gray-green leaves about 2 in. (5 cm.) long. Spikes of violet to purple-pink, or white flowers 1/2 in. (1 cm.) long appear in summer.

HEIGHT:  24-32 in. (60-80 cm.), SPREAD:  3 ft. (1m).

PARTS USED: Leaves, oil, flowers.

CONSTITUENTS:  Volatile oil (thujone-about 50%), diterpene bitters, flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, and oestrogenic substances.

KEY ACTIONS:  Astringent, antiseptic, aromatic, carminative, estrogenic, reduces sweating, tonic.

PROPAGATION:  By seed sown in spring (species & annual cultivars only), by softwood cuttings in spring and summer, or by layering in autumn or spring.

SPACING:  12-24 in. apart.

CULTIVATION: Well-drained to dry, neutral to alkaline soil in sun. If grown under cover, pinch out new growths regularly to encourage a compact habit. Plants under cover are prone to spider mite, whitefly, and aphids sages become woody and sparse with age and should be replaced every 4-7 years. Cut back after flowering. Some hardy sages will survive 14 f/-10 c, but may succumb to lower temperatures, especially if conditions are damp.

HARVEST: Leaves are picked for immediate use, or before flowers open for oil distillation and drying; dried leaves are used in infusions, liquid extracts, and tinctures.

PROPERTIES: An astringent, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory herb with a camphoraceous aroma. It relaxes spasms, suppresses perspiration and lactation, improves liver function and digestion, and has antidepressant and estrogenic effects. Many Herbalists regard S.o. Purpurascens Group as more potent than the species.

CULINARY:  Leaves are made into tea, and used to flavor "saltimbocca" and liver (Italy), Sage Derby cheese, sausages, eels, and stuffing for goose and pork (Northern Europe). Flowers are edible.

ECONOMIC:  Oil is used as a fixative for perfumes and added to toothpastes and bio-activating cosmetics.

MEDICINAL:  Internally for indigestion, wind, liver complaints, excessive lactation, night sweats, excessive salivation (as in Parkinson's disease), profuse perspiration (as in Tuberculosis), anxiety, depression, female sterility, and menopausal problems.  WARNING:  Toxic in excess or over long periods. Not given in pregnancy or to epileptics. Externally for insect bites; throat, mouth, gum, and skin infections; and vaginal discharge. Combined with Potentilla erecta as a gargle and with Chamaemelum nobile and Filipendula ulmaria for digestive problems.

RESEARCH:

Research shows that thujone, contained in the volatile oil, is strongly antiseptic and carminative. It also has an estrogenic action that is partly responsible for Sage's hormonal effect, especially in reducing breast-milk production. In excess, thujone is toxic.

Rosmarinic acid, a phenol, is known to be strongly anti-inflammatory, while the volatile oil, as a whole, relieves muscle spasms and is anti-microbial.

KEY PREPARATIONS AND THEIR USES:

CAUTION:   Do not take Sage during pregnancy.

Infusion:  Use as a gargle for sore throats up to 3 times a day.

Tincture:  Is a digestive tonic. Take 2 ml with water twice a day.

Fresh leaves: Are a useful first aid remedy. Rub freshly squeezed juice on stings and bites.

Canker sores & gumproblems: Use an infusion as a mouthwash, or rub gums with leaves or powder.

Diarrhea:  Make a decoction using 1 heaping tsp. of herb to 1 1/2 cups of water and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Take up to 3 cups a day for no longer than 3 days.

Hot flashes night sweats: Make an infusion and drink 3 cups, either during the day or mainly at night, if this is when the problem usually occurs.

Sore throat:  Dilute 1 tsp. of equal parts of the tinctures of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Myrrh (Commiphora molmol), Echinacea (Echinacea spp.), and Sage (Salvia officinalis) in 5 tsp. warm water and gargle. Swallow the mixture (except if pregnant).

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