Medicinal herbs: sage officinalis

Sage is a medicinal herb that will surprise you with a variety of medicinal properties and the range of its uses.

Sacred herb, elixir of longevity, sage or salvia are all names of the same plant. The healing qualities of sage were known to the ancient Egyptians. But the plant came to us from the Mediterranean. Salvia is mentioned in his treatises on treatment by Hippocrates, calling her “the savior of life”.

Sage is a shrub with numerous tetrahedral dense-leaved stems. There are more than 700 species of this plant in the world, but only two are used for medicinal purposes: sage officinalis and clary sage.

The medicinal raw materials of sage are the leaves and tops of the plant with flowers. In the inflorescences and leaves of sage , 0.3-0.5% of essential oil was found, which contains linalool, acetic acid, aromatic resins, pinene, formic acid, flavonoids, as well as tannins. Sage seeds contain about 20% protein and 30% fatty oil, which dries quickly, and sage roots contain coumarin.

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Medicinal properties of sage

The plant has pronounced anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hemostatic, restorative properties, as well as sage is able to increase the secretory activity of the gastric tract, increase the secretion of gastric juice and reduce sweating. The medicinal properties of this sage have led to its use in the treatment of diseases of the liver, kidneys, and various viral infections. Sage officinalis is also well suited for the treatment of tonsillitis, bronchitis, mumps, gingivitis, sciatica, polyarthritis, neuritis, diabetes, gynecological and skin diseases, wounds, ulcers, boils, burns, asthma and much more. This list can be continued for a very long time.

Lavender comes in pink, purple, white, and even yellow.

In folk medicine, sage is used:

• In the fight against lung diseases, including such severe ones as tuberculosis.
• Due to its mild diuretic and disinfectant effect, sage is used for inflammation of the urinary tract – pyelonephritis, cystitis.
• The high content of phytohormones makes sage a good medicine for the treatment of diseases of the female genital area. It is prescribed for severe manifestations of menopause (hot flashes, nervousness, sweating), for infertility (estrogen for insufficiency).
• Due to its hemostatic effect, it is used for long and heavy periods.
• Sage is part of the chest preparations, which are used to relieve cough with bronchitis, pneumonia.
• Gastric preparations with this plant help with bloating, have choleretic properties, stimulate appetite and peristalsis of all parts of the digestive tract.
• Externally, sage is used for fungal skin lesions, purulent wounds, psoriasis, burns, frostbite.
• Sitz baths based on a decoction of this plant reduce inflammation and bleeding in hemorrhoids.
• Sage is a good immune stimulant, in addition, it improves memory, enhances attention and increases performance.

In cosmetology, sage has also found its application:

• For aromatherapy, sage essential oil is mainly used. It is used as a stress reliever, soothes headaches, brings balance and a sense of satisfaction.
• A decoction of sage rinses the hair, this gives them shine, relieves dandruff and oily sheen, stimulates their growth.
• Antibacterial properties make this plant an indispensable assistant in the treatment of juvenile acne.
• Sage officinalis extract is included in many care products for young skin prone to oiliness.
• A compress of a decoction of sage on the eye area will help get rid of dark circles and make the look radiant.
• Sage essential oil is used in the composition of fragrances in perfumery. In addition, it has the ability to fix other essential oils that are easily destroyed, which allows you to create long-lasting perfumes, eau de toilette and cologne.

Sage is also used in cooking, as a seasoning for meat and sauces, as a basis for teas , infusions, vermouths and so on. But because of the strong aroma and taste, this must be done with caution.

Growing sage at home

Sage is also an undemanding perennial, ornamental plant that can be grown at home.

Salvia germinates better in loose or neutrally slightly acidic soils, so you can safely buy a substrate for indoor plants for it in any store. Just pay attention to the pH level on the label, it should be no more than 7. The growing pot should be large enough. The most optimal will be a container with a volume of 10-15 liters. This is due to the structure of the root system of the plant, which requires space. You will also need small pebbles or expanded clay to ensure good drainage. If you do not have the opportunity to immediately plant sage in a large pot, you can use the existing ones at first, but as soon as the bush grows up, it is better to transplant it. This is done by transshipment, trying not to damage the roots, in autumn or spring.

Sage can be grown at home vegetatively (cuttings) or with seeds. In the first case, it is necessary to cut off a twig 10 cm long. Remove all small leaves and shoots. Place the stem almost completely in water and wait. After two weeks, roots (2-3 cm) will appear and you can plant the plant in the ground. In the second option, choose high-quality, almost black seeds 3 mm wide. Seeds can not be pre-processed, but can be soaked or kept in the refrigerator for a day. Next, place them 2-3 mm in loose, rich, pre-moistened soil. Provide a temperature of + 20-25 ° C and good lighting; Water regularly but moderately. After 2-4 weeks, the seeds will sprout.

Since sage loves light and warmth, the best time to sow it is the end of spring.

Sage loves moisture, it should be sprayed frequently and make sure that the substrate is moist (water abundantly, but rarely). Soft water is optional. Once a month, put the plant in the shower. Do not overdo it, with excessive watering, the plant will grow with a less pronounced aroma or, in the worst case, its roots will die.

In the first year of cultivation, this spicy herb can be harvested in September, after the plant has faded. Only the lower leaves are cut off. In the second year and in subsequent years, the leaves should be cut off no more than 2-3 times from the beginning of the flowering period to late autumn. Sage leaves can be used both fresh and dried. Dry the leaves in a warm, dry, dark place, or in the oven at a temperature not exceeding +50 degrees. Store dried sage in glass jars closed with lids.