Detailed Product Description

This perennial shrub grows wild in southern Europe and the Mediterranean area of the world, but is cultivated in many other places as a valued culinary spice. A strongly branched root system produces square, finely hairy sterns which are woody at the base and bear oblong leaves. The floral leaves are ovate to ovate-lanceolate. The purple, blue or white flowers are two-lipped and grown in whorls.

A quick little remedy for relief of itching and swelling accompanying insect bites is to pick a few fresh sage leaves, then crush or chew them up a bit. Mix them with a little saliva to make a crude, wet poultice and apply directly to the afflicted area and secure in place with a strip or two of adhesive tape.

A tea made of the leaves of sage provides soothing, healing relief for sore throat, loss of voice and tonsillitis, as well as helping to remove mucus from congested lungs. Steep 2 tsp. dried or fresh leaves in 1-1/4 cups of boiling water for 35 minutes. Strain, sweeten with honey if desired and take 1/2 every few hours as needed. Add 1/4 tsp. of fresh lime juice and gargle well before swallowing for raw, irritated throat.

More and more mothers seem to be returning to the natural art of breastfeeding their newborn infants, because they feel it is much better for their babies' overall health. When the nursing stage comes to an end, however, many aren't aware of how to properly stop their flow of extra, unneeded milk.

Two cups of warm sage tea daily for up to a week generally dries up the milk supply quite nicely. Bring 1 qt. of water to a boil and steep 8 tsp. dried or fresh sage leaves in it for 45 minutes, covered. Strain, add honey and drink.

Any kind of intense itching, whether it be due to an allergic reaction to some unknown substance, general nervousness, psoriasis and eczema or coming in contact with poison ivy or sumac, may be effectively relieved and healed with an old folk remedy from Nassau in the Bahamas.

Sage is good for taking away gray hair. That's a lot safer to use because it's free of chemicals and only contains natural ingredients. In a heavy ceramic mixing bowl put 2 heaping tbsps. of' dried sage and the same amount again of either orange pekoe or black tea. Then fill the bowl or jar half full of boiling water. Cover with a small dinner plate or aluminum foil and place in a moderately warm (275°F.) oven or in a large pan of boiling water on top of the stove on a low setting for at least a couple of hours. Then remove, allow to cool, stir well and strain.

Now a small quantity of this infusion is to be rubbed into the roots of the hair 4-5 times a week. Pretty soon the grayness will start fading away as the hair becomes darker in color once more. Thereafter, this infusion ought to be used just once or twice weekly for maintenance purposes only. Many of those who've tried this for themselves have experienced moderate hair growth in bald places or at the very least, an overall improvement in the tone and texture of their hair. This infusion will keep longer if 3 tbsps. of either gin or rum are added to it.

Sage is one of the most valued herbs of antiquity. Sage is highly antiseptic, an excellent remedy for colds, fevers and sore throats and should be taken at the first signs of any respiratory infections. Sage relieves tonsilitis, bronchitis, asthma, catarrh, and sinusitis. Its astringent and expectorant properties help expel phlegm from the chest and reduce catarrh. The tea can be used in inhalation to disinfect the airways. Sage will enhance the immune system and help to prevent infections and auto-immune problems.

Sage makes a good digestive remedy. The volatile oils have a relaxant effect on the smooth muscle of the digestive tract, while in conjunction with the bitters, they stimulate the appetite and improve digestion. Sage encourages the flow of digestive enzymes and bile, settles the stomach, relieves colic, wind, indigestion, nausea, diarrhea and colitis, liver complaints, and worms. Its antiseptic properties are helpful in infections such as gastroenteritis. Sage is a tonic to the nervous system and has been used to enhance strength and vitality. Sage has a tonic effect upon the female reproductive tract, and is recommended for delayed or scanty menstruation, or lack of periods, menstrual cramps and infertility. Sage has an estrogenic effect, excellent for menopausal problems, especially hot flashes and night sweats. Sage stimulates the uterus, so is useful during childbirth and to expel the placenta. Sage stops the flow of breast milk and it is excellent for weaning.

Sage has powerful antioxidant properties, helping to delay the aging process and reduce the harmful effects of free radicals.