Salvia Officinalis

Common Names:

• Sage, Common Sage, Garden Sage, Culinary Sage, True Sage, Dalmatian Sage, Broadleaf Sage

• In Hindi: Sefakus

• In Malayalam: Salvi Tulasi

• In Bengali: Bui Tulasi

• In Punjabi: Sathi

Description:
Salvia officinalis, also known as garden sage, is a small, evergreen plant that grows woody stems and grayish-green leaves. It has blue to purplish flowers and is native to the Mediterranean region but is now found worldwide.
Sage plants can vary in size, color, and leaf pattern. The most common form grows up to 2 feet tall and wide, with lavender-colored flowers (but they can also be white, pink, or purple). The leaves are oblong, about 2.5 inches long and 1 inch wide, gray-green on top, and almost white underneath due to tiny soft hairs.

Nutritional Composition:

• Moisture: 5.7%

• Protein: 10.2%

History and Uses:
Sage has been used for centuries and was mentioned by famous ancient figures like Hippocrates and Paracelsus. It has been cultivated in Europe since medieval times and was brought to North America in the 17th century.
In ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, sage was used for many purposes:

• Egyptians used it for fertility.

• Greeks used it to stop bleeding, treat wounds and ulcers, reduce hoarseness, ease coughs, and improve memory.

• Sage was also used for gargles to soothe sore mouths and throats.

In traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani), dried sage leaves and its fluid extract are used for various health benefits. Sage has carminative (helps with digestion), antispasmodic (relieves cramps), antiseptic, astringent (tightens tissues), and antihidrotic (reduces sweating) properties.

Medicinal Uses:

• Digestive Health: Sage is used for treating indigestion, stomach bloating, and other digestive problems.

• Mouth and Throat Issues: It helps with sore throats, mouth ulcers, and gum inflammation.

• Excessive Sweating: Sage is also used to reduce sweating.

• Memory: Some people use sage to enhance memory, as it was believed to have this effect in ancient herbal texts.

• Approved Uses: The German Commission E (a group that evaluates herbal medicine) has approved sage for treating digestive symptoms and excessive sweating, as well as for mouth and throat inflammation.

In summary, sage is a versatile herb with a long history of use in both traditional and modern medicine.