14 July: Sage

The French Revolutionary Calendar celebrated Sage on this date. 10 things you might not know about this herb.

1. The botanical name for sage is Salvia officinalis. That name is all to do with the herb's medicinal uses. Salvia comes from the Latin word "salvere," meaning to be saved or to be healed. Officinalis, too, refers to the plant's medicinal use. The room in which herbs and medicines were stored in a monastery was called the officina.
2. Sage is closely related to Rosemary and Mint.
3. It is native to the Mediterranean region.
4. There are over 500 different varieties of sage. It is usually a perennial shrub about 2 feet high. The flowers can be Purple, Blue, White, Red or Pink. The flowers are fragrant and rich in nectar. Some varieties have variegated leaves.
5. People have been writing about sage's medicinal properties for centuries. Theophrastus, Pliny the Elder and Charlemange are among those who recommended it for various ailments.
6. It was highly prized by the Chinese in the 17th century - they would hand over three or four pounds of Tea to Dutch traders in exchange for one pound of sage.
7. The list of ailments sage has been recommended for is long. Snake bites, insect stings, eye problems, infection, epilepsy, intoxication, memory loss, worms, intestinal problems, nervous conditions, mental conditions, inflammation of the mouth, tongue and throat, reducing fevers, female fertility and even appears in an old recipe for warding off plague. It was believed to stimulate the brain, increasing powers of concentration, memory and reasoning, which is why they word "sage" is used to describe a wise person.
8. It is commonly used in cooking, and as such is probably best known as a component of sage and Onion Stuffing an accompaniment to roast turkey or chicken. It's also an ingredient of vermouth, Sage Derby cheese and Lincolnshire sausages. Its anti-oxidant and antibacterial properties mean it slows the spoilage of food and can be used as a preservative. Some varieties make good herbal teas.
9. Another use for sage is burning it, a spiritual practice also known as smudging. Those not familiar with the idea may see it as a wacky "new age" thing; but smudging to purify the air and clear stagnant energy in a person's aura has been around for centuries. It was a common practice among Native Americans and is even mentioned in the Bible (Psalms 141:2 and Leviticus 16:12–13). Proponents say it works by neutralising the positive ions in the air around us, making it feel lighter. It is said to be good for people suffering from asthma, headaches, lung problems, respiratory issues, coughs and colds.
10. Scientists today are discovering that smudging isn't merely new age mumbo jumbo. The smoke is a powerful antiseptic that can purify the air of 94% of harmful bacteria for up to 24 hours.