Sage – Salvia officinalis
It is said that in ancient Greece, philosophy students chewed sage leaves to achieve wisdom, contentment and knowledge and to refresh the mind. Today, we use the plant's flavour for seasoning and its versatile properties to combat inflammatory diseases.
The herb with superpowers
Fields of application
The ingredients of sage leaves include terpenoids, labiate tannins, flavonoids and bitter substances. Thanks to the disinfecting properties of sage, it is used for inflammations in the mouth and throat area as well as on the gums. The effect is remarkable, as sage leaf extracts have an antibacterial, antiviral and also anti-fungal effect. It is no wonder, then, that its name is derived from the Latin word ‘salvare’ for healing. Infusions with sage are ideal for rinsing, gargling or for compresses. Sage also has an antiperspirant property, which is why it is often used for excessive sweating and hot flushes during the menopause.
Botanical characteristics
In our region, sage grows wild in meadows. However, the medicinal plant used is the officinal sage that grows in the Mediterranean region. It has characteristically smelling, elongated, felty, grey-green leaves on a square stem. It is also distinguished by its purple bell-shaped flowers. For medicinal use Sage is also extremely popular in the culinary world and is a staple of Mediterranean cuisine.