Garden Sage (Salvia officinalis)

This classic culinary and medicinal sage has been highly valued for centuries for its flavorsome and health promoting leaves. Over the centuries has been used by herbalists for almost every plague or ailment known to man due to its antibiotic, antifungal, astringent, antispasmodic, estrogenic, hypoglycemic and general tonic effects. Currently is under investigation for its ability to help with Alzheimers disease. The words Salvia and sage derive from the Latin salviere (to save), referring to its healing properties. We like to use it as a tea for treating colds and congestion. It is also the classic ingredient in stuffing with poultry and used in other meat dishes and the making of sausage. It is a potent herb and one should be cautious with its use as in overdose it can cause convulsions. The flower heads make a mild aromatic tea and can also be dried for use in wreaths and dried bouquets. Attractive shrub grows 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, with silvery gray green leaves and lilac flowers that are loved by bees and butterflies. A staple in the herb garden, but also very nice mixed into the perennial flower border. Hardy zones 5-8. Our Garden Sage is grown in 4X6" pots.