Sage

Sage
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Sage is a commonly used herb, a must-have in your spice cabinet. Although I do have this herb in my spice rack, it is not one of my go-to herbs but let’s see why it should be.

Sage, known as salvia, is an aromatic herb and part of the mint family. It is a flowering plant with green leaves and grown in many home herbal gardens. Sage leaves can be used in fresh form, dried leaves or as an essential oil.

Origin
Sage is native to the Mediterranean region but cultivated in many parts of the world now. For years, it has been widely used in various cuisines and always been regarded as a valuable herb because of its many health benefits and medicinal purposes. Even its Latin name ‘sabla’ means to save or heal.

Recipes

Cooking with sage dates back centuries as it was easily grown in many climates around the world.

Since early times, it was well known for its healing properties and used in soups to restore health and reduce fevers. In the Mediterranean, a comforting garlic sage soup is known as Cure-All soup for its antioxidants.

In addition to Mediterranean cuisines, sage is frequently used in English, French, Italian and American cuisines.

In Britain, it is an essential herb used to flavor meats such as chicken, pork, duck and also used to make the popular onion and sage stuffing.

A big part of Italian cuisine, sage is regularly used in risottos, gnocchi, pastas and sauces as this buttery sage sauce. It also adds rich flavor and aroma to an Italian white bean and pancetta soup. Another interesting dish found in Italy is fried sage leaves. Yum!

This savory herb is also a staple in American dishes used to season everything from pork, lamb, sausage and roasted chicken and even the Thanksgiving turkey.

It also lends great taste to vegetables such as butternut squash steaks with brown butter and sage sauce or with carrots and shallots.

Not only are sage leaves great in food but they also add a nice flavor and aroma to beverages as a champagne punch with ginger, lemon, and sage or to a honey sage bourbon. Delish!

Cures
Sage is known for its amazing health benefits and often enjoyed in tea form.

According to Healthline, sage can help decrease blood sugar levels and improve circulation. The herb is also known to clear viruses and allergies as it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities.

Interestingly, since sage is part of the mint family, it has been used as a mouthwash for fresh breath and can also help with mouth sores or even clear a sore throat. The tea has helped to provide relief for birthing moms, keep warm during winter chills, reduce hot flashes during menopause and also taken as a detox.

The Romans referred to sage as a “holy herb” and used it in religious rituals. Other cultures have also used sage in ancient rituals for spiritual connection. Native Americans practice a process called “smudging” where they burn sage to purify and help clear energies.

To prepare for your own sage burning ritual, read more about smudging.

Household

As sage is grown in many home gardens, it does help to keep the insects away. Since it is an anti-inflammatory, it is also known as a natural remedy to help heal wounds such as insect bites.

Many use sage for these benefits as an essential oil too. Its commonly added to aromatherapy products to lift the mood in a room with its lovely fragrance.

Beauty

For its wonderful scent, sage is an herb often found in cosmetics, hair care and even used to make homemade deodorant.