Sage (Salvia Officinalis) is an herb that has many uses.
Its generic name Salvia comes from the Latin word meaning "to heal".
For centuries people thought that it would heal about anything, including mortality.
I don't think that it is that good, but it is a very useful herb.
Sage slows the secretions of fluids, which is why it is a very good antiperspirant.
When ingested it works after about 2 hours, but you can make your own deodorant using 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil with 2 drops of sage essential oil and rub it into your armpits.
The Germans have a commercially made deodorant that is Sage based (Salysat).
The drying effect of sage is good for helping nursing mothers dry up their milk.
But should be avoided by pregnant women and actively nursing mothers.
The antiseptic qualities make Sage is a very useful gargle.
Combined with lemon and honey it is perfect for sore throats.
It is also a good gargle for halitosis and canker sores.
There are studies showing that Sage may boost the body's ability to make insulin and be very useful for Type II (non-insulin-dependent) diabetics.
A compress made from Sage will aid in the healing of wounds.
The drying qualities also are good for menopausal women having hot flashes.
To make the tea use 2 teaspoons to 1 cup of boiling water and steep covered for 10 minutes.
To use the tea as a gargle, let cool.
Like Rosemary, it is a good food preservative.
The flavor is excellent mixed in meat also.
Sage also is aids in the digestion of fatty meats, lowers cholesterol levels and is a tonic for the liver.
Sage is a perennial and a very easy herb to grow in full sun and in almost any soil.
Depending on the variety it has summer-blooming flowers of pink, white, blue or purple.
It grows about 3 foot tall and is a good backdrop to your garden.
Harvest just before flowering in May or June by cutting the plant back to about 4 inches above the ground.
Use only the leaves.