Sage
Sage, a plant Pagès uses in its creations for its tender flavors.
"Whoever has Sage in his garden doesn't need a doctor. ». This famous saying can maybe explain why Sage is such used.
Origins of sage
Sage has been known since ancient times. Its Latin name "salvia" meaning "saving plant" attests to the reputation of the benefits of Sage. Among the Gauls, as among all ancient peoples, this plant was considered a wonderful plant, capable of curing all diseases. It is said that druids used it against fevers, coughs, rheumatism, paralysis and epilepsy but also to favour conception and childbirth. The druids considered it so effective that they attributed it to the power to raise the dead and did not fail to add some to mead and barley beer, in order to put themselves in prophetic condition and, according to legend, to strengthen their incantations.
According to the peoples, Sage was used for various purposes: the Greeks used it for its digestive and antiseptic properties, the Romans used it to heal snake bites, the Arabs appreciated its tonic properties and consumed Sage to stay in shape.
In pre-Hispanic times, the Aztec people cultivated a variety of local sage, the "Chia". Chia seeds were then the third most important vegetable food source after corn and wheat. Its cultivation gradually disappeared for political and religious reasons. However, it is reappearing today and is acclaimed for its nutritional benefits.
Characteristics of sage
Name: Salvia officinalis
Family: Lamiaceae
Species: Sub-shrub
Sage is a medicinal herb found mainly in the Western Mediterranean basin. Sage grows easily in the arid areas of the South. This 50 cm high sub-shrub is now grown all over the world. Its upright branches have elongated, opposite leaves of greyish green, felted with white hairs. Its small purplish flowers, with two lips, are grouped at the top of the stem. Leaves and flowering tops give off a very aromatic camphor aroma, which is softened when dried.
Uses of sage
Sage is very often used for its therapeutic properties. Its infusion allows to benefit from several of its virtues quite easily. Sage wine can also be made using the dried plant on which wine is poured. This flavoured drink is, like the infusion of Sage, pleasant to the sweet and rather virtuous. In another register but just as medicinal, one can use Sage in a bath. This allows you to benefit from its sweet flavours.
Finally, Sage is also one of the leading plants in the culinary arts. Medicinal and aromatic, it is ideal for seasoning meat, vegetables or starchy foods.
Benefits of sage
Sage has many therapeutic virtues, and has been for years: in ancient times, it was even considered miraculous! Dear to the Provençal people, for whom Sage soup with potatoes and garlic is a real panacea, Sage has nowadays retained its reputation as a popular medicine of yesteryear. This is mainly in Provence, where it is customary to say that anyone with Sage in their garden does not need a doctor.
Always used without disaffection for a very long time, Sage is an excellent tonic, both for the digestive tract and the nervous system. It is also recommended to stimulate the functions of the stomach and liver, to calm pain and nausea. Sage is often considered as the plant of convalescents. Indeed, it helps to get rid of sweat, weakness, lack of appetite, painful digestion, physical and moral depression.
Its hormonal action is known and often praised in case of problems of this kind.
Sage is also known for its healing effect. It has long been used successfully against mouth and gums problems.
