23/4/2019 Sage – The Herb of Wisdom

Blossoming sage on June 7, 2016. (Holly Kellum/Epoch Times)

Sage – The Herb of Wisdom

BY LUKE HUGHES, EPOCH TIMES STAFF
June 28, 2011 Updated: April 13, 2017

Sage (Salvia officinalis) is a small, compact shrub that is native to the hills of
Croatia, Dalmatia and along the Mediterranean Coast to Spain. In the wild, it can be
found growing around limestone rock formations, preferring rocky alkaline soils.
This makes it great to plant in your garden as a pioneer if these conditions
predominate.

Sage has been cultivated in Germany, France, England and much of Europe for
many centuries for both culinary and medicinal use. The name of the genus (Salvia)
comes from the Latin word salvere, meaning to save, in reference to its curative
properties, which have been held in high regard since ancient times.

https://www.theepochtimes.com/sage-the-herb-of-wisdom_1496460.html 1/3
23/4/2019 Sage – The Herb of Wisdom

In more modern times, while still used

as an ingredient in many dishes, the
therapeutic benefits of sage are largely
over-looked. Sage is invaluable in
enhancing memory and mental
alertness, with its unique ability to
penetrate through brain tissue and
strengthen thought processes. Another
relatively unknown function of Sage is
as a stimulator of the pituitary gland.

The recurring theme with sage is that of

Sage (Salvia officinalis). (Luke Hughes)
wisdom and, in fact, the Chinese sage as
well as the term “sagacious” stem from
the use of this herb. Indeed, the
pituitary gland is recognised the world
over as the traditional seat of wisdom in
man.

In ancient times, the Chinese preferred sage as a daily beverage and reportedly
exchanged four times the amount of their finest China tea for it with Great Britain.

Endowed with generous amounts of silica in naturally balanced partnership with

other minerals, which are necessary for strong bones, hair, teeth, skin and the
nervous system, sage is also of great benefit for those prone to the degenerative
processes of arthritis.

Those seeking mental clarity, a positive outlook and a strong body well into old age
would be wise to include a cup of sage tea as a regular part of their diet. Use the dried
leaf for best effect.

Luke Hughes is a Classical Western Herbalist.

https://www.theepochtimes.com/sage-the-herb-of-wisdom_1496460.html 2/3
23/4/2019 Sage – The Herb of Wisdom

Show Discussion

https://www.theepochtimes.com/sage-the-herb-of-wisdom_1496460.html 3/3