Sage – Salvia officinalis

Sage is very draught tolerant and likes very wells drained soil and lots of sun.  Most sages propagate best by cuttings or layering.  Cut back to 5 inches high in march and then fertilize and new growth will pop up at the base.  Gather leaves before flowering and dry away from other herbs.  Harvest a second time, 4-6 weeks later.  When leaves are brittle, rub them to a powder before usage.  Sage is astringent, antiseptic, and antibacterial, which make the infusions great as gargles or mouthwashes for sore throats, mouth ulcers, gum disease, laryngitis and tonsillitis.  Sage can be taken internally as a tonic or infusion to aid digestion and for menopausal problems and applied externally as compresses to heal wounds.  Sage tea can prevent night sweats and takes effect 2 hours after it is drunk.  It also decreases production of saliva and breath milk.