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  • Mother Earth Gardener

    Every Shade of SAGE

    Aug 30, 2019 7 minutes
    By Brenda Kouyoumdjian

    SAGE’S DISTINCTIVE, SAVORY SCENT makes it one of the most versatile and useful herbs around. Though best known as a seasoning for meat and vegetables, sage’s roots are steeped in history.

    Common sage (Salvia officinalis) originated in the Mediterranean, where it was used for many different culinary purposes. Through cultivation and naturalization, the genus Salvia quickly expanded to include an estimated 900 species worldwide.

    Though first featured in culinary arts, the uses of sage stretch far beyond the kitchen. Ancient Greek, Roman, and Egyptian healers tested the herb’s medicinal potential on everything from fertility to the common cold. Today, researchers are studying sage’s effects on memory, cholesterol, and menopause. Herbalists burn sage incense to cleanse the environment and spiritually refresh their homes. Even wild sage plants find value in supporting pollinators.

    SAGE: A WISE CHOICE

    Sage is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae), and when you rub its fuzzy leaves gently between your fingers and smell, its relation is simply undeniable. Common sage, also known as garden sage, is still a popular choice in herb and kitchen gardens.

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