13 - Sage

Sage has a long and illustrious history both medicinally and nutritionally. With its place firmly fixed into Roman history, in the first books written on pharmacopeia.  It was used in ancient Egyptian medicine, right through the Middle Ages and into modern medicine. 

With a wide variety of uses, this herb offers one of the densest arrangements of antioxidants on a gram for gram basis. It also has a special place in ritualistic history, and in modern cleansing techniques. 

In this episode, you’ll learn more about Sage and become an overnight expert, with the ability to grow your own and incorporate this unique herb into your daily life. Allowing you to reap the benefits of the sage plant. 

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Key Takeaways

History

• In French folklore, it is said that Four Thieves Vinegar can cure the plague.  Four Thieves Vinegar is basically a combination of rosemary, sage, mint and raw vinegar.
• Ancient Egyptians mostly used sage as a remedy for infertility, but it was also used in the treatment of serious diseases and epidemics like the plague.
• Sage is one of the few plants that can almost replace antibiotics. The use of sage as a medicine in the past often meant the difference between life and death.

Nutrition & Medicinal

• Research published in the June 2003 issue of Pharmacological Biochemical Behavior confirms what herbalists have long known: sage is an outstanding memory enhancer.
• One study found that drinking 1 cup (240 ml) of sage tea twice daily significantly increased antioxidant defences.

Cooking

• Sage can also be used to add flavour to sauces, butter, marinades, pastries, and breads.
• Some herbs and spices that pair well with sage include garlic, rosemary and bay leaves.
• Preservation methods include freezing your fresh sage leaves in ice cubes, making sage vinegar, or sage butter.

Growing

• Sage is pretty tough once established and can tolerate dry conditions. Although, a good deep drink during summer will help keep the plant looking fresh. 
• Companions planting includes beans, carrot, rosemary and strawberry.