Sage Advice

Bear_Hill_Botanicals_Sage_Recipes

Sage Advice –

Sage (salvia officinalis) is such a wonderful herb and spice!

Its slender leaves are softly scented - even before it’s cooked or used in any way in the kitchen. It makes a lovely little plant and can easily be grown indoors. If you decide to grow sage, and keep it as a kitchen herb, you will always have a bit on hand when needed.

Of course, we’re all familiar with sprinkling dried or fresh sage on savory dishes. But did you know it has several other uses?

Try Sage tea:  You may be surprised at the mild flavor of sage tea.  Take about 1 full teaspoon of the dried herb in a cup of boiling water. Of course, you can use several leaves of the fresh herb as well. Let it steep for several minutes and enjoy. Try it with a bit of lemon and honey if you prefer sweet beverages. I find it’s quite calming at the end of a long stressful day.

Steam: Sage steam is worth a try, too.  A quick and easy way to enjoy the steam is to prepare a cup of sage tea and as your tea is steeping, inhale sage’s soft aroma for a few moments and let your mind wander. Sage seems to have a way of comforting ruffled feathers.  When the tea has cooled enough to drink, enjoy! 

Dental issues: Sage is somewhat astringent. It can be helpful with inflamed, painful or bleeding gums. Some people enjoy placing the fresh leaf directly on the irritated area – or chew the fresh leaf. Another way of getting the benefit from sage is to swish the tea as you would with a mouthwash.

Skin and hair: Sage has been used in shampoo and haircare preparations for ages. It is said to stimulate the scalp and provides an effective cleanse for your hair. Prepare as you would for tea. When the liquid has cooled enough, use as a rinse after shampooing. Condition as normal.