Greek Sage
Salvia Triloba Fruticosa
Sage is the plant of the god Zeus, the herb of immortality is found to be depicted in a fresco of 1400 BC at Knossos.
The Arabs believed that sage could cure everything.
The ancient Greeks used it as multidrug and we find extensive reports by Hippocrates, Galen, Dioscorides, and Pliny.
It was used, among other things, to treat snake and insect bites and to enhance female fertility.
The Romans used it as a local anesthetic, was considered a sacred plant associated with immortality and burned as incense in religious ceremonies. Chinese healers found it to be better than tea.
Sage is considered the herb of longevity and the Latin name salvia comes from salvare, meaning "save", while in the Middle Ages is found as "salvatrix" ie "the savior".
It is said that the great epidemic of plague in Toulouse in 1630, some thieves were arrested loot the dead and their houses, without becoming infected themselves. At their trial, they bargained their lives in exchange for the secret of their immunity, which was a sage ointment base. A century later, one manufactured and marketed formulation of the same recipe, which became known as "the oil of four thieves" and preventive used in other infectious disease epidemics.
Tradition says it that it has the power to repel the goblins.
Throughout the history of Mediterranean people, sage has been used by herbalists as a treatment for respiratory infections, for easing congestion, treat coughs and also as soothing of throat infections. It is also considered an appetite stimulant.
It is an excellent beekeepers plant, providing superior quality honey. The flavor is peppery and in cooking goes well with red meat and rich cheeses. It can be used to add flavor to vinegar or oil or to make a pesto sauce with a twist.
• Sage has antibacterial, antiseptic, cardiotonic, expectorant, spasmolytic and anti-diabetic properties, also used against neuralgia.
• According to herbalists, sage acts as a tonic for the whole organism, mainly due to the tannins it contains. It is considered that it helps in cases of the sluggishness of the stomach and intestines and stimulates digestion. It is considered that it can have a positive effect in the case of nervous disorders and in melancholia or depression.
• Reduces the gasses of the intestine, is a diuretic and facilitates menstruation.
• It is hemostat, local anesthetic, and the skin.
• It has antibiotic, antifungal, antispasmodic and hypoglycemic action.
• It stimulates the nervous system, increases memory and activates the circulation.
• Treats indigestion, improves liver function. and abnormalities of the urinary tract.
• According to recent research, the use sage may have a positive effect on the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
• The decoction is very effective for the treatment of the common cold
• It is also ideal as a mouthwash against gingivitis of thrush and other oral injuries and as a gargle for treating sore throat, laryngitis, pharyngitis, and tonsillitis.
• Compresses with decoction to body parts that suffer from cramps, relieve pain.
• The decoction is still used as an antiperspirant, particularly useful in the treatment of heavy sweating located on the hands and the underarm area and night sweats. For this reason, it is considered particularly useful for the treatment of hot flashes of menopause.
• Many herbalists recommend sage to regulate the female cycle, and is thought to have estrogenic properties and may minimize menopausal symptoms and has a positive effect on regulating both amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea.
• For indigestion and dysentery, let it soak 5-10 gr. sage leaves in 700 ml. red wine for a week and drink a shot after every meal.
Like all herbs, use must be made to measure, because there are cases of poisoning by excessive use.
It is a stimulant of the uterus so it is advisable to avoid excessive consumption during pregnancy. It may also reduce milk production in nursing mothers.
It should be carefully consumed by people with hypertension.