Sage Advice, an Herb for the Wise

Maybe I'm worried about old age, I'm not sure, but my last article was about rosemary and the memory enhancing properties it could provide. Today I am drawn to write about sage, an herb that was thought to bring longevity and strength, and also a memory enhancer. Actually, researchers are working on a cure for Alzheimer's using sage as a derivative. It was once believed that sage only did well in the herb gardens of the wise. A healthy plant in the windowsill predicted business would prosper but if it whithered, beware, finances were going "south."

The word sage comes from the Latin salvare meaning "to heal." It was so well thought of that the ancient Chinese would trade with the Dutch and the English, giving 4 pounds of tea for a pound of sage. It was thought to cure fevers, eased grief, and hold off the plague. Nicholas Culpepper, a famous herbalist from the 17th century, wrote when women wished to have a children they should take "the juice of sage with salt,4 days before they company with their husbands, to will help them to conceive." The Romans and Egyptians took a slightly different approach and advised the couples to remain apart for 4 days each, while drinking the sage juice. When they came together, the pregnancy was certain.

American Indians have longed used sage, especially the white sage grown in the western regions, to purify the body. They burn sage leaves on the fires in their sweat lodges and pour sage tea on the hot stones intermittently for more smoke. They also use sage tea as rubdowns and baths to reduce fever.

Folklore from the 16th and 17th centuries stated that if you waved sage over anyone who was having a nightmare it would get rid of the evil spirits. Also, if a young woman picked 9 sage leaves without breaking the stems on Halloween (All Saints' Eve) at midnight, she could see the face of her future husband.

It seems as though the uses for sage are endless, but for me it's main purpose is to use in the kitchen. Did you know that if you put a sage leaf in your flour canister, you will never have bolls or pantry moths invade it again? I have been doing that for over 30 years now. It really works! So now let's bake! Here's a wonderful recipe for your next tea time with friends.

Sage Tea Bread:

1/2 c. milk
2 T. minced fresh sage or 2 t. rubbed (dried)sage
1/2 c. butter or margarine
1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
2 c. flour
1 t. baking powder
1 t. salt

In a small saucepan, heat milk and sage just until warm (do not boil): set aside to cool. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; add to the creamed mixture. Pour into a greased 9 in. x 5 in. x 3 in. loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes on a wire rack.


Happiness is a habit. Cultivate it. Elbert Hubbard.