Sage

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Folk Names: Garden Sage, Red Sage, Sawge

It is associated with the planet Jupiter and the Element of Air.
It's powers are: Immortality, Longevity, Wisdom. Protection and Wishes.

Sage as its name suggests, is good for the mind, as it strengthens the memory, brings clear thinking and enhances the senses.

But it is also one of those herbs which have been traditionally used to treat a number of ills. A tea made from the leaves is said to aid the digestion, help the liver and kidneys, help treat ulcers, reduce aches and pains. It makes a good gargle to reduce sore throats, mouth ulcers, and bleeding gums. Mixed with sugar and lime juice it is used to reduce fevers, delirium, nervous problems and cure headaches. The leaves can be used to create an antiseptic wound dressing or a poultice for aches, strains and sprains. Dried leaves make a snuff which is used in the treatment of asthma, and chest infections. In ancient Greece and Rome it was considered to prolong life and youthfulness if it was eaten regularly.

Sage should be planted alongside Rue, both to protect the Sage from pests and to encourage its vigor. Indeed it is held unlucky for sage to be the only plant in the bed. It is said that where Sage grows well then the business will thrive, and also that strong Sage plants indicate a woman of strong will.

Magically Sage is used in spells for wisdom, knowledge and protection. Inhale freshly cut Sage leaves or the oil to enhance visualization. When someone dear to you travels away, hang a sprig in the kitchen: so long as it is healthy they will be happy in their travels. Burn freshly cut Sage wood to bring about a change in fortune.

Magical Uses of Sage:

Sage has been utilized to ensure a long life - sometimes even immortality. This is done by eating some of the plant every day, or at least in May, for:

He who would live for aye

Must eat sage in May.

Sage is carried to promote wisdom, and the leaves are used in countless healing and money spells. To guard yourself against contracting the dreaded evil eye wear a small horn filled with sage.

There are a few curious gardening tips regarding sage: first, it is bad luck to plant sage in your own garden; a stranger should be found to do the work. Second, a full bed of sage brings ill luck, so ensure some other plant shares the plot. Incidentally, toads love sage.

If you desire to make a wish come true, write it on a sage leaf and hide it beneath your pillow. For three nights sleep upon it. If once you dream of what you desire your wish will be materialized; if not, bury the sage in the ground so that you do not come to harm.

Sage is a member of the Mint family, Lamiaceae. The Latin name for Sage - Salvia - means 'to heal.'

http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/s/sages-05.html

http://www.salviasupply.com/articles/sage-herb.html?act_vn