Surely you have heard of sage and, probably, you have appreciated the aromatic smell in the kitchen in many dishes. We’re talking about Salvia officinalis, a perennial plant, very common in our gardens and has been part of the Mediterranean tradition since … always. It was used in ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman medicines for different purposes: for fertility, to reduce menstrual flow and stop bleeding from wounds, to reduce flushing, to reduce menopause, for cleaning ulcers and sores, in case of cough and sore throat, to enhance memory. Hence its name derives from the Latin salvus, which means precisely save.

Sage is Salvia in Italian

Experimental studies on sage leaves do not contradict the traditional use of this plant. And it is always suggested to use it also as a treatment for inflammation of the mouth and throat.

Sage and Beauty

The fresh or dried leaves of sage Officinalis are traditionally used for cleaning teeth due to their whitening and disinfecting properties: many kinds of toothpaste on the market contain extracts obtained from sage officinal.

As we have seen, oily skin can benefit from sage. If you also have oily skin, try it in this easy recipe to prepare a bath with an astringent and sebum-regulating effect.

Ingredients:

• 4 liters = 1 gallon of water

• 250 gr= 1 cup dried sage leaves

Bring the water to a boil and add the dried and chopped sage leaves. Leave to infuse for ten minutes, then strain and add the infusion to the water in the bathtub. Now let it act on your skin and enjoy a moment of relaxation.

Sage and Cuisine

Here is where sage is so commonly used in Italy. Many of our dishes welcome it.

Here are just a few ideas mainly for sauces, meat, and fish dishes.

Next to the Traditional Butter and sage sauce, we have the Pumpkin Sauce with Pasta

Pomegranate and Cod

Arrabbiata Bocconcini

Tuscan Sage Clouds

Traditional Tuscan Beans

Don’t forget that Sage is considered one of those water undemanding plants which seem the best to be planted.

Be Sage-Plant Sage-Use Sage