Herb Of The Week - Sage - Salvia fruticosa

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Salvia fruticosa - a.k.a. Greek Sage or Turkish Sage

 

I prefer to use the essential oil from this variety of sage during the

cold season for respiratory issues.

 

*Smile*

Chris (list mom)

 

http://www.alittleolfactory.com

 

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http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Bath/6482/english/plants/salvia_fru.

htm

 

Description-

 

This Sage is a dwarf shrub growing up to a meter high. The branches are

long, hairy and covered with

felt-like leaves. The leaves are bright green and are accompanied by two

lobes each.

This structure is the source of the Hebrew name for Salvia fruticosa

Mill- the " Threefold Sage " .

The plant flowers from March to June with pink purple flowers. All of

the plant parts have a strong

and pleasant aroma.

 

 

<http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Bath/6482/Hebrew/marvapics/salvia_f

rusitosa_combined.jpg> See pictures of Salvia Fruticosa...

 

The plant grows near by the Mediterranean maquis or in parts of it with

plenty of light, it is collected throughout the year.

 

 

 

Sources and Folklore -

The Hebrew name for Sage is " Marvah " . The origin of this name is

probably in Syria where it was called " Maroa " . A. Hareoveni names the

Sages Moria and B. Tschzick claims the Sage is mentioned in the ancient

Jewish Literature as a drug named " Meramehin " whose purpose is to open

the airway

(Gittin, 69, 72).

 

 

 

Folk Medicine -

Today as in the past Salvia fruticosa Mill is famous as a medicinal herb

throughout the Mediterranean. Both as a medicinal and a spice, this Sage

has a honorable role for the Arab land farmers of Israel. It is used to

treat stomach ache, accumulation of gas in the intestine, dysentery,

lack of

appetite, colds, coughing, sore throat, chest pains, high blood

pressure, getting

rid of Athlete's foot, healing wounds and to generally strengthen the

body.

 

 

Uses-

The simplest way of preparing this Sage is to pour boiling water on it

to

spice a cup of tea. This tea is a remedy for stomach ache and lack of

appetite.

 

Sage Tinker: Cook a handful of leaves in a liter of water, filter and

drink half a cup

a day. This Tinker is effective for accumulation of gas in the

intestine, Dysentery,

coughing, chest pains, sore throat, high blood pressure, and to

generally

strengthen the body.

 

Healing wounds: Grind the dry leaves of the Sage to a powder and spread

over wound. To disinfect wounds or deep cuts chew fresh leaves and place

them on the wound.

 

Treating colds: Cook 100 grams of leaves in a liter of water. As the

steam rises build a tent of cloth over the head and inhale the vapors.

 

Getting rid of Athlete's foot: place a number of leaves in the end of

the sock and walk about for a whole day.

 

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Some good pics on this page

 

http://www.mountainvalleygrowers.com/salfruiticosa.htm

 

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http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/cgi-bin/pfaf/arr_html?Salvia+fruticosa

<http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/cgi-bin/pfaf/arr_html?Salvia+fruticosa & CAN=C

OMIND> & CAN=COMIND