Herb of the day
Sage
Salvia officinalis
Leaf day: by tradition the part of the plant to gather today
A silvery-leaved, aromatic Mediterranean shrublet, a time-honoured herb for the throat.
Description
A perennial shrublet, 30–70 cm tall, with wrinkled grey-green leaves. The leaves are gathered before flowering. It contains an essential oil (thujone, cineole, camphor), tannins and rosmarinic acid.
Traditional use
Traditionally used as a gargle for inflamed throat and mouth, and internally as a tea for digestive complaints and excessive sweating.
Preparation
Gargle: pour 200 ml of hot water on a tablespoon of leaves, steep for 10 minutes and use lukewarm several times a day. For a tea, use less: a teaspoon.
Caution
Because of its thujone, take it internally only briefly and in moderation. Avoid internal use during pregnancy and breastfeeding (it may reduce milk supply) and with epilepsy.