One herb that is a must in the garden is sage

It is a storehouse of home remedies and can be easily grown in most gardens

Because it a plant native to the Mediterranean countries it prefers to have dry feet (roots) so is best grown in a sunny well drained part of your garden

It can be grown from seeds in early spring, from cuttings in the later part of spring, or you can layer an established bush in the colder months

Sage has been used for thousands of years and is a beneficial and versatile plant which can be used for both culinary and medicinal purposes

Cautions: Sage should not be taken in medicinal doses by pregnant or breast feeding women and epileptics

Mouth and throat

Sage is can effective gargle for sore throat because of its strong antiseptic and astringent properties

It not only helps control infection but also tones and strengthens the mucous membrane in your throat

To make a gargle add one teaspoon of the dried sage or one dessertspoon of fresh sage to a cup of boiling water

Allow to cool, strain and gargle as needed

This infusion can also be used as a gargle to strengthen gums and treat oral thrush

Try rubbing a fresh sage leaf over your gums and teeth to keep them strong and healthy

Sage is often effective for preventing plaque build up and bleeding gums

Digestion

Sage helps stimulate bile, pancreatic and gastric secretions helping you to digest your food more effectively

It can be taken as a tea or added to food

Sweating

Sage has the ability to reduce sweating and has been shown to be effective for menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes and the sweating associated with these episodes

Do not use when fever is present as sweating is required to cool the body

Reproductive system (women)

Sage mimics the action of female sex hormones helping the body to adjust to the hormonal changes associated with menopause

An infusion can be taken to promote regular menstruation or painful or irregular periods

Nervous System

Sage acts as a soothing and calming tonic for the nervous system and is useful in cases of anxiety and tension

Culinary

Sage is a natural counter balance for rich and fatty foods hence it is often found in ingredients for stuffing pork, goose and game

It can be added to herb or garlic bread, and also enhances egg and cheese dishes (add chopped sage to cottage cheese)

The famous herbalist Culpepper prescribed sage ” ‘both for men and women that have bad backs” and’ to “strengthen the reins”

For this the fresh leaves were dipped in a batter of eggs, flour and a little milk and then fried in oil

Very yummy