Salvia officinalis

Salvia officinalis (also known as sage, common sage, or garden sage) is a perennial, evergreen subshrub, with woody stems, grayish leaves, and blue to purplish flowers. It is a member of the mint family Lamiaceae and native to the Mediterranean region, though it has naturalized in many places throughout the world.

Description

Salvia officinalis has numerous common names. Some of the best-known are sage, common sage, garden sage, golden sage, kitchen sage, true sage, culinary sage, Dalmatian sage, and broadleaf sage. Cultivated forms include purple sage and red sage. The specific epithet officinalis refers to the plant's medicinal use—the officina was the traditional storeroom of a monastery where herbs and medicines were stored.

Uses

Culinary

Sage is used in the culinary world for its flavorful leaves. The leaves are used fresh or dried as a flavoring in many foods.

Medicinal

Sage has a long history of medicinal use for ailments ranging from mental disorders to gastrointestinal discomfort. It has been used in traditional medicine for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Cultivation

Salvia officinalis has been grown for centuries in the Old World for its food and healing properties, and was often described in old herbals for the many miraculous properties attributed to it. The specific epithet, officinalis, refers to the plant's medicinal use.

See also

• List of culinary herbs and spices
• List of Lamiaceae genera

External links

• Salvia officinalis in the NCBI Taxonomy Browser
• Salvia officinalis at ITIS

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