Sage is one of the most common and well known culinary plants but just because you add it to your roast meals does not make it any less therapeutic! The health benefits of sage are numerous and wide ranging, so we have compiled a list of benefits and different ways you can use sage as part of your everyday.
Baby sage, also known as Salvia microphylla is a compact and aromatic herb that can provide numerous benefits when grown in your garden. Here are 15 reasons why this versatile plant deserves a spot in your outdoor space
1. Adds Depth of Flavor to Dishes
The finely textured leaves of baby sage have a distinctive earthy pine-like flavor that enhances the taste of many savory dishes. Use it fresh or dried in recipes like soups stews, marinades, cheese and egg dishes. Its robust fragrance intensifies when crushed or chopped.
2. Natural Remedy for Digestive Issues
Traditionally used to aid digestion, baby sage makes a soothing tea or infusion that can relieve indigestion, bloating, gas and other GI upsets when consumed. Its antispasmodic effects help relax intestinal muscles.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
The rosmarinic acid and other plant compounds in baby sage have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in the body. This makes it helpful for reducing swelling and pain when consumed regularly.
4. Supports Oral Health
The antibacterial qualities of baby sage help fight plaque-causing bacteria in the mouth and prevent cavities and gingivitis when used as a gargle or mouthwash. It also freshens breath.
5. Attracts Pollinators
The nectar-rich flowers of baby sage draw bees, butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden. By supporting these essential pollinators, baby sage promotes biodiversity and helps fertilize other plants.
6. Drought-Tolerant
Once established, baby sage is highly drought tolerant and requires little watering or maintenance to thrive. This makes it ideal for gardeners dealing with water restrictions.
7. Thrives in Poor Soil
The ability to grow in less-than-ideal soil is another plus for baby sage. It adapts well to rocky, alkaline and nutrient-deficient soil. Proper drainage is key.
8. repels cabbage moths
Interplanting baby sage near brassicas like cabbage and broccoli helps deter the cabbage moth, a common vegetable garden pest. The strong scent of sage confuses these unwanted insects.
9. Culinary Versatility
In addition to complementing meats, baby sage seasons bean, pea and lentil dishes beautifully. It’s also delicious mixed into compound butters, cheese spreads, salad dressings, stuffing and pasta.
10. Decorative Appeal
The pretty lilac-blue flowers and finely textured, gray-green foliage of baby sage look lovely in ornamental gardens, window boxes and patio containers. The compact, mounded form adds unique texture.
11. Natural Meat Tenderizer
The enzyme activity in baby sage leaves helps tenderize meats when rubbed on roasts, chops and steaks prior to cooking. This makes even inexpensive cuts more flavorful and tender.
12. Hair and Skin Care
Baby sage adds shine, body and highlights when infused into hair rinses and treatments. Its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory actions also make it useful in acne remedies and skin salves.
13. Repels Mosquitoes
Rubbing crushed baby sage leaves on exposed skin helps deter mosquitoes and other pesky biting insects. For an area repellent, try burning dried sage bundles.
14. Supports Memory
According to some studies, certain compounds in sage may help boost brain function and memory retention. More evidence is needed to rate its effectiveness.
15. Air Purifying
Allowing baby sage to flower indoors helps purify the air by removing bacteria, mold spores and other allergens. Its volatile oils have natural sanitizing effects.
News
Sage is one of the most common and well known culinary plants but just because you add it to your roast meals does not make it any less therapeutic! The health benefits of sage are numerous and wide ranging, so we have compiled a list of benefits and different ways you can use sage as part of your everyday.
Improving Memory
Another incredible health benefit of sage is that it is helpful for improving memory and senses. Sage can help us remember things more efficiently (similar to how rosemary works as well). Sage was used with Alzheimers patients suffering with mild to moderate symptoms. After 4 months of use they showed significant mood and memory improvement with no side effects. This may be due to sage’s antioxidant actions.
Benefits of Sage (Salvia Officinalis)
FAQ
What is sage good for in the garden?
Is baby sage edible?
Where is the best place to plant sage in the garden?
What is the power of the sage plant?
How big does baby sage grow?
Baby sage (Salvia microphylla) is a shrub that can grow 50cm – 1.5m tall and 50cm – 1.5m wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Baby sage (Salvia microphylla). This plant is commonly known as baby sage. This is a evergreen plant that takes 2-5 years to reach full maturity.
What are the benefits of having sage tea?
Tea made from Sage leaves, the leaves are rich in ellagic acid which exhibits antioxidant properties. This tea is mostly used in the treatment of loss of appetite, gastritis, indigestion, diarrhea, heart burn. This tea also has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. Excess dosage of sage tea will cause nausea, irritability and kidney damage.
What type of soil does baby sage grow in?
Baby sage (Salvia microphylla) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in chalk, loam or sand. The chalky soil is pale and contains chunks of calcium-rich rock. It is a fertile and well-draining soil, almost always alkaline. The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals.
What is sage good for?
It’s indispensable in cooking, but there’s much more to this wonderful plant than just dinner. Sage has antiseptic properties and can be used to treat cuts, sores, and ulcers. It aids the digestion of fats, and there’s evidence that it can be a tonic for rheumatic pain and anemia. In ancient times, sage was used for coughs and sore throats.