by Lisa Giroday, Sandra Lopuch and Sam Philips | As the leaves fall from the trees, we begin to crave comfort foods, healing teas, and preserving our health over the long, wet winter. This is where our dear friend, the ancient and highly appreciated herb know as sage (or Salvia officinalis) comes in. Salvia and “sage” are derived from the Latin salvere (to save), hence referring to the healing properties attributed to this wondrous herb. Sage is the perfect autumn herb for a plethora of reasons. It pairs so well with all of our winter-y dishes; with meat, potatoes, root vegetables, eggs and, of course, turkey dinners.

Originating in the Mediterranean, sage has naturalized in many other parts of the world. Historically, it has been used for everything at some point or another – from warding off evil and healing snakebites to increasing women’s fertility. In Roman times, sage was used as a diuretic and local anesthetic for the skin. It was also widely used throughout the Middle Ages.

Sage has numerous plant-derived chemical compounds, essential oils, minerals, vitamins that are known to have disease-preventing and health-promoting properties. It’s popular as a remedy for respiratory and nasal problems (try steeping some in boiling water and then inhaling the vapours). The compounds have counter-irritant, rubefacient, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-fungal and anti-septic properties. One compound in particular, called thujone, is known to enhance concentration, attention span, and heighten the senses in general (an infusion of sage is commonly referred to as “thinker’s tea”). Sage also helps with grief, depression, waning eyesight, and dealing with free radicals.

What’s more, sage is super rich in B-complex vitamins, vitamin A, beta carotene, vitamin C, potassium, zinc, calcium, iron, manganese, copper and magnesium. It’s super rich, and by that we mean it packs a much higher than your “daily intake” kind of punch. Lest we forget, it’s also delicious on its own, which is to say – altogether – that it’s undoubtedly one of our best friends.

THE VICTORY GARDENS ARCHIVE