Sage advice.
One of my favorite definitions for sage is as an adjective: wise through reflection and experience. That is the type of person I trust. Not only, not even foremost, experienced, but also “wise through reflection.” A person can have decades of experience, but if we never pause to consider, reflect, churn over what we’ve been through and how it’s affected us, I don’t know that we grow any wiser. Just older.
Another definition, this time as a noun, is: a mature or venerable person of sound judgment. Don’t we need more of those around these days? Isn’t turning to a person of sound judgment just the answer when we have a need? May we respect the wisdom of maturity and experience as we go forward, creating a world of which we can be proud.
Of course, turning to the wisdom of the plant world is the wisest choice we can make. In my opinion. Sage, as an herb, is one of the most venerable.
The botanical name for the sages begins with Salvia, coming from the Greek ‘salvare’ which means “to be saved.” The common culinary sage, Salvia officinalis, not only flavors our butternut squash ravioli and the soon-to-be-enjoyed stuffing on many tables this week, but according to Susan Weed, garden sage “is antiseptic to most bacteria inside (and on) your body, filled with antioxidants that retard wrinkles and gray hair and help prevent cancer, blessed with heart-healthy oils, abundant in much-needed minerals, and easy to grow.” This bitter, pungent, and aromatic plant has many helpful properties. Medicinally, sage can
aid night sweats and cool hot flashes
ease irritated nerves
relieve dizziness and trembling
soothe headaches
strengthen digestion and decrease gas
relieve menstrual cramps
improve circulation
encourage mental clarity
In the folklore tradition, sage was used to promote longevity and wisdom, and thrived in homes dominated by women. Wisdom, women. A natural partnership. Sage was also connected with protection and abundance, and would wither or thrive, depending on the prosperity of he home where it was planted.
In short, steep a few sage leaves and drink this infusion cold before bed to help quell hot flashes. Gargle with sage tea to soothe a sore throat. Finish your shower with a sage hair rinse to stave off the gray, or brighten the already grays that have lauded your head with the signs of wisdom. This easy to grow plant bestows its wisdom readily, all we need to do is pay attention, and take action.
How is it already the end of November?! Enjoy the festivities these next few weeks offer. And drink some sage tea.
