Salvia officinalis seeds

 

Family: Labiatae

Origin and distribution: It comes from the Mediterranean regions. It grows wild and abundantly in calcareous soils or arid , warm and dry climate.

Therapeutic Uses: antiperspirant , general tonic , stomach , gastric and intestinal disorders , antidiarrheal, cordial, diuretic , astringent , antiseptic , anti-inflammatory of upper airway , antispasmodic, menstrual regulator functions , diseases of the mouth and throat , hoarseness, topical applications ( sores , ulcers , skin diseases ) .

Other uses and properties: Culinary and Pastry Applications .

Part used: leaves ( folium salviae ) .

Description

Sage is a shrub or clump of woody base up to 80 cm. high, with herbaceous stems branched and upright ; profusely covered with evergreen leaves , stalked, opposite, oval or lanceolate , rough , velvety grayish green.

The flowers, which appear from May to July , are of varying colors ; They can be blue , violet , red violet or white, clustered in terminal spikes . The fruits are tetraquenios .

It is a species originating in the Mediterranean region , well known since antiquity. The wild plant grows spontaneously in abundant calcareous substrates mountains , rocky terrain , steep banks and arid plains, and preferably warm, dry climate . Currently it is intensively cultivated in many countries.

Harvest

For medicinal use the leaves of the young shoots are harvested along with them . Is performed at the beginning of flowering or shortly before , and always dry and sunny weather. Dried in the shade and with good air flow , or in drying at a temperature of 35 ° C. It can perform two harvests per year . The dried parts are stored in airtight containers or in sealed envelopes , always sheltered from moisture. Do not store more than three years, because certain substances such as tannins and essences weaken.