Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Botanical Classification

Scientific Name: Salvia officinalis
Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)
Common Names: Sage, Common Sage, Garden Sage

Parts Used

Leaves: Used fresh or dried in medicine, culinary applications, and herbal remedies.
Flowers: Occasionally used in infusions and teas for a milder effect.
Essential Oil: Distilled from leaves and flowers; highly concentrated and primarily used externally or in aromatherapy.

Constituents

Volatile Oils: Thujone, camphor, cineole, and borneol (antimicrobial, stimulant).
Phenolic Acids: Rosmarinic acid (anti-inflammatory, antioxidant).
Flavonoids: Apigenin, luteolin, quercetin (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory).
Tannins: Astringent compounds beneficial for skin and digestion.
Diterpenes: Carnosol and carnosic acid (anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial).

Medicinal Uses

Equine Use

Respiratory Health: Used for minor respiratory conditions, supporting clear breathing.
Digestive Support: Can aid digestion and reduce bloating in horses.
Hoof & Skin Care: Infusions or rinses may support skin healing and hoof health.
Hormonal Support: May help balance hormones in mares experiencing irregular cycles.

Usage:

Added in small amounts to feed for digestive and hormonal support.
Used as a herbal rinse for minor skin conditions or hoof issues.

Precautions:

Avoid high doses, as thujone can be neurotoxic in large quantities.

Canine Use

Oral Health: Sage is a common ingredient in natural dog toothpaste.
Digestive Aid: Supports digestion and relieves gas when used in small amounts.
Anti-inflammatory: Can be applied topically for minor skin irritations.
Hormonal & Cognitive Support: May benefit aging dogs with cognitive decline.

Usage:

Fresh or dried leaves can be sprinkled on food in small amounts.
Herbal rinses can be used for oral health or skin conditions.
Sage tea (cooled) can be applied to minor wounds or irritations.

Precautions:

Essential oil should never be given internally.
Avoid in pregnant or lactating dogs, as it may influence hormone levels.

UK & Isle of Man Folklore & Traditional Uses

Wisdom & Longevity: In British and Manx folklore, sage was believed to bring long life and wisdom when eaten regularly.
Protection & Purification: In Manx tradition, sage was burned to ward off evil spirits and cleanse homes.
Prosperity & Luck: It was said that a flourishing sage plant in a garden brought wealth and good fortune.
Divination: In some regions, it was used in love divination rituals, where young women would place sage leaves under their pillow to dream of their future spouse.

Conclusion

Sage is a versatile herb with benefits for memory, digestion, oral health, and hormonal balance. In equine and canine medicine, it supports respiratory and digestive health, while in folklore, it has long been associated with wisdom, protection, and prosperity.

While generally safe, sage should be used with caution in high doses due to its thujone content, and essential oil should never be given internally to horses or dogs. Proper dosing and preparation ensure its benefits while minimizing risks.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Salt (various)