In older days many churches in southern France would decorate their alters with sweet smelling sage. This plant was referred to as the “Virgin’s Flower“.
Sage is found in nearly every climate and in every country. In all those places it is valued as well.
Sage has been a house plant, used to heal the sick, a fireside friend, and along with the lavender and thyme has been provided a choice place in the garden, protected from the wind.
Called many a name, inspired by appreciation and gratitude, sge has been referred to as toute oonne – the good, the helping leaf, the great cure, the peaceful herb, and the beneficent.
Writers have spoken of sage, speaking of its curative virtues, and all the while growing sage in their own gardens. This simple plant wasa thought to be a health-giving herb, with some going so far as to call it the flower of life.
Times change, and so does the focus of the people, and the sage plant, like most everything else has had its rise and fall in recogition. Doctors have abandoned the long-honored use of herbals to heal, utilizing more modern creations thought to be more “powerful”.
Even with the changes of the world there are still those who repect and honor the benefits of this simple herb, and turn to the healing powers of sage for vertigo, spasms, fainting spells, nervousness, and more.
Is there reason for sage to be so common around the world? It is one of the first plants found in the pathway of man, and throughout time sage has been used to comfort and restore strength. Many have woven this restorative herb into poetry and legend.