Salvia purpurascens

Very similar to the more common green sage. This variety comes in different shades, from green leaves with a purple underside through to a very dark, almost black variety. This is another herb native to the Mediterranean area where it is still widely used for cooking. It generally grows to about 1 foot in height and is fairly hardy, so it can withstand wintry weather. It can be quite shrubby in appearance with a spicy fragrance and in late summer produces purplish flowers.

Its botanical name comes from the Latin salvere, meaning to save. This refers to its many medicinal properties.

Uses: Sage infusions were used to heal skin abrasions and as a lotion for ulcers.

Medicinal: It can be used as a mouthwash to relieve sore throats and inflamed gums and it was considered a useful medicine for treating everything from typhoid fever to live complaints, from measles to general lethargy. Fresh sage leaves, rubbed on the teeth, will clean them and strengthen the gums. Dried sage leaves were once smoked in pipes as a cure for asthma.

Legends: In southern England years ago, eating sage leaves on nine consecutive mornings, while fasting, was believed to be a cure for argue.

Fun Facts: An infusion of sage massaged onto the scalp will darken the hair and disguise gray hairs. Make a strong infusion of about 4 tablespoons of leaves to one cup of water and apply to the roots every day. To increase the darkening effect, mix the sage with tea instead of water.