Sage is All the Rage

by Christina Symons
Images © Christina Symons

It may not make the six o’clock news, but lots of sage advice - on the colour and the herb - is making headlines in the home and garden industry lately.

Look closely, and you’ll start to see sage everywhere. Interior designers love the cool light green colour for the subtle way it brings nature indoors. From paint to bed linens, a tranquil, soft sage lends elegance to walls, shades and furnishings. It is versatile too, suited to modern decors and country styles. Even paint colour names have become sagely cool - check out jungle, fountain, lichen or fog.

As an earth tone in your home, the links between sage and nature are clear. It goes well with deep browns, whites, natural blues and darker greens. But designers suggest steering clear of yellows and orange when using sage unless you want a more citrus flavour to your palette.

Sage in all its forms is both peaceful and comforting. Think of the tranquil colour of green tea and the homey taste of savory stews and soups.

A beautiful and easy herb to grow, sage (Salvia officinalis) hails originally from the Mediterranean and has traditionally been cultivated for a variety of culinary and healing properties, both spiritual and physical. It is hardy, wildly aromatic and easy to grow in a variety of conditions.

The origins of the sage genus Salvia comes from the Latin verb salvere which means, “to save”, in reference to its reputation and medicinal value during ancient times. By the 10th century some were claiming sage could reverse human mortality! Even today hopeful believers place sage leaves under their pillow to restore youth or help retain it.

No wonder the International Herb Society named sage “Herb of the Year” for 2001.

Sage tea is considered a digestive tonic as well as a treatment for anxiety, insomnia and to soothe sore throats. It is also well known for its antiseptic and antibacterial properties.

Wild sage or wormwood has some similar medicinal properties and has also been used by numerous North American First Nations to burn for incense, smudging and cleansing rituals for spirit and home.

Whether you choose to decorate, heal or cook with sage, the colour, wild aromas, flavour and healing properties will bring a sense of calm and comfort to your spirit, home and garden.

Christina Symons is a contributing writer and photographer for GardenWise magazine and the Coast Reporter. She's looking forward to putting into practice some great gardening ideas at her new home in Roberts Creek.