Sage (Salvia officinalis) is an herb which has been valued for
centuries for its fresh scent, the peppery depth of flavor it
adds to foods and for its special constituents which help to
keep skin healthy and beautiful. Sage grows as a small perennial
shrub, usually no more than 24 inches tall; the oblong leaves
have a slightly rough texture and hair-like growths. It is a
member of the mint family and is related to rosemary. The plant
is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean region, but
spread to northern Europe during Medieval times. It is now, of
course, a treasured garden herb grown throughout the world.
Salvia officinalis, usually called common sage or kitchen sage,
should not be confused with Russian sage (Perovskia
atriplicifolia, which has a similar scent), sagebrush (Artemisia
tridentate, native to the plains region of North America) or
Jerusalem sage (Phlomis fruticosa). Sage has been used as both
an herb for food flavoring and as a source of healing
ingredients for more than 2,000 years. T