Sage

How I love sage, a gorgeous, fragrant, hardy, disease free plant that also keeps bugs off other plants. Salvia Officinalis, as it is formally known is easily one of the most under appreciated herbs growing in my garden. Sadly relegated to "just a touch," in the Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey stuffing. So what is so wonderful about Sage?

- the next time you have a sore throat make a tea and gargle with it, then add some honey and drink it down; it will cure your throat and help you get rid of the nasty virus or cold that caused it

- sage is antibiotic and bactericidal, use the tea as a wash for infected cuts and wounds.

- drink it cold with a little lemon to help stop those nasty hot flashes, in fact if you perspire a lot normally sage tea will help reduce those ugly sweat stains

- it is also a good digestive aid - gets rid of gas and helps digest fatty foods

- drink this tea to help control excessive blood sugar

- Trying to stop nursing? Sage tea 3 times a day!

Historically Sage was used by the ancients a a tea to prolong life. It was so prized a one time that the Chinese trade their own very fine green teat for it 4 to 1. There are many different types of Sage. I prefer the plain garden variety but also use Clary Sage and Pinapple Sage very often.

Recipe for Chicken:

Combine 1 Tbs. each ground sage, rosemary paprika, black pepper

and

1 tsp. garlic powder and salt

Sprinkle on a whole chicken, or chicken parts, and roast in a 350 oven until done, Baste several times. If using skinless chicken, combine seasoning with an equal part of bread crumbs and use as coating.