Most folks think of sage as the herb in stuffing every Thanksgiving, but it can do a whole lot more than just make your carbs flavorful.

Sage has long been used for both food and medicinal purposes. The botanical name for sage comes from a Latin word meaning, “to be saved.” It can be used as a natural antiseptic and a meat preservative, to name a few things.

This little herb can do a whole bunch of things and improve your life as well as the flavor. 

Ways to Use Sage in your Home and Health

Up In Smoke

Did you know that you can have dirty air in your home?*

Filled with bacteria that can cause lung and other problems. You can clean it up with dried sage. You make a tight bundle from about a handful of sage and a cotton string. Make sure the bundle is completely dry before use. Light the bundle and blow out the flame.

You can also buy premade sage bundles. I would try a health food store or a farmers market. Research says it takes about an hour to work best, so make sure you have enough.

This practice is organic and safe for kids and pets! Don’t believe me? Google it. 

*Please note, this is NOT an effective way to kill coronavirus COVID-19

Light my Fire

Camp fires are always fun. Whether it’s deep in the woods on a camping trip or in your own backyard, there’s something so relaxing about that warm glow…and then there is always that one person that cannot stop poking the fire.

While the fire is fun, the bugs are not. They rudely show up and cause itchy bites we have to avoid scratching!

Next time, throw in some herbs. It will smell great to you, but those little monsters are not fans.

Good herbs for campfires include sage, lavender, lemongrass and of course, citronella. You can use dried or fresh here. 

Bon Appétit 

If you aren’t using sage beyond your stuffing you are definitely missing out. Sage has an earthy flavor that is also great for meats, sauces, soups and much more.

It pairs well with other herbs already in your cabinet, like rosemary, oregano and thyme and you can use it fresh or dried.

If you’re going to use fresh just know it keeps well for about one week. Once the leaves are wilted you lose a lot of flavor.

The dried version is good for about a year. I prefer fresh, but it can be a little more work.

Explore this herb in more of your cooking. I can assure you it will not disappoint.

Remedy

Sage has been known to have healing properties for ages. Ancient Romans, Chinese and others used it for a variety of ailments and research has shown that they weren’t wrong.

Sage can be used for digestive problems, memory loss and even menstrual pains. It contains antioxidants that can help with bigger problems like heart disease and diabetes.

I am not saying to stop other medications for these things.

I am saying sage has healing properties that can be made into teas, used in aromatherapy, and taken orally to name a few. 

Squeaky Clean 

Of course it cleans counters, too!*

We already discussed how it cleans the air. The antibacterial properties don’t stop there.

You can DIY an easy household cleaner with sage and good old vinegar. Grab a spray bottle (If you are repurposing an old one make sure it’s cleaned out first). Grab your fresh sage and muddle it into the spray bottle with a wooden spoon. This releases the oils.

Then you mix 1 part water, 1 part vinegar, and ½ part isopropyl alcohol. Add one drop of dish soap and shake it up.

Boom – you have a household cleanser! The sage reduces the smell from the vinegar and aids in the cleaning process. Cheap and easy! 

*Please note, this is NOT an effective way to kill coronavirus COVID-19