Purple Sage Salvia officinalis 'Purpurascens'

Names

• Family

  Lamiaceae

• Synonyms

  Purple Sage, Red Sage, Purple-Leaved Sage, Purpurascens Sage

• Common names

  Salvia officinalis 'Purpurascens'.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Purple Sage (Salvia officinalis 'Purpurascens') is commonly used as a culinary herb and is generally safe for human consumption in typical cooking quantities. However, consuming it in large amounts or over a prolonged period could potentially lead to toxicity. The active constituents, including thujone, can be toxic in excessive amounts. Symptoms of sage poisoning may include vomiting, dizziness, rapid heart rate, and seizures in very severe cases. It should also be noted that sage should be used cautiously during pregnancy and lactation, and by persons with seizure disorders due to its thujone content.

• To pets

  Purple Sage (Salvia officinalis 'Purpurascens') is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. However, as with any plant, it is wise to prevent pets from ingesting large amounts of this herb to avoid any potential upset stomach or adverse reaction they may have from components within the plant or from individual sensitivity. If a pet were to ingest a significant amount of purple sage, it could potentially lead to gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea. Always monitor your pet's reaction to new plants and consult a veterinarian if you observe any signs of distress.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Evergreen

• Color of leaves

  Purple

• Flower color

  Blue

• Height

  2 feet (0.61 meters)

• Spread

  2 feet (0.61 meters)

• Plant type

  Shrub

• Hardiness zones

  5

• Native area

  Mediterranean

General Benefits

• Culinary Use: Salvia officinalis 'Purpurascens', commonly known as Purple Sage, can be used to flavor a variety of dishes and is especially popular in Mediterranean cuisine.
• Aromatic: The leaves of Purple Sage are highly aromatic, making it a pleasant addition to gardens and landscapes for its scent.
• Ornamental Value: With its attractive purple-tinted foliage and flowers, Purple Sage offers aesthetic value to any garden or as part of a landscape design.
• Drought Tolerance: Purple Sage is drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal watering, which makes it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water-use gardens.
• Pollinator Attraction: The flowers of Purple Sage attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to the biodiversity and health of the garden ecosystem.
• Low Maintenance: The plant is generally low-maintenance, requiring occasional pruning and infrequent watering, ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners.
• Culinary Versatility: The leaves can be used fresh or dried, providing versatility in the kitchen, and can be incorporated into a variety of recipes, including teas, seasoning blends, and more.

Medical Properties

• Antioxidant: Contains compounds that can neutralize free radicals and may contribute to reducing oxidative stress.
• Anti-inflammatory: May help reduce inflammation, which is associated with various chronic diseases.
• Antimicrobial: Has been shown to possess antimicrobial properties against certain bacteria and fungi.
• Antispasmodic: Could be beneficial in relieving spasms or cramps in the digestive system.
• Cognitive enhancement: Some studies suggest that it may improve memory and cognitive function due to its active compounds.
• Digestive aid: Traditionally used to promote digestion and alleviate digestive problems.
• Antiseptic: Has properties that could help in preventing the growth of microorganisms that can cause infections.
• Carminative: May help in relieving flatulence and prevent the formation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• As a natural dye: The leaves of Sage can be used to produce a natural dye for fabric or yarn, with the shade depending on mordants and the dyeing process.
• In crafts: Dried Sage leaves can be incorporated into potpourri mixes, wreaths, or other decorative items for their color and fragrance.
• Culinary smoking: Some chefs use dried Sage leaves to create a fragrant smoke for smoking meats, imparting a unique flavor to dishes.
• Metal polishing: The slightly abrasive and acidic nature of Sage leaves can help in polishing tarnished silverware when rubbed directly on the surface.
• As a hair rinse: An infusion of Sage leaves can be used as a rinse to impart shine and possibly darken hair.
• In insect repellents: Sage has natural insect-repelling properties and can be included in homemade insect repellent sprays.
• As a natural deodorizer: Sage's aromatic properties can help neutralize odors in the home when its leaves are burned like incense.
• For tanning hides: Historically, Sage leaves were used in the tanning process to add color and preserve animal hides.
• In photography: Sage can be used in the process of anthotype photography, where the plant's pigments act as a light-sensitive emulsion to create images on paper.
• As a flavor enhancer in beverages: Fresh or dried Sage leaves can be infused in hot water to create a flavorful tea, or muddled in cocktails for a fresh herbal note.

Feng Shui

Purple Sage is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

Purple Sage is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Wisdom: The common name for Salvia officinalis 'Purpurascens' is Purple Sage, and sage in general is often associated with wisdom, due to its etymological relation to the word 'sage' meaning wise.
• Longevity: Sage has been used for its health benefits for centuries, symbolizing a long life and often used in rituals to promote longevity and immortality.
• Purification: Sage is commonly used in smudging, a traditional practice to cleanse a space or person of negative energies, indicating its symbolic role in purification and protection.
• Healing: As an herb with a rich history of medicinal uses, sage represents healing and the power of nature to restore health.