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: ''This article is about the plant genus called Salvia (sage). For the herb and spice ''Salvia officinalis'' see [[common sage]]. For the [[Entheogen]] see ''[[Salvia divinorum]]''. For other meanings see [[sage]]. ''
{{Taxobox
| color = lightgreen
| name = ''Salvia''
| image = Blue Salvia-KayEss-1.JPG
| image_width = 240px
| image_caption = Blue Sage ''Salvia azurea''
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
| divisio = [[Magnoliophyta]]
| classis = [[Magnoliopsida]]
| ordo = [[Lamiales]]
| familia = [[Lamiaceae]]
| genus = salvia
| genus_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]
| subdivision_ranks = Species
| subdivision =
see [[List of Salvia species]]
}}
'''''Salvia''''' is a [[genus]] in the mint family, [[Lamiaceae]]. It is one of three [[genus|genera]] commonly referred to as '''Sage'''. When used without modifiers, sage generally refers to [[common sage]] (''Salvia officinalis''); however, it can be used with modifiers to refer to any member of the genus. This genus includes [[shrub]]s, [[herbaceous plant|herbaceous]] [[perennial plant|perennials]], and [[annual plant|annuals]]. Different species of sage are grown as herbs and as [[ornamental plant]]s. The ornamental species are commonly referred to by their scientific name ''Salvia''.
The closely related genera ''[[Perovskia]]'' and ''[[Phlomis]]'' are also known as sage; [[Russian Sage]] (''[[Perovskia atriplicifolia]]''), native to the [[Crimea]] east to [[Afghanistan]] and [[Pakistan]], is grown as an ornamental plant, because of its blue-violet sprays of flowers and its adaptability to either sun or part shade. It has a pleasant smell and is also grown as a [[nectar source|bee plant]], but is not consumed by humans. [[Phlomis|Jerusalem Sage]] refers to ''Phlomis fruticosa'' and other species of ''Phlomis''.
Some species of the unrelated genus ''[[Artemisia (plant)|Artemisia]]'' are also referred to as sages, a shortened version of ''sagebrush'', which is a more appropriate term for them. They generally taste vile and are not used in food preparation, although many of them are used medicinally. Smudge bundles are made with various grey-leaved species of ''Artemisia'' and are misrepresented as "whitesage" smudges. The true whitesage is ''Salvia apiana'', which has a delightful scent when burned.
''Salvia'' species are used as food plants by the [[larva]]e of some [[Lepidoptera]] species including the (but not limited to) [[Bucculatricidae|bucculatricid]] leaf-miner ''Bucculatrix taeniola'' which feeds exclusively on the genus and the ''[[Coleophora]]'' case-bearers ''C. aegyptiacae'', ''C. salviella'' (both feed exclusively on ''S. aegyptiaca''), ''C. ornatipennella'' and ''C. virgatella'' (both recorded on ''S. pratensis'').
===Selected species===
{{main|List of Salvia species}}
* ''[[Salvia apiana]]'' - White sage, California white sage.
* ''[[Salvia argentea]]'' - Silver sage.
* ''[[Salvia arizonica]]'' - Arizona sage, Desert indigo sage, a purple-flowering annual.
* ''[[Salvia azurea]]'' - Blue sage, Azure blue sage; very big bright blue flowers.
* ''[[Salvia candelabrum]]'' - a blue-flowering scented sage.
* ''[[Salvia carnosa]]'' - a blue-flowering annual, native to the Arizona desert.
* ''[[Salvia clevelandii]]'' - Blue sage, Cleveland sage, Fragrant sage.
* ''[[Salvia coccinea]]'' - Blood sage, a scarlet-flowered tender perennial
* ''[[Salvia columbariae]]'' - Chia, Chia sage, California chia.
* ''[[Salvia divinorum]]'' - Diviner's sage.
* ''[[Salvia dorrii]]'' - [[Ute Tribe | Ute]] Tobacco Sage (mild hallucinogen when smoked)
* ''[[Salvia farinacea]]'' - Mealycup sage, annual in temperate climates will survive mild winters
* ''[[Salvia forreri]]''
* ''[[Salvia fulgens]]'' - Cardinal sage, Mexican red sage, a red-flowering perennial
* ''[[Salvia funerea]]'' – Death Valley sage
* ''[[Salvia glutinosa]]''
* ''[[Salvia greggii]]'' - Autumn sage, a red-flowered sage with a very strong scent
* ''[[Salvia guaranitica]]'' - Anise sage or hummingbird sage.
* ''[[Salvia hispanica]]'' - the Chia of commerce.
* ''[[Salvia leucantha]]'' - Mexican bush sage, velvety spikes of violet-purple and white, 3' tall.
* ''[[Salvia leucophylla]]'' - Purple sage.
* ''[[Salvia longistyla]]'' - Mexican sage.
* ''[[Salvia lyrata]]'' - Lyre-leaved sage, Lyreleaf sage.
* ''[[Salvia mexicana]]'' - Mexican sage, medium blue to violet and lavender, 8' to 10' tall.
* ''[[Salvia miltiorrhiza]]'' - Chinese sage
* ''[[Salvia officinalis]]'' - Common sage.
* ''[[Salvia patens]]'' - a blue-flowering annual.
* ''[[Salvia polystachya]]'' - Chia sage, Chia seed.
* ''[[Salvia potus]]'' - Chia.
* ''[[Salvia pratensis]]'' - Meadow clary or Meadow sage.
* ''[[Salvia roemeriana]]'' - Cedar Sage; this species prefers shady moist areas
* ''[[Salvia sclarea]]'' - Clary or Clary sage.
* ''[[Salvia spathacea]]'' - Pitcher sage or Hummingbird sage.
* ''[[Salvia splendens]]'' - Scarlet sage.
* ''[[Salvia verticillata]]'' - Whorled clary, Lilac sage, a white- or blue-flowering perennial with the scent of Clary
* ''[[Salvia viridis]]'' ([[synonymy|syn.]]: ''S. horminum'') - Painted sage.
==Cultivation and uses==
===History===
The sage species used as herbs come from the Mediterranean and Asia Minor. Sage has also been grown in central Europe since the [[Middle Ages]].
The name ''Salvia'' derives from the Latin 'salveo', which means 'to heal'. Indeed this herb is highly regarded for its healing qualities. An ancient proverb states, "Why should a man die who has sage in his garden?". The ancient [[Greeks]] used it to treat [[tuberculosis|consumption]], [[ulcer]]s and [[snake bite]]s.
The [[Ancient Rome|Ancient Romans]] considered sage to be a sacred herb and followed an elaborate [[ceremony]] when harvesting it. A sage gatherer would use a special knife (not made of iron as it reacts with the sage), have to have clean clothes and clean feet and a sacrifice of food would have to be made before he could begin. The Romans would use it for toothpaste; they also believed it to be good for the brain, senses and memory. {{Fact|date=February 2007}}
The [[China|Chinese]] also were quite partial to this herb. 17th century [[Netherlands|Dutch]] merchants found that they would trade one chest of sage leaves for three of their teas [http://www.selfsufficientish.com/sage.htm].
Sages are also used by several [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] cultures.
===Medicinal uses===
{{Unreferenced|date=February 2007}}
Several types of ''Salvia'' are used medicinally:
* aromatic varieties (usually strongly scented [[Leaf|leaves]], also used as herbs)
* non-aromatic varieties (not considered medicinal, but many still have a scent)
* Chia sages
* ''Divinorum'' ([[Diviner's sage]]) contains a diterpenoid used for spiritual and recreational purposes.
* [[Alzheimer]]'s disease, research has shown that it improves cognitive function over a period of several months <ref>http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdf?vid=19&hid=119&sid=3ed5146a-be26-4910-a86e-f5ff50f1028f%40sessionmgr103 </ref>.
The aromatic sages strengthen the lungs and can be used in teas or [[tincture]]s to prevent coughs. Less aromatic species of ''Salvia'' are run-of-the-mill mint-family anti-inflammatories, which means that they can be used for pretty much any infection or inflammation, and will give at least some relief.
[[Common sage]] (''Salvia officinalis'') drunk as a cold tea will stop sweating, while the same tea drunk hot will produce sweating. Cold and hot teas will also either stop or enhance [[milk]] production. The [[essential oil]] is used in [[aromatherapy]] and [[medicine]].
[[White sage]] (''Salvia apiana'') is a very strong general [[anti-inflammatory]], used as tea or tincture. The tincture has a very nice scent and can be used as a [[perfume]]. This species is the famous whitesage of smudge sticks.
[[Pineapple sage]] (''Salvia elegans'', old: ''S. rutilans'') is a tender perennial with pineapple-scented leaves. Medicinally, this is perhaps closest to the [[scented geraniums]], a sweet-smelling ''[[Pelargonium]]'' species.
[[Salvia miltiorrhiza|Red sage]] (''Salvia miltiorrhiza'') is used medicinally in [[Traditional Chinese medicine]].
'''Chia sages'''. The seeds of these species are used as [[bulk laxatives]], much like the seeds of [[Psyllium]] (''Plantago'' spp.) or [[linseed]]. [[Chia]] has been important in the diet of desert Indians. It is still used for its [[Mucilage|mucilaginous]] qualities by Mexican natives.
[[Diviner's sage]] (''Salvia divinorum'') also called Yerba de la Pastora or sometimes just ''Salvia'', is a plant that differs from all the other sages. It is a [[Mexico|Mexican]] visionary herb and there is some evidence it is a true [[cultivar]]. It is known to have strong [[psychoactive]] properties.
==References and external links==
* ''A Book of Salvias: Sages for Every Garden'' by [[Betsy Clebsch]], Timber Press, 1997, ISBN 0-88192-369-9. An excellent reference on salvias. Also, an updated (2004 edition) is available.
* [http://www.itis.usda.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=32680] ITIS 32680 2002-09-06
* Akhondzadeh S, Noroozian M, Mohammadi M. R. 2003, Salvia Officinalis extract in the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease: A double blind and placebo-controlled trial. British Journal of Pharmacology, Vol. 140, p22P-22P, 1/2p
{{commons|Salvia}}
[[Category:Lamiaceae]]
[[Category:Herbs]]
[[Category:Garden plants]]
[[Category:Flowers]]
{{Taxobox
| color = lightgreen
| name = ''Salvia''
| image = Blue Salvia-KayEss-1.JPG
| image_width = 240px
| image_caption = Blue Sage ''Salvia azurea''
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
| divisio = [[Magnoliophyta]]
| classis = [[Magnoliopsida]]
| ordo = [[Lamiales]]
| familia = [[Lamiaceae]]
| genus = salvia
| genus_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]
| subdivision_ranks = Species
| subdivision =
see [[List of Salvia species]]
}}
'''''Salvia''''' is a [[genus]] in the mint family, [[Lamiaceae]]. It is one of three [[genus|genera]] commonly referred to as '''Sage'''. When used without modifiers, sage generally refers to [[common sage]] (''Salvia officinalis''); however, it can be used with modifiers to refer to any member of the genus. This genus includes [[shrub]]s, [[herbaceous plant|herbaceous]] [[perennial plant|perennials]], and [[annual plant|annuals]]. Different species of sage are grown as herbs and as [[ornamental plant]]s. The ornamental species are commonly referred to by their scientific name ''Salvia''.
The closely related genera ''[[Perovskia]]'' and ''[[Phlomis]]'' are also known as sage; [[Russian Sage]] (''[[Perovskia atriplicifolia]]''), native to the [[Crimea]] east to [[Afghanistan]] and [[Pakistan]], is grown as an ornamental plant, because of its blue-violet sprays of flowers and its adaptability to either sun or part shade. It has a pleasant smell and is also grown as a [[nectar source|bee plant]], but is not consumed by humans. [[Phlomis|Jerusalem Sage]] refers to ''Phlomis fruticosa'' and other species of ''Phlomis''.
Some species of the unrelated genus ''[[Artemisia (plant)|Artemisia]]'' are also referred to as sages, a shortened version of ''sagebrush'', which is a more appropriate term for them. They generally taste vile and are not used in food preparation, although many of them are used medicinally. Smudge bundles are made with various grey-leaved species of ''Artemisia'' and are misrepresented as "whitesage" smudges. The true whitesage is ''Salvia apiana'', which has a delightful scent when burned.
''Salvia'' species are used as food plants by the [[larva]]e of some [[Lepidoptera]] species including the (but not limited to) [[Bucculatricidae|bucculatricid]] leaf-miner ''Bucculatrix taeniola'' which feeds exclusively on the genus and the ''[[Coleophora]]'' case-bearers ''C. aegyptiacae'', ''C. salviella'' (both feed exclusively on ''S. aegyptiaca''), ''C. ornatipennella'' and ''C. virgatella'' (both recorded on ''S. pratensis'').
===Selected species===
{{main|List of Salvia species}}
* ''[[Salvia apiana]]'' - White sage, California white sage.
* ''[[Salvia argentea]]'' - Silver sage.
* ''[[Salvia arizonica]]'' - Arizona sage, Desert indigo sage, a purple-flowering annual.
* ''[[Salvia azurea]]'' - Blue sage, Azure blue sage; very big bright blue flowers.
* ''[[Salvia candelabrum]]'' - a blue-flowering scented sage.
* ''[[Salvia carnosa]]'' - a blue-flowering annual, native to the Arizona desert.
* ''[[Salvia clevelandii]]'' - Blue sage, Cleveland sage, Fragrant sage.
* ''[[Salvia coccinea]]'' - Blood sage, a scarlet-flowered tender perennial
* ''[[Salvia columbariae]]'' - Chia, Chia sage, California chia.
* ''[[Salvia divinorum]]'' - Diviner's sage.
* ''[[Salvia dorrii]]'' - [[Ute Tribe | Ute]] Tobacco Sage (mild hallucinogen when smoked)
* ''[[Salvia farinacea]]'' - Mealycup sage, annual in temperate climates will survive mild winters
* ''[[Salvia forreri]]''
* ''[[Salvia fulgens]]'' - Cardinal sage, Mexican red sage, a red-flowering perennial
* ''[[Salvia funerea]]'' – Death Valley sage
* ''[[Salvia glutinosa]]''
* ''[[Salvia greggii]]'' - Autumn sage, a red-flowered sage with a very strong scent
* ''[[Salvia guaranitica]]'' - Anise sage or hummingbird sage.
* ''[[Salvia hispanica]]'' - the Chia of commerce.
* ''[[Salvia leucantha]]'' - Mexican bush sage, velvety spikes of violet-purple and white, 3' tall.
* ''[[Salvia leucophylla]]'' - Purple sage.
* ''[[Salvia longistyla]]'' - Mexican sage.
* ''[[Salvia lyrata]]'' - Lyre-leaved sage, Lyreleaf sage.
* ''[[Salvia mexicana]]'' - Mexican sage, medium blue to violet and lavender, 8' to 10' tall.
* ''[[Salvia miltiorrhiza]]'' - Chinese sage
* ''[[Salvia officinalis]]'' - Common sage.
* ''[[Salvia patens]]'' - a blue-flowering annual.
* ''[[Salvia polystachya]]'' - Chia sage, Chia seed.
* ''[[Salvia potus]]'' - Chia.
* ''[[Salvia pratensis]]'' - Meadow clary or Meadow sage.
* ''[[Salvia roemeriana]]'' - Cedar Sage; this species prefers shady moist areas
* ''[[Salvia sclarea]]'' - Clary or Clary sage.
* ''[[Salvia spathacea]]'' - Pitcher sage or Hummingbird sage.
* ''[[Salvia splendens]]'' - Scarlet sage.
* ''[[Salvia verticillata]]'' - Whorled clary, Lilac sage, a white- or blue-flowering perennial with the scent of Clary
* ''[[Salvia viridis]]'' ([[synonymy|syn.]]: ''S. horminum'') - Painted sage.
==Cultivation and uses==
===History===
The sage species used as herbs come from the Mediterranean and Asia Minor. Sage has also been grown in central Europe since the [[Middle Ages]].
The name ''Salvia'' derives from the Latin 'salveo', which means 'to heal'. Indeed this herb is highly regarded for its healing qualities. An ancient proverb states, "Why should a man die who has sage in his garden?". The ancient [[Greeks]] used it to treat [[tuberculosis|consumption]], [[ulcer]]s and [[snake bite]]s.
The [[Ancient Rome|Ancient Romans]] considered sage to be a sacred herb and followed an elaborate [[ceremony]] when harvesting it. A sage gatherer would use a special knife (not made of iron as it reacts with the sage), have to have clean clothes and clean feet and a sacrifice of food would have to be made before he could begin. The Romans would use it for toothpaste; they also believed it to be good for the brain, senses and memory. {{Fact|date=February 2007}}
The [[China|Chinese]] also were quite partial to this herb. 17th century [[Netherlands|Dutch]] merchants found that they would trade one chest of sage leaves for three of their teas [http://www.selfsufficientish.com/sage.htm].
Sages are also used by several [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] cultures.
===Medicinal uses===
{{Unreferenced|date=February 2007}}
Several types of ''Salvia'' are used medicinally:
* aromatic varieties (usually strongly scented [[Leaf|leaves]], also used as herbs)
* non-aromatic varieties (not considered medicinal, but many still have a scent)
* Chia sages
* ''Divinorum'' ([[Diviner's sage]]) contains a diterpenoid used for spiritual and recreational purposes.
* [[Alzheimer]]'s disease, research has shown that it improves cognitive function over a period of several months <ref>http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdf?vid=19&hid=119&sid=3ed5146a-be26-4910-a86e-f5ff50f1028f%40sessionmgr103 </ref>.
The aromatic sages strengthen the lungs and can be used in teas or [[tincture]]s to prevent coughs. Less aromatic species of ''Salvia'' are run-of-the-mill mint-family anti-inflammatories, which means that they can be used for pretty much any infection or inflammation, and will give at least some relief.
[[Common sage]] (''Salvia officinalis'') drunk as a cold tea will stop sweating, while the same tea drunk hot will produce sweating. Cold and hot teas will also either stop or enhance [[milk]] production. The [[essential oil]] is used in [[aromatherapy]] and [[medicine]].
[[White sage]] (''Salvia apiana'') is a very strong general [[anti-inflammatory]], used as tea or tincture. The tincture has a very nice scent and can be used as a [[perfume]]. This species is the famous whitesage of smudge sticks.
[[Pineapple sage]] (''Salvia elegans'', old: ''S. rutilans'') is a tender perennial with pineapple-scented leaves. Medicinally, this is perhaps closest to the [[scented geraniums]], a sweet-smelling ''[[Pelargonium]]'' species.
[[Salvia miltiorrhiza|Red sage]] (''Salvia miltiorrhiza'') is used medicinally in [[Traditional Chinese medicine]].
'''Chia sages'''. The seeds of these species are used as [[bulk laxatives]], much like the seeds of [[Psyllium]] (''Plantago'' spp.) or [[linseed]]. [[Chia]] has been important in the diet of desert Indians. It is still used for its [[Mucilage|mucilaginous]] qualities by Mexican natives.
[[Diviner's sage]] (''Salvia divinorum'') also called Yerba de la Pastora or sometimes just ''Salvia'', is a plant that differs from all the other sages. It is a [[Mexico|Mexican]] visionary herb and there is some evidence it is a true [[cultivar]]. It is known to have strong [[psychoactive]] properties.
==References and external links==
* ''A Book of Salvias: Sages for Every Garden'' by [[Betsy Clebsch]], Timber Press, 1997, ISBN 0-88192-369-9. An excellent reference on salvias. Also, an updated (2004 edition) is available.
* [http://www.itis.usda.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=32680] ITIS 32680 2002-09-06
* Akhondzadeh S, Noroozian M, Mohammadi M. R. 2003, Salvia Officinalis extract in the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease: A double blind and placebo-controlled trial. British Journal of Pharmacology, Vol. 140, p22P-22P, 1/2p
{{commons|Salvia}}
[[Category:Lamiaceae]]
[[Category:Herbs]]
[[Category:Garden plants]]
[[Category:Flowers]]