SAGE
(Salvia fruticosa)
Appearance
A perennial evergreen aromatic undershrub with grey-green
leaves, hairy below and wrinkled above, and woody stems. From February
to July violet two-lipped flowers appear in erect terminal spikes.
Habitat
Grows on dry rocky limestone slopes and edges of or clearings
in pine forest, or in riverbeds or amongst garigue by the sea or on sand
dunes or roadsides from sea-level to 5,000 ft.
Uses and Properties
The plant contains olio salviae, camphor, tannin as well
as other aromatic compounds. It is commonly used for tea on the Island,
an infusion being made from shade dried leaves. This tea is sold in
coffee shops as "Spatsia" or "faskomelo" and is regarded as a good general
tonic, good for the brain, senses and memory and also beneficial in cases
of tonsillitis, sore throats, bronchitis and respiratory infections in
general. It also has good expectorant action and is said to be good for
stomach, nerves and blood.
