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SAGE (Wood) TEUCRIUM SCORODONIA The drink used inwardly, and the herb used outwardly, is found to be a sure remedy for the palsy. A perennial belonging to the Nettle family. It grows to about two feet (60 cm) with square hairy stems and two leaves at every joint. The flowers are greenish-yellow and set in a slender spike. Where to find it: Common in woodland, grassland and heaths. It is also found by the sides of roads and on hedge-banks. Flowering time: Throughout the summer. Astrology: The Sages are under Venus. Medicinal virtues: A decoction provokes the urine and women's courses. It induces sweating, digests humours and discusses swellings and nodes in the flesh. It is therefore good against venereal disease. A decoction of the green herb, made with wine, is a safe and sure remedy for those who by falls, bruises, or blows, suspect some vein to be inwardly broken, to disperse and void the congealed blood, and to consolidate the veins. The juice of the herb, or the powder of it, is good for moist ulcers and sores in the legs to dry and heal them more speedily. It is no less effectual for fresh wounds. Modern uses. An infusion of the dried herb is taken in doses of 2 fl oz (56 ml) to improve appetite, to stimulate the menstrual flow and to produce sweating in feverish colds. In an infusion with Chickweed, it makes a good lotion for sore skin. The powdered herb is used in poultices for boils and ulcers. |