(photo source Windy Meadow Farm)
Herb Weaving With Sage
Let’s do a little herb weaving today with sage and sedum!
I love the rich herby fragrance of sage (salvia officinalis) when it’s freshly cut and the color of the leaves when it’s dried and hanging in my kitchen. Late summer and early autumn is a perfect time to gather from the aromatic herbs growing in your garden or look for it at a farmer’s market. Oh, the joys of fall and the cooler days!
According to advice in Practical Herbalism, “Sage is a well regarded herb for women and can be especially helpful for relieving the hot flashes of menopause, and slowing heavy menstrual bleeding. Sage is also a good herbal tea for drying up breast milk for weaning.
“It is an excellent digestive herb when used for seasoning on meals of rich meats and fowl which can be hard on the digestive system. The colonists also considered sage a valuable remedy for colds and fevers in the harsh New England winters.”
Another lovely way to use the gorgeous sage leaves and other herbs such as fragrant rosemary, yarrow, dill, and thyme is to make an herb weaving. I found directions at the beautiful Windy Meadow Farm blog.
Perennial sage grows fuller and more splendid every year, spreading its aromatic richness as you brush past it. Its silvery blue mixes beautifully in an herb weaving with the gorgeous corals, terra cottas, and pinks of easy to grow ‘Autumn Joy’ sedum (above).
Hang your woven herb bouquet up near the kitchen where you will enjoy snipping off the dried herbs for the coming holiday meals or use as a centerpiece on the table or sideboard. Use sage sparingly as its flavor intensifies as it dries. Flavor will keep 3-4 months.
“Sage is singular good for the head and brain; it quickeneth the senses and memory; strengtheneth the sinews; restoreth health to those that hath the palsy; and takes away shaky trembling of the members.” ~ Gerard
“Women with child, if they be likely to come before their time, do eat thereof to their great good.” ~Agrippa
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Anna @ Feminine Adventures says
My sage plant is thriving and I didn’t know what to do with it all! Thanks for these fun ideas. <3
I've read that too much sage can dry up a nursing mother's milk. Have you heard this?
Jacqueline says
Hi, Anna 🙂 I wish my sage was abundant enough to weave, but alas, it is thinner after last years arctic experience! Yes, it can dry up milk as I noted: “Sage is also a good herbal tea for drying up breast milk for weaning.” but I think you need to drink a lot.
Hope you are well. I think of you often 🙂
Blessings, friend!
Toni says
What a nifty idea! If only I had enough sage – mine was partially killed by the weather last winter and didn’t do well at all this season. I’ll bookmark this in case it does better next year. Thank you for sharing, Jacqueline. I’m loving these cooler days, too. Have a great day!
Linda says
Wonderful! My sage has also had to fight back this year after a hard winter, but I am so happy to learn about herb weaving. I will definitely be planning ahead to next year.
Jacqueline says
I’m planning for next year, too, and want to weave in thyme and lavender! Can’t imagine the wonderful fragrance! Thanks!