SAGE (Salvia Officinalis) is the most common of the 900 species of sage. Known for promoting longevity and wellness-being it is also widely used as a culinary herb with one teaspoon boasting:

- 41 IU of vitamin A

- 12 mg calcium

- 7 mg potassium

- 3 mg magnesium

- 1mg phosphorus.

Sage has been known to:

- Aid digestion

- Expel gas from the intestines

- Calm the stomach, adrenal glands and sympathetic nervous system

 - Reduce perspiration

- Aid in healing wounds

Uses Include:

Food

Adding fresh or dried to flavor meats, soups and breads. This is a wonderful recipe that can be used for flatbread or bruschetta.

First* Thinly slice 1/2 yellow onion add to a pan with two tablespoons of olive oil on medium heat, when onions start to caramelize add 1 cup of butternut squash (small cubes), turn off heat and stir together. Add cracked black pepper or for a little zip crushed red pepper and salt to taste. Put in an air fryer tray and roast until the edges of the squash are browned and you can pierce easily with a fork(set aside)

Second*Heat a frying pan to approximately 180 degrees, then rub olive oil on both sides of your French bread slices or your flatbread and brown on both sides. remove from heat and top with squash and onion mixture then add goat cheese.

Third* In a small frypan melt two tablespoons of butter with one tablespoons of olive oil, add crushed garlic clove and 6 sage leaves, sautee until slightly browned and drizzle over the bruchetta or flatbread. * garnish with fresh sage leaves.

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Beverages

For Tea: Add dried or fresh sage to hot water in a tea cup (do not boil herbs or they will loose potency), steep for 10 minutes, add honey to taste and a dash of lemon or orange.

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Dessert

Chia Seed Pudding Parfait

In a glass Tupperware add 4 T. Chia Seeds, 1 cup (plant milk of your choice), 1-2 t. Maple Syrup, 1/4 t. vanilla, and two chopped sage leaves. Cover and shake well, refrigerate over night.

Layer your favorite granola (I love Public Goods Vanilla and Coconut Grain Free Granola and SAKARA Classic Superfood Granola. Then layer Chia Seed pudding , Strawberries, Kiwis then top with your favorite strawberry yogurt and garnish with fresh sage.

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Rituals

In Germany a combination of Sage, Cedar and Juniper is burned in hospitals to clear the air and kill bacteria. Native Americans burned sage to clear negative energy.

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 Warnings

*NOTE:Do not drink sage tea for more than 5-7 days in a row to avoid sensitivity. There are many herbs that have similar benefits and characteristics and are best alternated as a tea. Do not use if you are pregnant. If you are on a treatment plan or taking medication, consult your physician before use.