Sage and sage preparations for the treatment of various diseases. When to harvest sage

Beautiful plant with purple flowers not only delights the eye, but has a wonderful effect on the body. The homeland of sage is considered to be the Mediterranean region, from where it was supplied to other countries as a medicine and an expensive currency. In China, a box of dried sage was equal to two or more boxes of average quality. Hippocrates designated sage as a "sacred" herb that gives strength to a weakened body and prolongs youth.

Today, the plant, which turned out to be extremely unpretentious to growing places, can be found in the fields of many states, purple fields look especially fabulous at the time of flowering.

The medicinal parts of the herb are the leaves that are full of essential oils, and flowering tops. If you ask herbalists and gardeners about when to harvest sage, it turns out that there are two most favorable periods. Young, freshly sown sage is harvested only in autumn, and already two or more summer plants are harvested during the flowering months (usually June-July) and during the ripening of the fruits (mid-late September).

Summer harvest lasts about 20 days from the beginning of blooming, after this period, the seeds begin to spread to the surrounding area, and the stems and leaves become coarser, the supply of minerals becomes scarcer. In the first two years of sage life, they try to pluck mainly the lower leaves with petioles, the length of which is two or more centimeters. Starting from the third year, all aerial shoots are already collected.

In order to make drying sage as convenient as possible, such twigs are collected in which bottom part completely blossomed, and the upper inflorescences are still in the buds.

There are two ways to harvest sage correctly:

• Tear off the stem with inflorescences and leaves with your hands;
• Cut with pruning shears, sickle, knife or garden shears.

In order not to destroy the bush, but to give it the opportunity to bloom again in the fall or next year, it is recommended not to collect all the raw materials, but only half or two-thirds. This will ensure the safety of the sage yield.

The harvesting of the plant is postponed on sunny and dry days, and is carried out in the first half of the day, as soon as the dew dries up. If sage is in dust or dirt, it is first doused with water from a spray bottle, hose or bottle, wait until it dries, and only then cut off the necessary parts. On the same day, you can start drying. How to properly dry sage and other medicinal plants, it is written in the article: "".

The healing properties of sage

Only 100 grams of sage contains 47% of the daily value of carbohydrates, 42.5% - fat, 106% - dietary fiber... Vitamin K is a hundred times the daily requirement, and vitamin pyridoxine and vitamin A are twice as high. The plant contains a significant amount of vitamin C and E, folic acid, thiamine, iron, manganese, calcium and magnesium, zinc, copper and potassium are also present.

Sage can be identified by its characteristic elongated purple inflorescences and green oblong leaves.

Sage for conception

This plant has taken a high place in traditional medicine as an assistant in the treatment of infertility and bringing the long-awaited pregnancy for the family. However, the reasons for not getting pregnant great amount, and sage copes only with those problems that are associated with hormonal disorders. Therefore, before starting herbal therapy, the site advises to undergo gynecological tests and identify the main reason possible infertility.

Sage for conception can be safely taken for ovulation disorders and low estrogen. It is this hormone that is responsible for the stable cycle in the female body, the formation of eggs and their separation from the ovaries into the fallopian tubes. If there is not enough estrogen, the follicles do not burst and, accordingly, the egg ready for fertilization does not appear.

In addition to ovulation, the hormone estrogen is involved in the formation of the endometrium, the lining of the uterus. The width of the endometrium varies depending on the day of the female cycle and is quite sensitive to hormonal levels. When the necessary hormones are not enough, the endometrium remains thin and cannot withstand the attachment of a fertilized egg to the uterine wall. Sage teas increase the production of estrogen, which in turn strengthens the uterine lining and makes it possible for the unborn child to implant to it.

For effective conception, sage is mixed with other herbs-phytohormones: upland uterus, and a red brush. To stabilize the hormonal background, sage can be added to teas and drinks, make elementary decoctions or infusions. However, the plant should not be used after ovulation because it tones the uterine walls and poses a risk for the attachment of the egg.

The herb has long been used to approach conception, nevertheless, sage during pregnancy is contraindicated for internal use and douching. The plant is potentially dangerous for the unborn child, because it provokes contractions of the uterine wall, which can result in a sudden abortion, that is, miscarriage.

In the hormonal background, from taking sage broths, changes also occur: the amount of progesterone decreases and estradiol levels increase. Progesterone is responsible for the preservation of the fertilized egg, its normal attachment to the uterine wall. A decrease in this hormone threatens a woman with a miscarriage and a violation in the placental circulation. In addition, a pregnant woman has an increase in blood pressure, even if she did not previously have a tendency to hypertension.

Therefore, the internal use of sage during pregnancy is prohibited. However, the plant can and should be used as a gargle, decoction for hair, tonic for the face and means for reducing skin irritations.

Sage contraindications

Despite its widespread positive effects, sage also harms the body. In order not to harm the body, firstly, you must always observe the dosage, and, secondly, do not allow the intake of the herb for the following ailments:

• Polycystic ovary;
• Diseases of the nervous system;
• Hypothyroidism;
• Jade;
• Myoma of the uterus;
• At all stages of pregnancy;
• When breastfeeding (except that the purpose of taking sage is to reduce milk production);
• Endometriosis;
• Hypertension;
• Insufficiency of the thyroid gland;
• Allergic manifestations, including sage itself.

The optimal period for taking sage products should not exceed 3 months. After the third month, you need to rest for 20-30 days and refrain from taking herbs and phytohormones similar in composition.

Application medicinal herb in medicine began in ancient times. Another name for medicinal sage, which was given to him by Hippocrates - sacred herb... It is important to take into account that meadow sage growing in meadows and along roads is not used in medicinal purposesas it is a completely different plant.

The perennial shrub Salvia officinalis has several names: salvia, meadovka, noble or royal sage, lettuce. The plant with a powerful woody root system belongs to the Labium family. A branchy sage stem, capable of reaching a height of 70 cm, is covered with foliage. Grayish-green leaf blades are petiolate and oblong, rounded at the base with crenate-toothed margins and a cover of small gray hairs.

In early summer, the shrub blooms with pink, brown or purple flowers, collected in rings of 4 to 8 pieces. In September, 4 nutty fruits appear.

The natural habitat of the shrub is Mediterranean countries with dry loamy soil. IN natural conditions sage is not found in medical purposes in Russia, Ukraine and others european countries usually cultivate it. Reproduction takes place through seedlings, seeds, cuttings and plant division. Since the bush has decorative properties and a pleasant aroma, gardeners love to breed it.

Natural habitat of medicinal sage - Mediterranean countries with dry loamy soil

Places and rules for collecting sage

From compliance with the collection rules healing herb, its value depends. It is important to collect all medicinal plants away from sources of pollution ( car roads, enterprises, cities). Otherwise, the raw material will absorb heavy metals and harmful chemical elements.

. Flowers and foliage are recommended to be picked in June from the moment of flowering. You need to harvest strong and undamaged leaves, as well as inflorescences.

Gallery: officinal sage (25 photos)

How to collect medicinal sage (video)

The collected grass should be spread thin layer on a paper or cloth backing in a place protected from direct sunlight. The second drying method is to collect the sage in brooms and hang in a well-ventilated area. The harvesting period of the plant lasts 3 weeks, until it fades.

Since young twigs with panicles of inflorescences begin to grow in autumn, harvesting can be continued. The autumn harvesting process is the same as the summer harvest. Difficulty is possible only when drying due to frequent rains. Then the raw materials can be placed for drying in an oven with a temperature of 40 ° C and the door can be slightly opened.

The maximum amount of essential oil in the grass is observed at the beginning of the summer season.

Useful and medicinal properties of medicinal sage

The presence of useful substances in the shrub allows it to be successfully used in the treatment of many ailments. The leaves are rich in the following elements:

• alkaloids;
• essential oils;
• flavonoids;
• vitamins;
• microelements;
• organic acids;
• resinous and tannins;
• bitterness.

Sage has the following effects on the body:

• expectorant;
• astringent;
• choleretic;
• emollient;
• antimicrobial;
• hemostatic;
• diuretic;
• anti-inflammatory;
• diaphoretic;
• bactericidal.

The use of products containing sage depends on the purpose and the expected effect. The patient uses decoctions or infusions externally or internally, depending on the disease.

Medicinal preparations based on medicinal sage have high biological activity

Pharmaceutical forms of sage release and their purpose

Medicinal preparations have high biological activity... Herb-based pharmaceutical campaigns release many medicines.

1. Powder. Local astringent, antimicrobial, antifungal and antiviral action.
2. Syrup. It is characterized by antitussive and bronchodilatory properties.
3. Lozenges... The use is recommended for prophylactic purposes and to combat pathologies of the upper respiratory tract.
4. Spray. Antiseptic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
5. Solution for local use... It is used as an anti-inflammatory, astringent and antiseptic agent.
6. Alcohol solution. It has a tanning, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effect.
7. Collection. Possesses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Some remedies are combined with the addition of other herbs that have a healing effect.

The healing properties of sage (video)

Sage contraindications

Due to the fact that the plant has estrogenic properties, it should not be taken by women who have been diagnosed with fibroids, endometriosis and polycystic disease. Contraindication applies to women during periods of childbearing and breastfeeding.

Folk recipes with medicinal sage

The indications for treatment with the valuable shrub can be very varied. It has long been used in home therapy as a homeopathic remedy for many diseases.

Thanks to the active substances contained in the aromatic plant, preparations based on it help to cope with gynecological ailments, respiratory diseases and infections. genitourinary system... Flowers are usually included in gastric and chest herbal preparations to alleviate pulmonary conditions.

Sage flowers are commonly included in gastric and chest herbal preparations to alleviate pulmonary conditions

In dermatology, lotions, powders and compresses are used to help get rid of fungal infections, ulcers, purulent wounds and other skin lesions. Taking baths with the addition of valuable raw materials helps to treat excessive sweating, relieve pain, relieve swelling and stop bleeding in hemorrhoids.

For cosmetic purposes, a hair rinse agent is prepared, as well as compresses and infusions for facial skin care. Sage tea helps to increase performance and improve brain activity, as well as stimulates the immune system.

Folk recipes:

• Inflammatory processes of the tonsils, throat, gums and oral cavity are treated by rinsing a solution of 500 ml of boiled water and 1 teaspoon of sage leaves.
• To get rid of acute bronchitis, boil 250 ml of milk and 1 tablespoon of herbs in an enamel container, cool, strain, then boil again and drink overnight.
• Thanks to the content natural antibiotic, the tincture disinfects wounds and cleanses the blood. To prepare it, you should take 4 teaspoons of leaves and 2 glasses of water. The infusion can be used against hair loss. Wounds can be sprinkled with crushed dry grass powder, and a fresh sage leaf can be applied to the insect bite.
• With pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, the concentration of the drug should be reduced. 2 teaspoons of raw materials need to be boiled for 3 minutes in 500 ml of water, insist and take 1 tablespoon for colitis every 3 hours, and for gastritis with low acidity, a third of a glass 3 times a day before meals.
• With angina, bronchitis, tracheitis, laryngitis and pharyngitis, inhalations are made from 1 teaspoon of raw materials or 2 drops of oil.
• If you need to strengthen nervous system, you should make a remedy from the leaves: sage (5 g), Dubrovnik (5 g) and boiling water (50 ml). Consume before meals.

Update: October 2018

Salvia officinalis (salvia) is useful plant from the Yasnotkov family, which has long been used in official and folk medicine. Clary sage is also beneficial and is a source of essential oil. The sage scent cannot be forgotten, but appearance plants cause pleasant aesthetic sensations.

The homeland of the beautiful dwarf shrub is the Mediterranean. Accordingly, the first who began to use the plant for medicinal purposes were the ancient Greek and Roman healers, and they used sage in the very wide range... The name comes from the Greek - "health and well-being".

Structure

The plant is a perennial, reaches maximum height 75 cm. The root is firm and branched. Numerous stems have a tetrahedral shape and are densely covered with oblong leaves. Flowers have irregular shape, painted in purple or pinkish-white, collected in inflorescences. The fruit remains in the calyx.

Flowering begins in the second year of the growing season and lasts from late May to July. Sage is cultivated in the heat-loving regions of Russia, in Ukraine, in the Crimea, and with decorative purpose... The leaves have a strong odor. The upper parts of the plant and the leaves, as well as the inflorescences of the clary sage, are of medicinal value.

Collection and procurement

Sage leaves can be harvested all summer, from the flowering period. They should be cut at a height of 10 cm from the ground, separated from the stems and laid in an even layer on paper. Drying can be done as open way in the shade, and in a dryer at T 40 C. The raw material retains its properties for 12 months. after harvesting. Best stored in glass jars out of exposure to sunlight.

Chemical composition

Sage leaves contain:

The valuable essential oil is most actively produced during the fruiting period and is found most of all in flowers.

Medicinal properties and contraindications of sage

Sage leaves have:

• astringent;
• anti-inflammatory;
• disinfectant;
• antimicrobial, especially against staphylococci and streptococci;
• tonic;
• hemostatic effect.

The essential oil of the plant is equal in effectiveness to Vishnevsky's ointment, since it has an antibacterial and wound-healing effect.

Sage preparations are indicated for:

• Bleeding and inflammation of the gum tissue and oral mucosa;
• Catarrhal phenomena of the upper respiratory tract;
• Stomach colic;
• Diabetes mellitus;
• Long-term non-healing wounds, burns, ulcers;
• Radiculitis, sciatica and other diseases.

Contraindications and special instructions

You can not take sage in doses exceeding the recommended ones, as well as for more than 3 months continuously. Absolute contraindications to the use of sage preparations are:

• individual intolerance;
• acute nephritis;
• strong, persistent cough;
• pregnancy and lactation;
• also do not recommend treatment for children under 5 years of age.

Side effects

With intolerance, plants can develop individual reactions hypersensitivity. Exceeding the indicated dosages and very long-term use may cause irritation of the mucous membranes.

Sage pharmacological preparations

In addition to dry plant materials, sage is available in the following dosage forms:

• It is part of syrups for the treatment of diseases of the respiratory and pharyngeal organs: Broncholin-Sage, Larinal, Bronkhosip, etc.
• Plant extract is part of cosmetics (shampoos, creams, hair balms), toothpastes, mouth rinses.

Folk recipes

The scope of application of sage in traditional medicine is really limitless. It is used for the treatment of ENT pathology (tonsillitis, laryngitis, etc.), inflammatory and purulent skin lesions, pulmonary tuberculosis, polyarthritis, edema, radiculitis, atherosclerosis, gynecological diseases, gastrointestinal tract pathologies, liver, infertility and much more. Here are the most effective recipes with a plant.

Sage tea

• It has a pronounced antiperspirant effect, which lasts for at least 2 hours. Recommended both for excessive sweating and for diseases accompanied by rapid sweating, such as tuberculosis.
• Helps speedy recovery from bronchitis, bronchial asthma, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver and gallbladder.
• Stops lactation if necessary.
• Strengthens hair follicles, stops premature baldness.

1 tbsp dried raw materials or 1 bag of pharmacy tea is poured with 1 glass of boiling water, infused for 15 minutes and drunk by a third of the glass three times a day before meals. The optimal duration of treatment is 2-3 weeks.

Sage tea

For external use:

• Promotes the early tightening of non-healing wounds (washing wounds, applying lotions).
• Eliminates thrush in children (mouthwash).
• Sage helps with toothache, as well as in the treatment of flux, (gargle).
• Reduces the severity of inflammatory changes in angina (throat irrigation and gargling).
• , strengthens the roots (rinsing after washing with a light massage of the scalp).

For internal reception:

• Normalizes the acidity of gastric juice in gastritis with low acidity.
• Helps with colitis, enterocolitis.
• - sage not only facilitates sputum discharge, but also has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect.

1 tbsp dry leaves are poured with a glass of boiling water and insisted for 1 hour, filtered. Inside take half a glass three times a day before meals. For the treatment of cough, it is recommended to mix the infusion with warm milk in a 1: 1 ratio.

Broth with sage

• Accelerates recovery from bronchopulmonary pathology;
• Helps to cure exacerbations of gastrointestinal and liver diseases.
• Normalizes blood sugar.
• Reduces sciatica pain.

One tbsp. dry raw materials are poured with a glass of boiling water and boiled over very low heat for 10 minutes, after removing from the heat, insist for another half hour. Take 1 tbsp. three times a day.

Sage alcoholic tincture

• Helps in the treatment of atherosclerosis.
• Improves brain activity, especially in elderly patients.

3 tbsp dry herbs insist 1 month on half a liter of alcohol for sunny placetightly closing the lid. Take 1 tbsp. before meals with water.

Sage wine

Recommended for older people for general strengthening, improving the functioning of blood vessels and the brain. For 1 liter of table grape species, 80 grams of dry plant raw materials are taken. The mixture is infused for 8 days and taken in 20 ml a day after meals.

Sage inhalation

• Contribute to the elimination of inflammatory processes in the throat, bronchi.
• Help cure infectious rhinitis.
  

A handful of dry herbs are poured with 2 glasses of water and boiled over low heat for about 5 minutes. The resulting broth is allowed to cool slightly, then inhalation is carried out over the steam, covered with a towel, for about 5-7 minutes.

Sage herb for infertility

Whole books of traditional healers are devoted to the treatment of infertility with the help of a plant, which is quite scientific explanation... The fact is that sage phytohormones are similar in structure to estrogens, female sex hormones, therefore they act in the body in a similar way (see also). But before treatment, you should consult with a gynecologist about the possibility and feasibility of phytotherapy.

Treatment regimen

Herbal medicine is prescribed for 10 days in the first phase of the menstrual cycle on the first day after the completion of the next menstruation, i.e. from about the 5th to the 15th day of the cycle. If menstruation is absent for a long period of time, then treatment can be started on any day - in this case, the first day of treatment will be considered the 5th day of the cycle.

Preparation

One tbsp. dry leaves of a plant or a pharmacy tea bag is brewed with a glass of boiling water, infused for 15 minutes, filtered. This is a daily portion that is divided into three meals throughout the day and drunk 20 minutes before meals. A fresh infusion is prepared for every day.

Efficiency

Through 1-3 cycles (1-3 course admissions accordingly) you should go for an ultrasound scan and assess the condition of the ovaries, endometrium and other signs of readiness for pregnancy. You can not take sage for more than 3 months, but if necessary, repeat treatment with a break of 1 month.

Sage in gynecology

It is used to eliminate climacteric symptoms, it is especially effective when used at the earliest manifestations of menopause, even before the cessation of menstruation.

The plant is effective in treatment premenstrual syndromeaccompanied by emotional instability, soreness of the abdomen, etc.

It has beneficial properties for women who need to stop lactation, for which it is recommended to take tea or sage infusion, 100 ml twice a day for 5-7 days, but usually milk disappears already on 3-4 days of intake.

At the same time, it is recommended to apply compresses on the mammary glands with sage oil (2-3 drops per 25 ml vegetable oil) in order to prevent milk stagnation. The gauze is moistened in the resulting mixture of oils and applied to the chest for 1 hour, covered with cellophane. Enough once during the day.

• The ancient luminaries of medicine considered the plant to be salvation from all diseases and even from material distress;
• During the plague, sage preparations helped to recover and recover;
• Research is underway to develop sage-based drugs for treatment;
• Sage extract is used in perfumery.

Exist a large number of medicinal plants, among which sage is far from the last. The plant belongs to the perennials of the Lamb family, today there are about 900 different types... Due to the large number chemical substances, which are part of sage, the plant can help humans in a number of cases.

How sage can be used:

• to combat inflammatory processes in the throat, mouth, bronchi;
• to disinfect and help skin cells (recover faster after frostbite, burns, pustular diseases);
• to improve digestion, relieve spasms in the intestines, eliminate bloating;
• to strengthen the immune system;
• to enhance hair growth, prevent hair loss.

In addition, sage-based products help with insomnia and stressful situations, save from increased sweating legs.

All these positive traits say that dried sage has the right to be present in the home first aid kit. And already to engage in its collection and procurement or to buy it in dried form, everyone decides independently. So when to cut sage for drying?

Sage harvest

When to harvest sage? The most favorable period for collecting leaves and flowers is early summer. At this point, the plant contains a large amount of essential oils. The collection begins after the inflorescences bloom.

Important! To prepare a medicinal base, you must choose a sage with dark green leaves and lilac inflorescences.

For medicinal purposes, the flowering tops of the plant are used, as well as leaves saturated with healing essential oils. The collection and harvesting of sage for the first time after planting is carried out in early autumn, then foliage with inflorescences are harvested twice, when summer and autumn are on the calendar:

• onset of budding (June-July);
• ripening of fruits (September).

Need to know.After sowing for a two-year period, only the lower leaves of the sage can be plucked, having petioles of at least 20 cm.After this period, medicinal raw materials can be harvested from all ground parts of the plant.

Sage harvesting can be done in two ways:

• breakage of hardwood parts by hand followed by drying;
• cutting with improvised means (sickle, pruning shears, scissors) of the entire ground part of the plant, drying and threshing leaves and flowers.

Sage - how to prepare correctly? To obtain high-quality raw materials, plants are collected in dry and sunny daysafter the morning dew has dried. If medicinal herb dusty and dirty, it must be rinsed with water and dried properly.

Having determined the time for collecting sage, you should go directly to the harvest.

On a note.Dried, damaged by insects or diseased leaves should not fall into the workpiece.

How to dry sage

This plant has a pleasant aroma that will persist even after drying. But if the harvesting conditions are violated, the raw material will smell musty.

It is necessary to dry sage immediately after harvesting. Inflorescences with leaves are washed in water at room temperature. Do not use hot liquid - this leads to the loss of half medicinal properties culture. After that, you need to lay out the raw materials on parchment or newspaper sheets.

The room where the plants are laid out (hung) must be dry and well ventilated. The procedure can also be carried out outdoors, but only if there is a canopy. It is important not to forget to periodically turn parts of the plant.

How to dry sage properly? This can be done without cutting the leaves and flowers from the shoots. It is enough to collect all the plants in small bunches and hang them under a canopy so that the tops are looking down.

Dried sage in a bunch

Using dryers

You can dry a medicinal plant in a special dryer or oven. Maximum temperature in drying chamber should not exceed 40 ° C, otherwise there will be a loss of aroma and essential oils.

When selecting raw materials for drying, you should avoid extraneous branches, thick stems and other impurities. To understand whether the raw material is ready or not, it uses simple testing. Light fragility of the leaves indicates high-quality drying, but if the stems are simply bent, then the process must be continued.

Subtleties of storage

You can store whole leaves with inflorescences or grind them beforehand, but in this case the essential oils will evaporate much faster. Medicinal plants need to be placed in carton boxes, canvas or paper bag, in a dry jar having nylon cover... There is only one requirement for the room - it must be constantly ventilated.

Note! If all the rules are followed, then the raw materials obtained after drying can be used for two years.

Security measures

After it became clear when to collect and harvest sage, it's time to mention not only the beneficial properties of this plant. After all, like many others, it has its own contraindications. This is because some substances can be beneficial or harmful to human health. There are a number of cases in which the plant is best not consumed for treatment:

• the use of sage or medicines in which it is included leads to the accumulation of substances in the body that negatively affect the function of the kidneys;
• for children, the use of sage inside is not recommended due to the effect of thujone on the fragile nervous system;
• polycystic kidney disease or other inflammatory processes impose a ban on the use of sage as a medicine;
• at an early stage of pregnancy, it can cause a miscarriage, at a later stage it provokes exfoliation of the placenta;
• contraindicated in breastfeeding (suppression of lactation);
• intolerance in the individual case.

Sage Uses

It is important to know not only how to prepare sage, but also how to take it correctly. Having familiarized yourself with the contraindications and, if none were found, you can prepare a tea that will have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects.

To prepare a drink you will need:

• sage - 2 teaspoons;
• boiling water - 250 ml.

Sage Uses

Pour boiling water over dry sage, let it brew for 30 minutes, strain before use. If in winter you had to deal with such unpleasant diseases as tonsillitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, then this drink is more effective with the addition of honey.

A mixture of lemon juice and tea is used as a gargle for sore throats in winter.

Having received an answer to the questions of when to collect and how to dry sage, everyone can independently collect a useful plant and use it for their needs for medicinal purposes.

Sage is widely used in cooking and is of particular value for medicine. A huge number of useful components are concentrated in the leaves of the plant: flavonoids, phytoncides, alkaloids, resins, tannins and camphor substances, vitamins, but the plant is especially valuable with an essential oil containing many active compounds, and thanks to which a strong aroma comes from the herb. In cultivated sage, the content of nutrients and ethers changes during the growing season, therefore, the collection of plants for harvesting is carried out only during a certain period.

Sage collection procedure

Sage - perennial grass, the full growing season of which lasts two years. Therefore, a full-fledged sage harvest begins from the second year of the plant's life. In the year of sowing the crop, the first crop can only be harvested in the fall. In all subsequent years, the grass is harvested in two stages: in summer (end of June - July) and in autumn (September - early October).

For medical purposes, the leaves and tops of the shoots are used, since it is in these parts of the plant that the maximum amount of nutrients and esters is concentrated. In the first two years, only the lower leaves are collected from the bush, and in the future, raw materials are procured from the entire ground part. At the same time, you can collect the leaves both with your hands and with the help of scissors, pruning shears, sickle - the sage grows quickly, and cut off at the base in summer, it again forms a young bush by autumn.

It is advisable to harvest sage on warm sunny days when the plant is dry. Dirty, dusty grass should first be washed with water from a watering can or a hose, and then wait until the plants are completely dry. When collecting raw materials for a medicine, you need to ensure that sick or insect-damaged shoots do not get into the total mass.

Video "What every gardener needs to know"

Demonstration video with useful information for gardeners.

In summer time

Summer sage harvest takes place in early summer (late June), when the inflorescences begin to bloom. The herb harvested during this period is more saturated with ethers, and therefore is of particular value for traditional medicine, as well as for cooking - dry plants are considered a spice, and are successfully used as an additive to many dishes.

For drying, choose undamaged shoots with dark green foliage, as well as buds that have not fully blossomed. Summer grass harvesting lasts about 20 days, until mid-July. Then the sage fades, and seeds begin to ripen in place of the inflorescences. During this period, the green part of the plant coarsens, and the concentration of useful components decreases, so it is inappropriate to collect grass. The culture reproduces well by self-sowing - dry seeds that have fallen into the soil germinate after the first rain.

Collection in autumn

The second harvest of sage grass lasts from late September to mid-October, when the plants are fully recovered from the hot summer. By autumn, self-sown bushes will form and get stronger, and velvety greens will grow again on the bushes cut in summer, and buds will appear. The concentration of nutrients in autumn grass is in no way inferior to that harvested in summer, so the autumn harvest is no less valuable.

In the fall, sage is also harvested on dry days. If the weather is often rainy, you need to wait until the plants are completely dry, and only then collect them. Do not use bushes growing within the city limits for drying, especially along roads - such plants are saturated industrial emissions and exhaust gases. For food and medicine, it is important that the herb is of good quality and harvested correctly.

How to store sage

For long-term storage sage needs drying. Correctly harvested and well dried grass can be stored for up to 2 years under the following conditions:

• the container for storing dry leaves must be breathable (made of natural materials: cardboard, parchment, cotton) - storage in tightly closed glass or metal jars is allowed, but not more than a year;
• the place or room for storing harvested grass should be dry, well ventilated and preferably dark;

• do not store dried sage in bunches, as the herb quickly burns out and loses its useful and taste qualities - it is better to separate the leaves and inflorescences from the dried shoots, and then place them in containers intended for storage;
• it is necessary to regularly check the quality of dry raw materials, since very often they start in the grass various pests: food moth, mold;
• it is better to store dry raw materials separately from other herbs and products, because a strong sage aroma tends to quickly evaporate, mix and absorb.

It should also be borne in mind that in bags, boxes, bags, raw materials are stored longer, but at the same time their aroma disappears, and in tightly closed containers the aroma lasts longer, but the shelf life of the herb is reduced due to the lack of ventilation.

Drying

Only undamaged leaves and tops of sage shoots are suitable for drying - the lower stems are usually very coarse, almost woody, so we do not harvest them for future use. Drying of sage leaves is carried out in several ways:

• leaves and young shoots are torn off the stems by hand and placed on a covered metal surface, for example a baking sheet, covered with gauze or a cloth in one layer, and placed in a dry, well-ventilated place;
• an easier way is to dry the grass without breaking the leaves - cut plants should be laid out on paper in a layer of 30-40 cm under a canopy in a warm place, and after drying, thresh the inflorescences and leaves;
• drying grass in bunches is also popular - for this method, the plants are tied, suspended with inflorescences down, and after drying, the dry foliage is separated from the stems;
• artificial drying is the fastest and effective way, since it allows you to save more healing essential oils - when using the dryer, you need to make sure that the temperature in it does not rise above 35 ° C, since when overheated, the healing and essential properties of the herb evaporate.

Natural drying of sage leaves is carried out only outdoors, under awnings, where moisture does not get. Dry grass is very fragrant, but if not dried properly, it can get musty. bad smell... To prevent this from happening, we constantly monitor the temperature and humidity of the air when we harvest the plants - temperature regime should be at the level of 30-35 ° C, and the humidity should not exceed 13%.

Video "Useful properties of sage"

Informational video about the benefits and properties of sage.