Blue Sage Salvia azurea
Blue sage is a member of the Mint family (Lamiaceae). “Salvia” is a name that means “healer,” referring to this ancient name for a sage with medicinal properties. The species name “azurea” is Latin for “sky blue.” Blue sage is a common name that refers to several different plant species. The name “sage” refers to this plant being traditionally used as medicine for pain. CLASS: Vascular plant (5’ tall) COMPOSITION: Open / Airy / Dense LIGHT PREFERENCE: Full sun - Full Shade BLOOM: Late summer through early fall FLOWER COLOR: Blue FRUITS: n/a LEAVES: opposite leaves, widely spaced SOIL: limestone, calcareous, sandy loam, clay loam This fragrant, perennial plant is a favorite plant of pollinators. A variety of insects visit the flowers, but bumblebees and butterflies seem to be the most attracted to the flowers. Characteristic of the genus Saliva is the atypical pollination mechanism. Two stamens occur at the end of a stalk that acts as a lever, so when insects land on the flower, their backs become dipped in pollen. The unique structure of the stamens is believed to be the driving force in the diversity of this large genus. Also, the floral characteristics of this genus suggests it is a monophyletic group, but recent DNA analysis show it is actually a product of convergent evolution.
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Native Americans have harvested smudging plants for thousands of years. The tradition of using Salvias, Lamiaceae and other native North American plants, as ceremonial smoke or in smudge pots for cleansing and purification continues within the Native North American culture today; The Chumash of the central and southern coastal regions of California, the Plains Indians, eastern groups like Cree, Ojibwe and Cherokee all use smoke for smudging and local plants for burning. Sage is used to create a protective field around a space. All salvias have medicinal qualities. Besides being used for smudging, sage leaves can be made into a tea. The Chumash have a very precise way of making tea from sage varieties. Sage contains over 160 distinct polyphenols, which are plant-based chemical compounds that act as antioxidants in your body. Some of the acids in sage are linked to impressive health benefits, such as a lower risk of cancer and improved brain function and memory. One study found that drinking 1 cup (240 ml) of sage tea twice daily significantly increased antioxidant defenses. It also lowered both total cholesterol and “bad” LDL cholesterol, as well as raised “good” HDL cholesterol. PROPERTIES: tonic, nervine, vasodilatory, diuretic, antiseptic, anti-fungal, pesticide, magnesium, zinc, copper, vitamins A, C, E, and K, antioxidant, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, ellagic acid, rutin antimicrobial, antiviral
