During the Middle Ages, the sage gained an even greater reputation as a medicinal herb in as much to compel Charlemagne to order that sage be cultivated in agricultural fields and planted in his personal palace gardens and monasteries during his reign over the Carolingian Empire. In fact, sage was one of the ingredients of the Four Thieves Vinegar that was a blend herbs at that time believed to help ward off the Black Plague. That may be the source of the scientific surname of the plant, "Officinales", because the Officina was the storeroom in monasteries where medicines were stored.





A common phrase during this time period was "Cur moriatur homo cui Salvia crescit in horto?", which translates to "Why should a man die whilst sage grows in his garden?'' and another English Proverb was "He that would live for aye, Must eat Sage in May." The crop was so prized that a traditional pest control was developed by planting Rue amongst the sage in order to keep small animals like frogs at bay.





The ancients and medieval peoples may have gotten carried away however, at least with the claims they hold to legendary sage. Although the plant may have some slowing properties, some believed it to cure and get rid of bites from venomous snakes and to even induce conception. However, other men such Gerard were carefully observant and quite accurate in their assessment of the properties of sage, at least in regards to current research and analysis, which is evident by is words "Sage is singularly good for the head and brain, it quickeneth the senses and memory, strengtheneth the sinews, restoreth health to those that have the palsy, and taketh away shakey trembling of the members." In fact, Dioscorides, Pliny the Elder, and Galenus all recommended Maramia as a diuretic, local anesthetic, styptic, hemostatic, emmenagogue, and tonic.







And even still today the Sage plant is held in high regards for its flavor, aroma, and medicinal properties in many communities around the world, especially around the Mediterranean and by the Native American Tribes.

