I've been enjoying truly divine salvia in the last few weeks. This is a re-discovery for me. I remember, as a kid, I had to rinse my mouth with it on orders from my dentist whom I hated very much for this. Little that I knew, she was quite progressive for the times, rather than make me go for the pesticides most dentists will prescribe after any kind of operation on the gums, she just said go to a grocery store and pick up some salvia. It tasted awful, but what doesn't to a kid, unless it's a lolly-pop?

Theses days I am really enjoying it as tea (it comes in bags, 2 grams to a bag, pour hot water, cover and let steep 5 minutes). I find the taste great and the tea invigorating.

So what is salvia?

It's an herb. Salvia leaves is what you use. You may know Salvia as sage.

It is well known in traditional and folk medicine. It is anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal. Often used externally as mouth rinse in any kind of gum trouble. It's an astringent.

It's a stimulant, will perk you up during the afternoon down time. Helps regulate digestive functions (a diastolic), offers relief in gastritis, intestinal inflammations and reduces menstrual pains. Helps reduce headaches and migraines, reduces perspiration and speeds up wound healing. They say it kills bacteria too.

Is there anything it isn't good for?

Where to get it?

I found it at my grocers. But, you can grow your own salvia. Pick up some seeds or ready-made in a pot from your street fruit/veggie vendor. Growing is easy. It's not a fussy plant and does well in any garden or a pot.

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