New Moon in Capricorn

With the new moon in Capricorn, this is an EXCELLENT time to start new habits...Capricorn is noted for discipline and focus on achieving your goals. The holiday season is over, time to start those New Year resolutions of diet and exercise...for real! :D

Now, when I think of this responsible Moon in Capricorn, the herb & essential oil that jumps to my mind is Sage - Salvia Officinalis, an evergreen perennial.



The transcendental qualities of Sage smoke-smudging have been revered in Native American ritual. Sage takes its name from the Latin root 'salvare' meaning 'to heal' or 'to save'. Among the Ancients and throughout the Middle Ages it was in high repute: Cur moriatur homo cui Salvia crescit in horto? (‘Why should a man die whilst sage grows in his garden?’) has a corresponding English proverb:

‘He that would live for aye,
Must eat Sage in May.’

It was considered a sacred herb by the Romans who used it both medicinally and in cooking. It was used in the Middle Ages by village 'wise women' (burnt at the stake for their practice of 'witchcraft') to help with child birth, menstruation and menopausal difficulties. It has also been used in many countries in folk medicine. Sage has a reputation to retard old age and restore energy. It helps in quickening the senses and memory, strengthening the sinews and restoring health to those suffering from palsies and trembling of limbs. It is considered very useful in failing memory. The herb acts on the cortex of the brain thereby eliminating memory exhaustion and improving concentration.

Sage is also known for its healing action on the throat and mouth. Gargles and mouthwashes use it as the principal ingredient. Leaves rubbed on the teeth regularly help to keep them sparkling white and strengthen the gums. To treat sore throat, half a liter of boiling water should be poured on a handful of sage leaves. When moderately cool a little vinegar and honey should be added. This mixture should be used as a gargle. While gargling, a teaspoon of this mixture can also be taken internally.

Finally, leafy sprigs of sage were among the strewing herbs spread on the floors of old manors, for it was believed to be an antiseptic to guard against plague and other infections.

Think tonight I'll fix some chicken seasoned with sage for dinner. :D