Sage and Rosemary for Winter Health

There are several reasons sage and rosemary are excellent herbs to take in the winter time. I will give you some characteristics of each herb and then why they are doubly good together. Besides being delicious in many foods, and easy to use, these are also hardy herbs that grow well in winter. Try growing in some pots, indoors or out.

Rosemary is an excellent all around tonic. It is a brain stimulant and digestion helper. Rosemary is ideal for treating exhaustion, weakness and depression. It can help with “cold conditions” like chills and rheumatism because it increases circulation and helps with muscle spasms. Studies show it reduces headaches, fights bacterial and fungal infections and can strengthen fragile blood vessels. It has also been used as a treatment for septic shock and investigated as an inhibitor of cancer cells. The scent was used to purify the air in French hospitals in the past as has been popular medicinally since ancient times.

Sage (culinary) has also been used for medicine for centuries. Old herbalists found sage helpful for grieving patients, strengthening them mentally and physically. Sage has drying properties and can help with throat inflammations, mucus discharge and in fighting cold and flu germs and staph infections. It is also good for digestion. It is a powerful tonic that has antiseptic, antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Sage has a reputation for restoring failing memory in the elderly. Old herbals believed it prolonged life. It is known to check sweats. It is used to dry up milk when nursing moms are ready to wean.

Do NOT use either of these herbs when pregnant and/or nursing.

Why they are good together: Rosemary and Sage are not only complimentary to the taste buds but work synergistically together to build the immune system and fight off infection in wintertime. They also help fight off winter blues, blahs and depression! They are a tonic for the brain, digestion and circulation. These two herbs together with ginkgo are shown to have the same anti-Alzheimer potential as common medications in fighting off the disease!

Mediterranean Herb Blend Recipe: 

2 Tbsps dried oregano

2 Tbsps dried rosemary

2 Tbsps dried thyme

2 Tbsps dried basil

1 Tbsp dried marjoram

1 Tbsp dried sage

1 Tbsp dried parsley

optionals: 1 Tbsp of dried mint and/or tarragon