Wood Sage.

Botanical name: 

Plate 41. Also see Red Sage - Sage of Vitue - Wood Sage.

Salvia agrestis.

A wild plant, common in woods and hedges, with leaves like sage, and spikes of small flowers. It grows two feet and a half high. The stalk is square, firm, slender, and upright. The leaves stand two at each joint: they are somewhat shorter and broader than those of sage, of a green colour, and serrated about the edges. The flowers are numerous, and very small: they stand in long spikes, and are of a greenish yellow colour, with some red threads in them. The plant has a singular smell, with something of the garlic flavour, but that not strong.

The tops are to be used fresh. Made into an in fusion, they promote urine and the menses: the juice of them drank for a continuance, is excellent against rheumatic pains.


The Family Herbal, 1812, was written by John Hill.