Sage has many uses. Learn how you can make this herb work for you in 14 different ways.
byLinda Parker
November 24, 2021 - Updated on October 30, 2023
inHerbs
Sage is a versatile herb that can be used in both cooking and gardening. It thrives even when the conditions are worst, making it easy to grow with no fusses required on your part!
The Mediterranean climate of its native land allows this plant to grow in areas that many other plants would not be able. With little water and an easy care regimen, it’s no wonder why succulents are gaining popularity as more people learn about their wonders!
Sage is a great choice for your garden, as it attracts beneficial insects while repelling other pests.
1. Sage Infused Oil
Sage is a herb that can be used in many dishes to add flavor without overpowering other ingredients. Sage-infused oils, when added at the end of cooking time or before serving meals offer an instant boost with no need for extra spices, plus the oil is very easy to make!
All you need is a few clean glass bottles with an air-tight seal or oil dispenser, some olive oil and sage leaves. Fresh leaves work best but dried ones can also be used!
Next, heat up a saucepan over medium heat and add your oil followed by leaves. Pour the oil into a sterilized glass jar once it’s been heated through! This should only take 5-10 minutes total.
Place your jar away from direct sunlight and let the oil sit until it’s completely cooled down. Next, using a sieve to strain out any unwanted pieces of sage leaves and there you go, you’ve got your own sage oil!
With the new sage oil, you can now enjoy a plethora of meals without overwhelming your senses. The flavor will go well with poultry and other dishes that require spicing up!
2. Sage Butter
Making your own butter seems like a daunting and difficult task. But you’d be surprised how easy it is! Sage-flavored butter can be melted over veggies or grilled chicken for an added punch of flavor.
3. Sage Seasoning Salt
For those who like to spice up their meals, a pinch of salt with some sage and rosemary can liven things up. You could even use this as an ingredient in the foods you cook!
You’ll need: one cup of course sea salt, half that volume with rosemary leaves and sage. To round it out you can also add 2 tablespoons black peppercorns for a flavor profile that is uniquely yours!
To make a spice mix, first throw your sage and rosemary leaves into the food processor or blender along with two tablespoons of salt. Pulse it all until its like sand then spread out on one baking sheet to cool before mixing in another bowl.
Bake at 250F for 15 minutes. Let it cool completely before storing it in an air-tight container.
4. Sage and Salads
You’ve probably never had a salad with sage before. But, when you find the right ingredients to go along with it – like other herbs in this family-you will be enjoying them at every meal!
Pears and walnuts are a perfect pair when combined with sage.
Group all three together for a yummy salad that brightens up any bad day.
5. Sage in Soups
Speaking of winter, let’s chat about soups. Soups are a staple during the icy cold months and can be enjoyed in many different ways: from simple tomato soup to more complex brothy concoctions that incorporate vegetables or meat for added protein; they also come with warming spices like cayenne pepper as well!
The sweet and tangy butternut squash blend with the earthiness of sage to make for an incredible flavor combination for a perfect soup!
6. Sauces
The best way to use sage is in sauces. It has a rich, earthy flavor that adds some extra oomph to the sauce and it goes great with creamier types of dishes too like béchamel or cheesy pasta!
7. Sage Bread
Rosemary and sage are the perfect match for your plain loaves. Add these fresh spices to dough while kneading, then enjoy a warm Rosemary Sage Bread with soups or salads!
8. Sage in Desserts
Sage’s taste profile is often difficult to pin down, but that might just be because it has so many different flavors. Minty and lemony with a touch of earthiness for good measure – you can’t miss this spiced ingredient in your cupboard!
Apple crumble is an American favorite, but when you throw in some sage it becomes even better.
9. Sage Drinks
If you’re looking for a way to liven up your drinks, look no further than sage. From herbal waters and co*cktails alike there are plenty of ways that this herb can enhance any beverage with its unique flavor!
Start your day off right by sipping on a cup or two of sage herbal tea. Hot or cold, this drink has been known to help soothe sore throats and provide floral flavors that will make you happy all morning long!
Tired of your daylong shift? Tequila sage smash co*cktail is just what you need to get rid of that pent up frustration.
It’s a healthy alternative option for those looking forward to ending their work week with some drinks and fun!
10. Smudging
The practice of smudging – burning herbs to purify a space and clear out negative energy – has been around for centuries. Many people use sage in their everyday life, from cleanses rituals all the way down as an essential part of household cleaning tools!
Making your own smudge stick is super easy. All you need is some sage (and a few extra herbs if you like – lavender, rosemary and thyme are great options).
Gather your herbs and string them into a bundle. Tie it at the base to keep from getting torn or frayed during use!
Then, starting at the center of your bundle and working outwardly inwards, tightly wrap that string up with criss-crosses as you go. Cut off any excess twine once finished! Hang for drying out onto a cool dry place where it will stay overnight before being ready to use again – now all set!
Your sage stick is ready to burn if a spring or leaf breaks easily. It’ll preserve its scent and freshness in the jar you keep it in!
11. Natural All-Purpose Cleaner
Sage has been used for centuries as a natural purifier. Not only does it have the power to cleanse your home from its air, but with just vinegar and alcohol you can make an all-purpose cleaner that will remove even tough stains on dishes!
Sage leaves are the perfect ingredient to make your own Sagebrush! All you need is white vinegar, isopropyl alcohol, warm water and dish soap. The best part about this recipe? You use just a few ingredients for a natural product that can last up to six months or more depending on how often it’s used (every few days).
Squeeze your fresh sage leaves, so they release their oils and scent. Then add one part warm water to two parts vinegar with ¼part alcohol for a pleasingly tart aroma that will last all day long!
Place the mixture in an empty spray bottle then add just one drop dish soap before shaking up again – you’re done!
12. Sage Candles
Scented candles make a home more pleasant, adding that woodsy earthy scent to your space. Making your own sage-scented candle is also an excellent alternative if burning sticks isn’t possible due to health reasons or any other reason you don’t want the hassle!
All you will need are wax melts, beeswaxes, dried sage leaves (you can dry them yourself), wicks and oils for fragrance if desired, and a jar! If you are super inspired, you can use teacups instead.
You will need a coffee grinder for this. Grind up your sage leaves and then add them to the jar with some soy wax, topped off by your favorite oil!
Double boil your jar in a pot with water. Once the jar is hot enough and has melted a little, add half a cup of beeswax. This will help keep your candle hard so that it doesn’t melt away too quickly!
Once everything has melted, carefully pour your sage wax mixture into the candle jars. Let them cool down for about 15 minutes before adding wicks – this way they’re sure not to curl away from their container!
13. Sage Wreath
If you don’t feel like burning a sage bundle or even lighting an incense stick, there are other ways to use your lovely new acquisitions. Crush some of these leaves between your fingers before guests arrive and they will be greeted by the welcoming scent of homey Sage! Or, get creative and experiment with some DIY sage crafts!
14. Sage Cough Remedy
Sage has been used for centuries as a natural remedy. It can be added to cleaning products, and it’s great at repelling mosquitoes too!
Its antiseptic properties make sage an effective way of freshening up your home or office air while its anti-inflammatory qualities make this herb perfect against colds, sore throat, or headaches from allergies all day long.
You’ll need: 2 heaped teaspoons of finely chopped fresh leaves, a tablespoon of honey and apple cider vinegar. Toss your sage leaves into a pot with two cups of water and bring them to the boil. Then reduce heat, simmer for half an hour then strain mixture through cheese cloth or strainer before adding an equal amount of apple cider vinegar.
Add your honey and mix well. Allow it to cool before storing in a clean, airtight jar for future use!
Whenever necessary, take 1 teaspoon of this mixture (children can get ½ teaspoon).
Tags: herbs
