Herb: Wood Sage


Latin name: Teucrium scorodonia


Family: Labiatae



Medicinal use of Wood Sage:

The herb is alterative, astringent, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, tonic and vulnerary. It is harvested in July and can be dried for later use. The herb is often used in domestic herbal practice in the treatment of skin afflictions, diseases of the blood, fevers, colds etc. It is an appetizer of the first order and is equal to gentian root as a tonic.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
30 cm
(11 3/4 inch)

Flowering:
July to
September

Habitat of the herb:

Dry, not strongly calcareous, soils in woodlands, grassland, heaths and dunes. Also found on lime-free moorland soils.

Edible parts of Wood Sage:

The plant resembles hops in taste and flavour. An infusion of the leaves and flowers is used as a hop substitute for flavouring beer in some areas. It is said to clear the beer more quickly than hops, but imparts too much colour to the brew.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame and only just cover the seed. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer if they are large enough. Otherwise, grow them on in a cold frame for the winter and plant them out in the following spring. Division in early spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the summer or the following spring. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame.

Cultivation of Wood Sage:

Dry, not strongly calcareous, soils in woodlands, grassland, heaths and dunes. Also found on lime-free moorland soils.

Known hazards of Teucrium scorodonia:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.