The Bible is the eternal, divine Word of God. It is a living and holy source of truth that we can study and draw closer to Him. One of the main questions we may have is what does the Bible say about Sage? Sage is an aromatic herb and a traditional healing remedy in a variety of cultures. It has a history of use in religious rituals and products, and is often used in cooking and herbal medicine. But does the Bible have something to say about its use?
Sage is mentioned explicitly in the Bible in only one chapter, the Book of Numbers, and references to it are fairly vague. According to Numbers 24:6, God told Balaam, “I see it [sage], but not now; I behold it, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel.” This suggests that Sage, when present and used, carries a sense of divine authority to protect and aid.
Beyond this single, isolated reference, the Bible makes no additional mention of Sage. However, some scholars have suggested that references to the ‘spices of the valley’ in Proverbs 27:18 may point to Sage. This verse speaks of abundance and the generous provision of God, saying that a man with an abundance of wealth is like the “strength of an ox,” and with the “spices of the valley”, more so. Some scholars suggest that this ‘valley’ may actually be the Valley of Jehoshaphat in which the herb of Genesis 3:19 is found.
Whether or not Sage is being referred to here, one thing is clear – through the Bible, God does speak about herbs in general. In Ecclesiastes 3:4, for instance, we see that God includes herbs among the gifts he has given us: “A season for everything, a time for every activity under heaven… a time to plant and a time to harvest.” This suggests that God approves of and is pleased with the use of herbs in our lives. The way we use herbs is ultimately left to us and our beliefs, so while it is impossible to determine an explicit Christian stance on the use of Sage, it is clear that herbs are valuable and can be used in a manner consistent with Christian principles.
Aside from its Biblical references, Sage has a long history in various cultures as a healing remedy, tonic, and religious ritual tool. In Ancient Egypt, its use was connected with purification rites, while it was believed to have medicinal benefits in Ancient Greece. It was also used extensively in traditional healing practices in Native American cultures, and has been popular in Asia for thousands of years.
Sage in Cooking
Sage has also been a popular herb in cooking for a very long time. This is reflected in the Bible, where we read about two sprigs of mint and two sprigs of sweet basil – both potential culinary herbs – being used as an offering in Leviticus 2:11-13. Sage has a unique flavor that pairs well with a variety of dishes, and can be used in any number of recipes, from sweet to savory. It can be used to flavor meats and vegetables, soups and stews, pasta dishes, even desserts.
Overall, there is no clear conclusion as to what the Bible says about Sage. It is mentioned in only one chapter, and its references are vague. However, what we can infer from its references and the general attitude towards herbs in the Bible is that God is pleased with their use and that we should use them in our lives with discretion and in accordance with His word. Sage is an aromatic herb with a long history of use for a variety of purposes, from religious rituals to cooking, and it can certainly be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Recipes Featuring Sage
There is no shortage of delicious recipes that feature the use of Sage. Some of the best recipes include roasted Sage chicken with lemon, sage-rubbed pork tenderloin, roasted potatoes with Sage, and even a Sage and apple stuffing. Sage can be used in a variety of ways, from being used as a rub to being sautéed or added to a dressing. It has a slightly bitter yet earthy flavor that can effortlessly enhance the flavor of any dish.
Sage can be used in sweet dishes as well. Plum Tart with Sage is an excellent example, where sage is used to flavor the tart crust and enhance the flavor of the plums. Sage can also be added to cakes, muffins, and breads for an incredibly fragrant result.
Safety Measures Regarding Sage
Though Sage can be quite safe in moderate amounts, it is important to note that large doses can prove to be toxic and even fatal. If you are taking medication to lower your blood pressure or reduce menstrual bleeding, discuss the use of Sage with your doctor as it can have potentially dangerous interactions with these medications. Additionally, people who are pregnant should not use Sage as it can induce miscarriage, and those with allergies to mint, sage, or marjoram should use caution when using Sage.
Another thing to note is that though Sage has many potential benefits and medicinal qualities, using it should never replace medical advice. Consult your doctor if you think you may be suffering from a medical condition that Sage may help with, and use Sage in moderation.
Health Benefits of Sage
In addition to its many culinary uses, Sage is also known to have a variety of medicinal benefits and potential health advantages. It has been used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions, from calming the nerves to reducing inflammation. It has also been said to help with anxiety, depression, memory loss, indigestion and sluggish liver function, and has potential anti-cancer properties. Studies have shown to the flavonoids present in Sage may help to stave off cognitive decline and can be beneficial for those suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease.
Sage may also be beneficial for those suffering from hormonal imbalances or menopausal symptoms. It contains compounds called phytoestrogens which help to support the body’s natural hormone production and balance, and can help to reduce hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, and mood swings.
Using Sage Oil and Tea
Though Sage is most commonly used as a culinary herb, it can also be used in the form of essential oil or tea. Sage essential oil is known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and can be mixed with carrier oils such as jojoba or olive oil to use in massage or aromatherapy treatments.
Sage tea is known for its calming and digestive properties. It can be used to aid digestion or to soothe the mind and body after a long day. It can also be used to boost the immune system and reduce inflammation. If you are pregnant it is essential that you consult with your doctor before drinking Sage tea as large amounts of Sage oil or tea can cause miscarriage.
Claims About Sage
There are a wide range of claims made about Sage, from its potential to improve cognitive function to its ability to fight cancer and other chronic conditions. Sadly, many of these claims aren’t backed up by clinical studies and, while these claims may have some truth to them, they shouldn’t be treated as scientific fact. Consult your doctor before using Sage to treat a medical condition or to supplement your existing health and wellness regime.
In the end, it’s important to remember that the Bible speaks of all herbs in general, not just Sage. This means that, while it doesn’t explicitly talk about Sage, it is clear that the Bible is pleased with the use of herbs. Whether you’re using Sage in the kitchen or for potential medicinal purposes, it’s important to use it with discretion, in moderation, and in accordance with the word of God.
