CULPEPER'S COMPLETE HERBAL

SMALL SAGE, OR SAGE OF VIRTUE

Description. This Sage is smaller than the other Sages, having lesser, narrower, and smoother leaves, of a whitish hoary green colour, with frequently two mall pieces or ears growing on them next the stalk, which in some plants are wanting, and in others but on one side. It is of a milder scent than the common, and has rather smaller flowers, but much of a colour, flowering at the same time, and is also planted in gardens.

Government and virtues. It is under Venus, and has the same virtues of the wood sage (see the following article). The people in the island of Jersey are said to make use of it in brewing, instead of hops. It possesses their bitterness, and a good deal of their flavour, but gives the liquor too high a colour. An infusion of it operates powerfully by sweat and urine, and removes female obstructions. The expressed juice drank for a considerable time, is excellent against rheumatic pains: and was formerly celebrated against venereal complaints, but since the introduction of mercury into practice, its use has been set aside.