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Photo by Deb Jackson
Copyright 2000 |
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Lyre-leaved Sage
Salvia lyrata
Other Names: Cancerweed, Cancer Root, Lyreleaf Sage, Wild sage
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Photo by Karen Bergeron
Copyright 2000 |
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Habitat
Perennial native sage, common in
dry woods, barrens, roadsides, lawns and waste places. Eastern N. America - Pennsylvania
to Florida, west to Texas and Illinois. Cultivation: requires a very well-drained light
sandy soil in a sunny position. Growing to about 16 to 24 inches in height with a square,
slightly hairy, stem and produce whorls of blue or violet tubular flowers. The leaves form
a basal rosette, are up to 8" long, and often have dark red or purple areas along the
main veins, are irregularly cleft and some times lobed. Gather fresh young edible leaves
in spring. Gather entire plant as flowers bloom, dry for later herb use. |
Properties
Medicinal and edible herb, as an alternative
medicine it is carminative, diaphoretic, laxative, and salve. Lyre-leaved sage has some of
the same medicinal properties of the other sages but is very week. It is used mainly as a
gargle in the treatment of sore throat and mouth infections. Medicinal salve made from
root is applied to sores. Warm infusion of herb is taken as a laxative or for colds,
coughs and nervous debility. This sage is not very strong tasting, and has a rather pleasent minty flavor, fresh young leaves are edible in salads, or cooked as pot herb.
Folklore
Lyre-leaved sage is also a folk remedy for cancer
(as the plant grows like a cancer upon the earth) it is therefore said to cure it. The
fresh leaves are said to remove warts.
Recipe
Medicinal tea: To 1 cup water add 1 tbsp. dried herb, bring
to boil, steep 10 min. strain, sweeten to taste, drink warm at bed time.
Article by Deb Jackson & Karen
Bergeron
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