Salvia pratensis

Also known as Midnight sage, Meadow Clary, wild sage, and Balkan Clary.

Meadow Sage is native to Europe, Western Asia and Northern Africa, however its easy to grow nature has made it predominate in gardens around the world. It is so easy to grow that it is considered a noxious weed in Washington.

Meadow Sage is a herbaceous woody perennial forming a small bush with flowering shoots with purple, blue or red flowers. The leaves have a more delicate smell when compared to other sages. It is a hardy plant able to survive temperatures as cold as -4 degrees F and is hardy in zones 7-3. As with many sages, it is also drought tolerant and not picky about the soil. It prefers full sun but will tolerate with some shade. Cutting back the flowers will encourage new growth and it will continue to flower attracting many pollinators all throughout summer and fall. As a perennial it will come back year after year, the plant is also a hermaphrodite and will self seed; you may find Meadow Sage popping up all around the garden after a few years. In warmer zones it can be an evergreen shrub, flowering all throughout the year.

It is edible with a lighter flavor compared to other sages, however most often is grown as an ornamental plant. It is used to flavor wine and beer as well as a substitute for common sage.

Historically meadow sage was used as a gargle for a sore throat and to clean the teeth. The seeds were used to make a paste that was used to clear the eyes and remove redness and inflammation. The tea of the leaves has been used to treat ulcers and used as a wash to clean wounds to prevent infection. A poultice of the leaves and white wine was applied directly to the wound as a bandage to encourage healing and kill bacteria. A juice made from the green parts of the plant has also been used as a hair wash to strengthen the hair and give it a dark shine.

Magickally it is used much like other sages, with strong cleansing abilities. Unlike other sages, Meadow Sage produces a significant number of flowers in the flower to leaf ratio and it is LOVED by bees and other pollinators. These powers of attraction are not lost when you cut the flowers. They work like little magnets bringing positive energy. The flowers and leaves dried together make a sweet yet light smelling powered incense that can uplift and cleanse. The infused oil can be used for anointing to bring positivity and help in attraction magick be it love, prosperity, or a new job.

Magickal Attributes

Gender: Feminine and Masculine, blending and expanding
Planet: Jupiter
Element: Air
Powers: Cleansing, attraction, uplifting, increasing.