Bethlehem Sage

Bethlehem Sage, also known as Garden Mint, Mackerel Mint, Green Mint, Spire Mint, and Sage of Bethlehem, is native to the Mediterranean region. It was cultivated throughout the Roman Empire, and is now used for culinary purposes by people across the world. The Bethlehem Sage plant grows to about two feet in height, with short, bright green leaves, and small, compactly arranged flowers. Bethlehem Sage is easy to cultivate, and grows well in most types of soil and is in fact sometimes considered a weed in America. The herb is used as a flavoring in many dishes, candies, and beverages, and as an ingredient in cosmetics. Medicinally, Bethlehem Sage is similar to Peppermint in action, though it is considered to be milder. For this reason, Bethlehem Sage has traditionally been used in treating stomachaches in children. A decoction of Bethlehem Sage was formerly gargled to prevent gum disease and whiten the teeth, and it is still used in many toothpastes. Bethlehem Sage is primarily used in ailments of the digestive tract, including indigestion, flatulence, vomiting, colic, and hiccoughs. It has also been used as a mild diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and as a fever reducer.

(This herbal ingredient can be purchased from Viable Herbal Solutions in powdered and capsule form as part of our Single Herb sales program.)