Pineapple sage
StarSalvia elegans
Synonyms: Salvia camertonii, Salvia microculis, Salvia elegans var. sonorensis, Salvia rutilans, Salvia microcalyx, Salvia punicea
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
In Mexican and Guatemalan traditional medicine, the aromatic leaves of pineapple sage are taken as a calming nervous-system remedy, prepared as an infusion to relieve anxiety, nervous tension and insomnia, and are also used as a folk treatment to lower blood pressure (Wikipedia, citing Mexican ethnomedical sources). Experimental pharmacological work has supported these uses, finding that a hydroalcoholic leaf extract produced sedative and antidepressant-like effects in animal models (Mora et al., 2006). The leaves and flowers are additionally consumed as a fragrant flavouring tea.
Gallery
Botanical Description
Salvia elegans, the pineapple sage, is an aromatic perennial subshrub in the family Lamiaceae native to the pine and oak forests of central and southern Mexico and Guatemala. It grows in a loose, branching mound usually 1 to 1.5 metres tall, with square stems and opposite, ovate, finely toothed, bright green leaves that release a distinct pineapple-like fragrance when crushed. From late summer into autumn it bears slender terminal racemes of tubular, two-lipped flowers about 2 to 4 centimetres long in vivid scarlet to crimson, the corolla projecting well beyond the small reddish calyx and attracting hummingbirds and other pollinators. The plant favours moist, well-drained soils in full sun to light shade and is frost-tender. Widely cultivated as an ornamental and culinary herb, its sweet, fruit-scented leaves and edible flowers are used to flavour teas, drinks, desserts and salads, and it can be propagated readily from cuttings.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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