HERBS. 387 
and so wrapped in a linnen, and holden very hot unto the side 
of those that are troubled with a grievous pain, taketh away the 
pain presently, and also greatly helpeth the extremitie of a 
pleurisie.” In pulmonary consumption, and fer hectic feverish 
wasting diseases, ‘‘an infusion of the garden herb Sage is much to 
be commended, as well as for excessive perspiration of the feet, 
with fetid odours from the sodden skin.” Steep a teaspoonful 
of dried Sage leaves in half a pint of water for’twenty-four hours 
and strain: then let the patient take a teacupful in the morn- 
ing, one during the day, and another at night: or a spirit of 
the fresh bruised leaves may be given, a teaspoonful with water 
two or three times a day. A strong infusion of the herb has 
been used with success to dry up the breast-milk for wean- 
ing an infant: and as a gargle, sage-leaf tea with some honey, 
answers admirably. Rue should be planted with the Sage : 
“ Salvia cum Ruta faciunt tibi pocula tuta.”’ 
The Chinese are as fond of Sage as we are of their fragrant 
teas; and the Dutch once carried on a profitable trade 
with them by exchanging a pound of Sage leaves for each 
three-pound parcel of tea. Dr. Hart (1633), exclaiming against 
the use of tobacco by weakly persons, and invalids, has said : 
“ Why may not garden Sage as safely, and without any seeming 
show of danger, be used instead? It is by all our physicians 
accorded, and agreed-upon that this doth apparently corroborate, 
and strengthen the nerves, and by consequent all the animal 
powers, beside the excellent virtues thereof recorded, the like 
whereof were never ascribed to tobacco.” Sage bread is dough 
mixed with a strong infusion of the Sage plant (first bruised) 
in milk. Boyle has reported (1668): “I have known Sage 
bread to do much good in drying up humours.” For making 
“ Sage tea,” “take of fresh leaves of green Sage, plucked from 
the stalks, and washed clean in cold water, half an ounce; of 
Sugar, one ounce; of the outer rind of lemon-peel finely pared 
from the white, a quarter of an ounce. Put these into two pints 
of boiling water, and let them stand near the fire for half an hour, 
then strain.” When dried Sage leaves are used, rather less in 
quantity than directed for the fresh leaves should be employed. 
Such a tea (as likewise of Rosemary, Balm, or Southern-wood) 
will serve to prevent a thirsty, fevered patient from desiring to 
drink too much tea, or coffee when not good for him; it also 
