Salvia elegans (Pineapple Sage) is a perennial plant that is native to Mexico and Guatemala. The flowers are usually ruby red, hermaphrodite and 2.5-5 cm long. It grows upto 1-1.5 m in height. The leaves are opposite, simple, pale green, elliptic, grey-green and 5-10 cm long. The stems are pubescent and squarish. The seeds are small, football shaped and dark colored. This plant prefers mild climate with fertile, moist and well-drained soil.
Pineapple sage is native to Mexico and Guatemala. It reside Madrean and Mesoamerican pine oak forest between 6,000 and 9,000 ft. (1,800 and 2,700 m). Other common names are: Pineapple Sage, Honey Melon Sage, Pineapple Scented Sage and Tangerine Sage. The fragrant flower attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Salvia elegans belongs to one of the 700 species in the genus in the mint family Lamiaceae.
Pineapple sage is used as a tonic for brain and provides relief from mental fatigue as well as stress. It also treats depression, anxiety and high blood pressure. Some benefits provided by Pineapple sage are described below:
Depression
Research shows that New flavanone, 5-O-(6-rhamnosylglucoside)-7-hydroxy-4′-methoxyflavanone (2), was extracted from leaves that showed antidepressant properties. The research also shows antihypertensive properties of plant which was due to the presence of AG II antagonism and restriction of angiotensin converting enzyme. In Mexico, it is called mirto which is broadly used in the traditional medicine for curing various diseases. (1) (2) (3) (4)
Hypertension
Pineapple sage effectively lowers the blood pressure. In Mexico, it is used to treat high blood pressure. It displays anti-hypertensive activities such as ACE inhibitors. The activities of anti-hypetensive properties are disclosed in Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
Constipation
The leaves are added to the salads for the treatment of constipation. It is due to the presence of fiber in the leaves. It is also used with raisins for the constipation.
Body heat
Pineapple sage provides the cooling properties in the body. It is also used to garnish the summer drinks and also as a fruity spread.
Assist digestion
The leaves of Pineapple sage helps to provide relief from indigestion. It is used to digest meat and also cures the indigestion problems which are caused due to the consumption of daily foods or animal foods.
Heart burn
The tea of Pineapple sage helps to provide relief from acidity and heart burn. The leaves of Pineapple sage possess antacid properties which help to treat acidity, gastritis, digestive problems and burning sensation.
Traditional uses
Mexican traditional medicine uses it to provide relief from the ailments of central nervous system such as anxiety.
In Mexico, the plant is used for healing purposes and lowers blood pressure.
This herb calms the nervous system, serves as a tonic, improves digestive system and treats heartburn.
It is also used to treat depression.
This herb is used to treat snake bites, infection, eye problems, epilepsy, memory loss, intoxication, intestinal problems and worms.
In ancient Greece, it is also used as an aphrodisiac.
Herbalists believe that it possess an adaptogenic properties.
Precautions
Pineapple sage should not be used regularly for more than one month.
The tea of Pineapple sage should not be consumed for more than 10 days of continuous use.
The pregnant and breast feeding women should avoid the use of Pineapple sage.
It may interact with the sedative medications and also cause sleepiness.
The people who are ill or having any health concerns should consult the health practitioner.
One cup of herbal infusion is recommended in a day, except during cold or flu, one could have it thrice a day only for 4 days.
While using herbal remedies one should be aware of the side effects while taking infusions.
It may cause convulsions when taken in excessive amounts as it has a-thujone which is a toxic substance.
How to Eat
The red flowers are used in salads.
The fresh or dried leaves are added to savory dishes which provide a great flavor.
The leaves and flowers are added to the salads or desserts.
The flowers are be used in jam and jelly concoctions and potpourri.
It is added to pork or chicken recipes.
Chopped Pineapple sages are used in sponge cakes for a flavor and scent.
Pineapple sage syrup could be made and used on waffles, pancakes, ice cream and fruit salads.
It could be used to make Pineapple sage flavored jelly.
Pineapple sage adds fragrance to the food.
The flowers are added to the salads, fruit puddings, fruit cocktails, garnish and dessert.
The flowers are scattered with green or yellow bell pepper.
The sugared Pineapple sage is used to garnish cookie platter, cakes and infused for making tea.
The minced flowers and leaves are mixed in the cream cheese which makes an alluring fruity spread.
The leaves are kneaded to raisin dough bread.
The leaves are layered in sugar and infused for about a week which makes a Pineapple Sage herbal sugar.
The fresh leaves are steeped in a hot apple juice.
Leaves are used to brew tea or make a summer drink.
The flowers and leaves are added to the recipes such as sweet banana smoothie, salsa, fritters, ginger chicken and cakes.
How to make pineapple sage tea
Boil pineapple leaves in a cup of water.
Boil it for 5 minutes and then it should be cooled.
Honey or sugar could be added to enhance the taste of tea.
It helps to promote the liver function and enhance digestion.
