| Hey, I'm an amateur herbalist in Southern California. I do my homework, though, and can reassure that, while it is imperative to identify a species before using it, that many salvias are, indeed, medicinal plants. Officinalis is usually used to refer to a number of old-world plants, commonly used at the time of naming for medicinal purposes (and often evolving into modern-day cooking spices). However, species denoted as Officinalis are often related to a few, or a wide variety, of edible and medicinal plants. Some common sages that you'll find along with Spathacea that are noted for their medicinal use (NOT always equal to "edible," but in this case all are acceptable tea fodder) include Salvia Mellifera (I've read that you can brew it, but it's very, very strongly aromatic), Salvia Leucophylla, and Salvia Apiana (the famous "Sacred White Sage" looks most like Hummingbird Sage, but with much paler and fuzzier leaves). I primarily use them in incense and salves, but I do not believe any are particularly toxic. Some salvias, even common-name sages, can potentially be toxic. Always make sure to positively identify your herbs before play time. |
