Salvia coccinea
Salvia, ‘Texas Hummingbird Sage’
Also called: Scarlet Sage, Tropical Sage, Blood Sage, Red Sage, Indian Fire
Lamiaceae (Mint Family) along with oregano, rosemary, basil and thyme
I love growing this pink and orange-colored flower, which I got at our local farmers market as it was touted a native, local plant which could bring butterflies and pollinators to our garden. It has done wonderfully well in our partially shaded, urban planter garden. The flowers and leaves are great in salads with other herbs we have on hand like mint, lemon balm, oregano, or chives. It can be thrown onto baked chicken. It can be easily dried and crumbled onto cheese. On occasion, I have also placed the flowers onto homemade turkish delight, lemon bars, and brownies.
As for medicinal benefits, it is high in vitamin K, and has some copper, magnesium, zinc, and vitamins A, C and E. The antioxidants caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, rosmarinic acid, ellagic acid and rutin can help reduce cancer and improve memory. It may help kill the fungus Candida albicans as well as help to balance estrogen, blood sugar levels and lower LDL cholesterol.
mudhutmedicine 