The Voynich Botanical Plants

Folio 51v, Sage (Salvia officinalis), is a small, evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean region. The long, oblong, greyish leaves are set in pairs along the woody stem. In the hot sun they tend to droop. The blue to purple flowers are in whorls at the end of the stem. All parts of the plant are strongly scented and have an astringent taste. This herb is commonly used as a seasoning. It has been recommended as a treatment for virtually every ailment and is currently used for the management of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. (Akhondzadeh S, Noroozian M, Mohammadi M, Ohadinia S, Jamshidi AH, Khani M. (2003). “Salvia officinalis extract in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease: a double blind, randomized and placebo-controlled trial”. J Clin Pharm Ther 28 (1): 53-9.)