White Sage

Other Names : Salvia apiana

Special Precautions of White Sage

Should not be used by pregnant or nursing mothers as it can also decrease lactation production.

Health Benefits and Uses of White Sage

Historically, white sage’s healing powers have been traced through time and have impacted many different cultures, including the ancient Babylonians, ancient Greeks, the Chinese and a host of Native North and South American tribes who used white sage in their healing and prayer rituals. Used for everything from curing headaches, sores and snakebites to attaining mystical foresight and thwarting bad spirits, white sage is an extremely culturally valuable herb.

• An infusion of the leaves is used as a blood tonic and as a treatment for coughs and colds.
• In more modern medicinal applications, white sage has been studied for its ability to aid the body in managing insulin levels, which could prove to be helpful for diabetics.
• possesses antibacterial and decongestant agents that are scientifically proven to help treat strep throat, reduce mucus secretion in the respiratory system, inhibit coughing and generally boost the immune system.
• When made into a tea, white sage acts as a soothing, natural cure for stomach indigestion and sore throats, and may reduce sweating
• It has also shown to lessen the painful effects of heavy menstruation, but should not be used by pregnant or nursing mothers as it can also decrease lactation production.
• The leaves can be eaten, or used as a sweat bath, in the treatment of colds.
• The seeds have been used as eye cleaners. No more information is given here, but in other instances the seed has been placed in the eye, it then forms a gelatinous covering to which any foreign matter in the eye adheres. The seed is washed out of the eye by the eyes own tears.
• The leaves have been crushed in water and used as a hair shampoo, dye and hair straightener.
• A poultice of the freshly crushed leaves can be applied to the armpits to treat body odours.
• The leaves have been burnt as an incense to fumigate a house after a case of contagious disease such as measles. If you plan to use white sage as a smudge stick or to smolder for cleansing, makes sure you harvest the leaves in the late summer through early fall . Spread them out to dry slightly, allowing them to wilt until the leaves become leathery feeling. Then, bind them together with string and hang in a moisture-free place to continue drying. This will ensure that your white sage smudge stick lasts longer (up to two years) and will burn slower.