Medicinal herbs and other natural remedies have been around for millennia, but none are more widely recognized for their supernatural cleansing and healing abilities than sage. From warding off evil spirits to aiding oral health, this plant is your one-stop shop for all things self-care. Want to learn more? Read on to discover the history of sage, its benefits, and how you can use it to revamp your wellness routine.
What is Sage?
Sage, otherwise known as salvia officinalis, is a Mediterranean herb that is famous for its healing properties. Part of the mint family, this aromatic shrub is generally acknowledged as having the ability to help combat digestive issues, respiratory inflammation, and memory retention, along with easing some of the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Sage is often dried and bundled when used for spiritual practices but can also be used and eaten fresh from the garden.
The History of Sage
For centuries, cultures around the world have used sage for both its medicinal and spiritual properties; the plant was popular in both ancient Rome and China, where it was regularly used in drinks and cuisines. However, the practice of burning sage, commonly referred to as smudging, originates from Native American and other indigenous cultures. These communities practice smudging as a means of purifying their homes and bodies, using the smoke emitted from the burning sage to expel negative energy and promote healing. Though the United States forbade indigenous communities from practicing their traditional rituals and ceremonies like smudging until the passing of the American Indian Religious Freedom Act in 1978, the practice has made a resurgence in popular culture in recent decades.
Today, people of all backgrounds incorporate sage into their wellness practices, whether it be through smudging, essential oils, aromatherapy, or making sage teas and garnishes. Before deciding to take part in smudging as a non-indigenous person, be sure to research its rich, complex history and make sure that it’s the right step for you! If you do decide to practice smudging, do so mindfully and with respect for the cultures from which it originates.
Benefits of Using Sage
As a spiritual tool, sage is great for protecting against harmful spirits and energies, cleansing and purification, promoting healing and awareness, and relieving emotional and psychological tension. Carrying sage with you in a pouch is said to help with difficult decision-making, while burning it can provide guidance, clarity, and increased concentration.
There’s also a lot to be said about sage’s medicinal properties! It’s rich in antioxidants, as well as antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties (to name a few). This means that it can help treat digestive and respiratory inflammation, boost your immune system, and even improve your oral health (sage-based mouthwash, anyone?). Some people even believe that, when incorporated into their diet, sage can even help manage cholesterol and blood sugar.
Want to spice things up in the kitchen? Sage can help with that, too! Use the herb to garnish your favorite meals, or brew fresh sage leaves into a tea to add a little extra wellness to your day-to-day.
How to Use Sage
Just as sage has countless benefits, it also has countless uses! This versatile herb can be burned, dried, eaten, or used as an aromatic oil, depending on what your specific needs are. Here are some common ways that you can incorporate sage into your daily routine:
1.) Smudging
The indigenous practice of smudging involves burning dried bundles of sage and other herbs with a specific, spiritual intention. To smudge, burn the tip of your sage stick over a fire-proof container and waft the smoke over your body, living space, or any materials that you wish to cleanse or protect from negative energies.
2.) Aromatherapy
Can’t burn sage? You can incorporate it into your aromatherapy practices with sage essential oil! Sage essential oil can be diffused into the air, which helps alleviate feelings of depression and anxiety (and can even ward off cockroaches and moths!). Sage may even increase stamina and help with oily skin and hair.
Sage essential oil can also be added to your bath water or massaged directly onto the skin with a carrier oil to promote feelings of relaxation! Anyone down for a holistic spa day?
3.) Tea Brewing
Make the most of sage’s medicinal, culinary, and spiritual properties when you use its leaves to make tea! To make your own sage tea, just wash and cut fresh sage leaves and brew them in boiling water. Sage tea typically needs about five minutes to steep, but you can customize your recipe as much as you’d like. You can even keep your sage tea in a portable cup, for some spiritual nourishment on the go!
We hope you’ve enjoyed this dive into all things sage. Now, it’s time to get to work on banishing those negative energies! Check out The Inspo Spot for more information on holistic practices, chakra balancing, horoscopes, and more!
