“Perhaps our dreams are there to be broken, and our plans are there to crumble, and our tomorrows are there to dissolve into todays, and perhaps all of this is all a giant invitation to wake up from the dream of separation, to awaken from the mirage of control, and embrace whole-heartedly what is present. Perhaps it is all a call to compassion, to a deep embrace of this universe in all its bliss and pain and bitter-sweet glory. Perhaps we were never really in control of our lives, and perhaps we are constantly invited to remember this, since we constantly forget it. Perhaps suffering is not the enemy at all, and at its core, there is a first-hand, real-time lesson we must all learn, if we are to be truly human, and truly divine. Perhaps breakdown always contains breakthrough. Perhaps suffering is simply a right of passage, not a test or a punishment, nor a signpost to something in the future or past, but a direct pointer to the mystery of existence itself, here and now. Perhaps life cannot go 'wrong' at all.”
― Jeff Foster
notes on Sage by Ana
Most of us think of smudging away negative or stagnant energy when we think of Sage.
Salvia, sage’s genus name, is derived from salvere, the Latin word meaning "to heal" or "to save." From the Egyptians, to the Romans, to the Greeks, to Indigenous cultures, this herb has a far-back history touting medicinal and spiritual benefits.
Sage is in the mint family. There are hundreds of sage species, but most people are aware of white sage (commonly used for smudging) and culinary sage (Salvia officinalis).
Some of you may have also heard of diviner's sage, a variety with hallucinogenic properties.
Culinary sage, has been used historically for anxiety <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16205785/> and depression <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4003706/>, colds, digestive complaints, and more
One teaspoon of ground sage contains 10 <https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/170935/nutrients>%of the daily value of vitamin K, which helps assist our bodies with bone health and blood clotting. She also reaps other nutrients like magnesium and vitamin A.
Sage’s leaves are stacked with antioxidants that boast anti-inflammatory properties and help protect against free radicals.
Her specific polyphenols <https://www.wellandgood.com/good-food/foods-rich-in-polyphenols/> (naturally occurring compounds in plants) may contain anti-cancer <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20449663> and memory-boosting <https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0031938416306655> properties.
Sage has a volatile oil content that is known to be an antimicrobial. Her essential oil can be an effective disinfectant against airborne microorganisms <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6612361/>, can banish body odor <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3897065/> when used as a deodorant <https://www.wellandgood.com/good-looks/sage-deodorant-review/>, and can treat wounds and skin infections caused by staph <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4360007/>
There are reports that show sage can help boost cognition and improve digestive complaints
Native American cultures have long burned white sage as a sacred tradition. Using white sage as a smudging ritual does come with some controversy, including over-harvesting and some people have concerns about cultural appropriation. White sage is an endangered plant that only grows in certain parts of North America. You want to make sure that if you’re not harvesting it yourself, that you’re purchasing from a sustainable source.
Smudging for medicinal and spiritual healing is not just a Native American thing, but burning white sage is…
That said, you can burn regular garden sage that you find at the grocery store and still reap the fresh air perks of smoke medicine <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17913417>.
You can also burn other aromatic herbs, such as pine and mugwort, to potentially cleanse air of bacterial pathogens
Beyond literally fumigating your space, you can turn burning sage into a ritual. As you clear the air and walk through your home, embrace your intentions and mindfulness.
To consume sage, you can cook with her, and she also makes a delicious tea. I like to add lemon and honey :)
Comments