When you think of sage, you may think of a bundle of dried leaves used to smudge a home and remove negative energy from the house. This can be a great idea for most people, but others may be a bit put off by the mystical idea behind this method.
The truth is, there are some very practical reasons why everyone should have this wonderful herb in their medicine cabinet. Keep reading to find out more!
A Brief History Lesson
The name “sage” comes from the Latin “salvia,” which means, “to save.” You might even recognize our modern day word “salve” in the name! Sage is native to the Mediterranean region, but different varieties are found around the world.
Sage was used throughout the ages for both culinary and medicinal purposes. The earliest known use as a culinary ingredient occurred in ancient Egypt. Egyptians also used it to support fertility. The ancient Greeks preferred to use sage to treat snake bites. Later on, it was brought into Rome for its various medicinal properties, and eventually became an essential component of herb gardens in the Middle Ages.
Breathing
If you or a family member has breathing struggles during flu time or seasonal changes … listen up! Inhaling sage can actually help with bronchial issues due to its cleansing abilities. Try placing a leaf or two in a salt inhaler to help boost the salt properties and help with breathing. If you try this method, make sure the leaves are not too small as you might inhale them into your mouth by accident rather than the oils.
Alternately, get that essential oil diffuser pumping! You can also burn sage bundles in the home to help with respiratory blocks. Just be aware that the smoke could irritate the lungs of anyone on the sensitive side.
Skin
Sage helps with improving the appearance of acne, along with skin conditions like athlete’s foot and chapped skin. It can even aid in relieving symptoms of eczema and psoriasis. Concentrated essential oil from sage leaves is often added to face and body washes, deodorants and anti-fungal creams due to its powerful astringent properties. If you’re interested in making your own salve, I have some more tips & tricks for you here!
Digestion
If you use over-the-counter medications for constipation or intestinal complaints, consider switching to sage. Sage tea can help break down blockages and easily move your intestines to clean out your system. You should start with one sage leaf in hot water first and increase the amount of leaves, or dosages, depending on your needs. You can drink the tea once every two hours to ensure you are giving the sage time to work properly on the area.
Relaxation
Sage can be used in oil, tea, and burning forms to help your body relax. This is especially useful if you are having sleeping struggles due to stress and other related anxiety issues. This can help calm your mind and your nerves then slowly help your muscles to relax so you can go to sleep. If you choose to use it as an inhalant, you may want to consider using an essential oil in a timed diffuser to ensure you are not burning anything while sleeping.
Finally …
As you get started, keep in mind there are several different types of sage! Different varieties will have slightly different benefits, so choose one that makes sense for your health needs. The most common form is desert sage, and this is the type you will normally see in bundled form. You can also purchase Russian Sage and Cedar. Be aware that clary sage is a completely different plant, but no less beneficial in the health department! More on that later.
So! Which use spoke to you the most? Which idea are you going to try first? Share with me in the comments!
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