Sage (Healing herbs)

Sage can be used for many things from culinary uses, medicinal purposes to spiritual practices and spell work.

There are many different types of sage most common sage grown in the uk is Salvia officinalis or garden sage.

The Latin word “salvere”, means “to be saved” or in another translation “to feel healthy”.

Sage was used by the Ancient Egyptian to boost fertility.

Although it was traditionally used as a remedy for inflammation of the mouth and throat, as a tooth polish and gargle and an elixir of overall good health.

In around 800 AD, Charlemagne King of the Franks decreed that every farm on crown lands must grow Sage “for the benefit of the nation”.

Sage is also considered a sacred herb by Native American people, White Sage is used for purification and protection.

Native Americans also used White Sage in ceremonies of birth and death.

Sacred objects such as pipes and eagle feathers were passed through the smoke of the white sage in order to purify them.

Sage was one of the most important medicinal herbs of Medieval Europe, it was thought that Sage had the power to cure all imaginable diseases. A belief held so strongly that no self respecting Apothecary’s Garden could be without it!

Packed full of vitamins and minerals :

  • Vitamin K Manganese
  • Vitamin A Zinc
  • Vitamin C Iron
  • Vitamin E Calcium
  • Vitamin B6 Copper
  • Sage is also full of antioxidants.

Antioxidants remove free radicals from the body that could potentially cause chronic diseases.

Sage contains over 160 distinct polyphenols, which are plant-based chemical compounds that act as antioxidants in your body.

Caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, chlorogenic acid and rutin are all found in sage and are directly linked to impressive health benefits, such as a lower risk of cancer and improved brain function and memory.

A powerful anti inflammatory this works by inhibiting enzymes linked to inflammatory responses.

Anti microbial properities in sage for example can kill Streptococcus mutansbacteria, the bacteria that causes dental cavities.

Sage may treat throat infections, dental abscesses, infected gums and mouth ulcers too.

Sage can also be used to help lower cholesterol.

Sage is used during the menopause to lessen symptoms some include hot flushes, excessive sweating, virginal dryness and irritability.

As sage is believed to have estrogen like properties.

This alows sage to bind to certain receptors in the brain to treat the above symptoms.

Sage also has been used over time as a fresh herb to alleviate diorreah symptoms, support bone health and in beauty products to combat skin aging.

Sage can be used as an oil but please be aware that it does need to be diluted with a base oil before use.

Sage is also used in aromatherapy which can purify and cleanse the space. It can also help to calm emotions and help with grief or depression whilst aiding mental focus.

Love & Bright Blessings always.

Smudging!

Here is a basic introduction to smudging.

Smudging is a way of clearing a space usually preformed before spell craft.
In recent years this practice has become much more popular within many communities.

You can smudge with a number of herbs amongst some are sweet grass and lavender.
More popular and my two favourites are Sage and Palo Santa.

Sage has been used since ancient times,
Used in ancient Roman, Greek and Egyptian medicine.
Very different to White sage. Romans offered a great ceremony when gathered, as Sage was sacred to the God Jupiter. The name Salvia is related to the Latin word salvere, meaning to heal, preserve or redeem.
European traditions denote Sage with wisdom, long life and even immortality.

In magical practice sage is known to be lucky and used often in spell craft for protection, cleansing and prosperity.

White sage dates back to the ancient practices of the native Americans.
Used to send prayers and when working with spirit. White sage grows in California. This is the one commonly used in smudging and the one I will be using today.

Palo Santa
This is not a leaf or flower but wooden sticks.
This tree is closely related to frankincense.
The smell is there very noticeably even before burning.
Different to white Sage which clears the space. Palo Santa adds to the space as well as cleanse away negative energies.
Filling your space with positive energies.
Palo Santa is also known to boast your immune system as well as relieve emotional stress, and works as a repellant to an array of insects.

You can read about basic herbs and their magical use in spells on my Herb-Craft page