White sage is commonly found in the Southern United States and Northern Mexico. It is considered as a sacred herb by the American Indians. They refer to the white sage as the king of all sages. For centuries, this beautiful silvery herb was used for medicinal purposes and smudging ceremonies.
Smudging
Smudging refers to the ritual of burning sage. White sage has a sweet, pleasant aroma when burned. However, people don’t just burn white sage to make their place smell amazing. Rather, it is done to cleanse the place, an object or a person. White sage is still used up to the present times for smudging purposes.
The plant is considered sacred. For centuries, white sage has been used for cleansing, purifying and protection. Smudging is done to rid homes of bad spirits and ward off negative energies. When burned, the smoke of this sacred herb attaches to the negative energies. As the smoke spirals and fills up the space, the place is being cleansed. For best results, direct the smoke onto areas you want to clear or protect. Don’t forget to express your intention for why you’re burning sage and express gratitude for the help of the plant spirits.
Physical healing
Sage has many medical properties. It has antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also an expectorant, diuretic and stimulant. It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries.
Sage tea is often used to treat a variety of conditions. Experts claim that a cup of good infusion can help with a number of health problems such as pains in the joints, sprains, sore throat, colds, cough, kidney troubles, liver complaints as well as digestive problems.
Since this herb is often used in the culinary world for its distinct flavor and aroma, most people assume that it is safe. However, sage is supposed to be taken small doses. If taken in large doses, it may cause rapid heart rate, dizziness and seizure. It is also not advisable for pregnant women because it triggers uterine contractions.