A wise gardener who plants salvia officinalis will be rewarded with an abundance of sage for valuable medicinal use. Prepared as an infusion (1 teaspoon of the herb steeped 15-30 minutes in a covered cup of boiled water), sage has a multitude of applications.
Dipping a cloth into the hot tea creates a sage compress which can be applied to the forehead to help relieve tension headaches…breathe deeply to inhale as well as absorb sage’s aromatic benefits. A compress applied to the diaphragm or abdominal areas can help soothe stomach cramps, flatulence and general intestinal/digestive discomfort. Whenever a compress is applied, also consider sipping a cup of the sage tea (honey may be added for flavor).
Hot or cold…an herb of many talents
Known as a diaphoretic herb, hot sage tea will increase the flow of bodily fluids (e.g. perspiration and delayed periods) and decrease the flow when taken cold. Colds, flu, and bronchial afflictions benefit from hot sage’s ability to expectorate and increase sweating and elimination of toxins. Cold sage tea arrests diarrhea. Drink 2-4 cups a day, hot or cold, depending upon the desired benefit.
From the child-bearing years to menopause, sage provides valuable benefit. Cold sage tea can be used to assist in the weaning process when it is time to stem the flow of milk in a nursing mother, and is used to help stop night sweats during the menopausal years. In both stages, women want those bodily fluids to stop flowing! Sage is to be avoided during pregnancy as it can stimulate uterine contractions. Do not use cold sage tea while nursing so as not to affect the flow of milk.
Rinse, Gargle, Inhale, Shampoo and Bathe!
Those who sport braces can benefit from sage’s ability to astringe and heal irritated tissue. For inflamed gums, tongue or mouth ulcers, rinse with cool sage tea three times a day. As a gargle, sage’s antiseptic properties help heal a sore throat.
Aromatically, sage helps to clear the sinuses and lungs. Place the hot sage infusion in a glass bowl, use a towel to create a tented effect and inhale deeply. Strained sage tea can be used in the vaporizer and added to the bath water.
A cool sage compress speeds the healing of cuts, wounds, herpes sores, and varicose veins. Poured over the hair after shampooing, sage tea is most helpful in reducing dandruff.
Why should a man die if he has sage flourishing in his garden?
Sage was commonly used by Native Americans to clear the energy field. The dried leaves were rolled into cylinders and tied with string. The smoke from the ignited ‘smudge sticks’ was credited with clearing negative vibrations. Sage and cedar bundles may be found in health food stores and wellness/gift shops. Place the bundle in a ceramic dish and ignite. The branches will smolder, releasing the cleansing smoke. This is a good way to clear out lingering germs after cold and flu, or ‘bad vibes’ after an argument or unwelcome visitor!
Considering the varied medicinal uses of common garden sage, it is easy to understand the ancient proverb: Why should a man die if he has sage flourishing in his garden?
This Thanksgiving, you may want to save some of the sage you use on the turkey for the digestive upset that’s sure to follow – especially if you wind up as stuffed as the turkey!
Copyright Andrea Candee – All rights reserved
Andrea Candee, MH, MSC, is a master herbalist with a practice in Westchester County. She lectures throughout the country and at corporate wellness centers about taking charge of your health naturally. Her book, Gentle Healing for Baby and Child (Simon & Schuster), was awarded the Seal of Approval by The National Parenting Center. She may be contacted at www.AndreaCandee.com where you can sign up for her free e-letter, Did You Know?, or by mail at PO Box 171, South Salem, NY 10590.