White Sage, whole - Salvia apiana - from California, USA. Responsibly wildcrafted. White sage can be found throughout Mediterranean areas where development has not encroached on its habitat. In the Western US it grows in stands in plant communities of coastal sage scrub, and is often the dominant species. White Sage is one of the most aromatic of the Salvias; the scent coming from the fuzzy, thick, silvery-green leaves rather than the flowers. Used by the Native Americans as smudges, incense and medicine, white sage is burned for its ability to cleanse and purify. The purifying smoke of sage is used to drive out negativity and for protection. White sage has a wide range of medicinal properties. Like all odoriferous sages, the leaves are powerful antiseptics, used for abrasions and a spectrum of skin inflammations, douches to treat Candida and staph infections, and sore throats, colds, and lung infections. Drunk hot, an infusion of the leaves stimulates perspiration, thus lowering fevers. Inhaling the steamed leaves broke up chest congestion. Drunk cold, all bodily secretions are inhibited, which gives rise to the herb's use in weaning babies from the breast. The mother would drink the cold tea and moisten her breasts with it. Many sages, because of their anti-microbial properties, are used in over-the-counter preparations. The seeds--a staple food of Native Americans--were ground into flour, and the young shoots were eaten as greens. The leaves can be brewed into a beverage tea. Aside from culinary usage, white sage was used in combination with other aromatic herbs to repel ants and other insects--either as a powder for dusting, or as a spray. Prices: Per oz. (28 grams): $4.95 Per lb. (454 grams): $60.00 |
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