Sage
Sage is widely used in culinary and traditional medicine. It has a long history of use for its medicinal and spiritual practices. There are many species of sage, and the lyre-leaf sage is claimed to have been commonly used within Native American tribes, particularly the roots and leaves.
Health Benefits:
Respiratory illness relief
Health Condition:
Cough
Congestion
Method of Use:
Burn/Smoke
Topical Application
Tea
Infusion
Alternative Names:
Salvia officinalis; S. lyrata L. Artemisia tridentata
Cultural Narrative
Many community members described sage as an important medicine with a variety of uses. Primarily burned in smudge, it can be used alone or in combination with other herbs to purify, cleanse, or in blessings. Several people described it as being useful to calm the nervous system to and help with restoring emotional balance. Sage can support digestion and has been found to be helpful to nervous system regulation. Sage has also been found to support memory. It is also known for its support with digestion, as both a whole-body and digestive tonic. While research is lacking, there is some evidence that sage may support increasing gall bladder and liver functions, indigestion, poor digestion, and low appetite. As a diuretic, sage may support the body with clearing out toxins through its detoxifying and stimulating properties.