Sage: More Than Just Poultry Seasoning!

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Misty L. Trepke

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SAGE: MORE THAN JUST POULTRY STUFFING!

--

-Andrea Candee, MS, MSC

http://botanical.com/site/by_you/acandee_sage.html

 

The wise gardener who planted salvia officinalis has 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 (raw honey may be added

for flavor).

 

Hot or cold...a 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 is used to help stop night sweats during the

menopausal years and can be used to assist in the weaning process

when it is time to stem the flow of milk in a nursing mother. 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 sporting 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 " sick 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?

 

Next time you cook a turkey, 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 2004 Andrea Candee

 

Andrea Candee, MH, MSC, is a master herbalist with a consultation

practice in South Salem, NY. She lectures for corporate wellness

centers, spas, and the NY Botanical Garden about taking charge of

your health naturally.

 

Her book, Gentle Healing for Baby and Child (Simon & Schuster), was

awarded The National Parenting Center's Seal of Approval. She may be

contacted through her website, www.andreacandee.com.

 

A Joyous Noel to You and Yours!

Health, Hope, Joy & Healing :

May you Prosper, even as your Soul Prospers 3John 2

 

Jennifer Ruby

 

Email advice is not a substitute for medical treatment.

 

http://www.rubysemporium.com

SymphonicHealth

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