Question on Smudging(long post)

[Guest guest]

Here is some info my wife sent me from one of her groups..

 

 

WHITE SAGE

 

Artemisia ludoviciana Nutt.

 

Alternative Names

Silver wormwood, white sagebrush, wild sage, prairie sage, wormwood,

white mugwort, western mugwort, Louisiana sage, darkleaf mugwort,

Mexican sagewort, Chihuahua sagewort, Garfield tea, lobed cudweed, man

sage

 

Use

Ethnobotanic: Burning white sage and " smudge sticks " (the process of

harvesting sage stems and tying the stem together into a " smudge

stick " ), was and is used for cleansing and purification (Gilmore 1977,

Kindscher 1992). White sage or " man sage " was perhaps the most

important ceremonial plant of the Cheyenne (Hart 1976). The sage was

spread along the borders and on the altar in almost every ceremonial

lodge (including the stone peoples lodge or sweat lodge) with the

flowering end toward the fire. The leaves were burned as an incense to

cleanse and drive away bad spirits, evil influences, bad dreams, bad

thoughts, and sickness. A small pinch of baneberry (Actea rubra) was

often mixed with it for this purpose. The smoke was used to purify

people, spaces, implements, utensils, horses, and rifles in various

ceremonies. The Lakota also make bracelets for the Sun Dance from

white sage (Rogers 1980). The Cheyenne use the white sage in their Sun

Dance and Standing Against Thunder ceremonies (Hart 1976). Other

tribes who used white sage include the Arapaho, Comanche, Gros Ventre,

Creek, Navaho, Tewa, and Ute (Nickerson 1966, Carlson and Jones 1939,

Hart 1976, Thwaites 1905, Denig 1855, Elmore 1944, Robbins et al.

1916, Chamberlin 1909).

The Dakota and other tribes used white sage tea for stomach troubles

and many other ailments (Gilmore 1977). The Cheyenne used the crushed

leaves as snuff for sinus attacks, nosebleeds, and headaches (Hart

1976). The Crow made a salve for use on sores by mixing white sage

with neck-muscle fat (probably from buffalo) (Hart 1976). They used a

strong tea as an astringent for eczema and as a deodorant and an

antiperspirant for underarms and feet. The Kiowa made a bitter drink

from white sage, which they used to reduce phlegm and to relieve a

variety of lung and stomach complaints (Vestal and Shultes 1939).

Usually, they chewed the stem and leaves and swallowed the juice.

The Kiowa-Apaches used a thin, sharp-pointed section of the stem as a

moxa to relieve headaches or other pain (Jordan 1965). The Chinese

also use an Artemisia species as a moxa to relieve pain such as

arthritis. The Kiowa also used an infusion of white sage plants for

the lungs, to cut phlegm, and for stomach trouble. The Mesquakie used

the leaves as a poultice to " cure sores of long standing " (Smith

1928). They also made a tea of the leaves to treat tonsillitis and

sore throat and a smudge of the leaves to drive away mosquitoes. The

Omaha used the leaves in a tea for bathing and used the powdered

leaves to stop nosebleeds (Gilmore 1913).

Both the Pawnee and the Bannock women drank Artemisia ludoviciana tea

during their moon time, or menstrual periods (Dunbar 1880). During the

time that women lived away from their lodges in a menstrual hut, they

drank the bitter tea made from either the leaves of white sage or the

root .

 

The Blackfeet use the white sage in sweat-lodge rituals and as an

ingredient in a stream vapor inhaled for respiratory problems. The

" Giver of Breath " heals the ability to breathe with this powerful

plant medicine.

According to Moerman (1986) Artemisia ludoviciana was used for the

following:

 

• The Fox used a poultice of leaves to heal old sores, a burning

smudge to drive away mosquitoes and to " smoke ponies when they have

the distemper " , and an infusion of leaves to heal tonsillitis and sore

throats.

 

• The Omaha used the leaves as a bath for fevers and to prevent

nosebleeds.

 

• The Paiute used a decoction of the plant as a soaking bath to

relieve aching feet, to heal stomachaches, as a poultice for

rheumatism or other aches, as a poultice or compress for headaches, to

stop diarrhea, in a sweatbath for rheumatism, and to relieve the

itching and discomfort of rashes and skin eruptions.

 

• The Shoshone took white sage for colds, coughs, headaches,

stomachaches, as a compress for fevers, to stop diarrhea, as a physic,

as a regulator of menstrual disorders, and for influenza.

• The Washoe used white sage as a cooling, aromatic wash for

headaches, colds, and coughs.

 

The lactone glycosides, santonin and artemisin, are probably found in

all Artemisia species and account for their anthelmintic properties

(Moore 1979). Thujone, a terpene-like ketone and essential oil, is

also found in the plant and may be responsible for some of its

medicinal effects (Kinscher 1992). However, it is poisonous in large

doses. The Food and Drug Administration classifies Artemisia as an

unsafe herb containing " a volatile oil which is an active narcotic

poison " (Duke 1985).

 

Wildlife & Livestock: Sagebrush furnishes essential cover for many of

the smaller desert animals (Martin et al. 1951). Its foliage and

flower clusters constitute most of the diet of the sage grouse, and

these parts together with the twigs bearing them are the primary

source of food for antelope and mule deer. Range cattle also make good

use of sagebrush as forage. Other mammals, which browse the foliage

and stems, include jackrabbits, black-tailed rabbits, white-tailed

rabbits, cottontails, chipmunks, gophers, ground squirrels, and

various species of mice, prairie dogs, kangaroo rats, and

white-throated wood rats. Elk and mountain sheep also browse on the

foliage and twigs.

 

Description

 

General: Sunflower Family (Asteraceae). White sage is a white-woolly,

perennial herb 3-7 dm (1-2 1/4 ft) tall, with a strong odor of

sagebrush. The stems are erect and often clustered from creeping

rhizomes. The leaves are alternate, entire to irregularly toothed or

lobed, 3-11 cm (1.25-4.5 in) long, up to 1.5 cm (9/16 in) wide. Flower

heads are small tight greenish clusters among the leaves near the ends

of the stems. White sage flowers from August through September. The

fruits are dry, smooth, broadly cylindrical achenes. There are four

subspecies of Artemisia ludoviciana (Hickman 1993).

Establishment

 

Adaptation: White sage grows in riparian areas along both perennial

and intermittent streams, in the sagebrush steppe, in both shortgrass

and tallgrass prairies, and in semi-disturbed sites. It grows on dry,

sandy to rocky soils below 3500 m.

Most of the wild sages are abundant in their natural habitats. White

sage and other Artemisia species can be propagated by seeds, by

division of the rootstock, or by cuttings taken in the early summer

(Kindscher 1992).

 

Propagation from Cuttings: Artemisia ludoviciana spreads vigorously

from rhizomes. Plants can easily be divided and replanted.

• In greenhouse conditions, it is best to dig up and separate plants

in late fall or winter. This is the " quiescent " period that follows

seed maturation, and leaves are senescent (dried up and brown colored).

 

• Split the plant clump into pieces by hand, then cut the plant into

sections, each with one or more buds.

• For dividing the whole plant, gently loosen the soil around the

plant, taking care to not damage the roots, and then lift the plant

gently with a pitchfork; shake off as much soil from the roots as

possible.

 

• Divide the plant into smaller pieces by hand, retaining only

healthy, vigorous sections, each with new buds.

 

• Replant the divisions as soon as possible. It is important the

plants donÂ't dry out, so if replanting is delayed a couple of hours,

dip the plants briefly in water and keep them in a sealed plastic bag

in a cool, shady place until you are ready to plant them.

 

• Cut back the old top-growth and replant the divided plant sections

to the same depth as before.

 

• When replanting, ensure that the roots are well spread out in the

planting hole and the plant firmed in. Water newly planted divisions

thoroughly; take care not to expose the roots by washing away soil

when watering.

 

• Plants should be planted in the full sun in a light, loose soil.

Plants should be planted on 12-18 " centers.

 

• As plants are becoming established, the rooting zone needs to be

kept moist.

 

Propagation by Seed: When the soil has warmed to at least 45ºF (7ºC)

in the spring, sow hardy Artemisia species where they are to flowers.

• Seeds can also be sown in pots or seed trays and either out-planted

in their final positions in late fall or over-wintered in a cold frame

to be out-planted in spring. This technique is particularly useful in

gardens with clay soil that is slow to warm up in spring.

• The two main methods of sowing outdoors are broadcast and drills.

For both, prepare the seedbed first by digging over the soil to one

spade depth, then rake over and firm.

 

• Broadcast Sowing: Sprinkle seeds thinly and evenly on the surface of

the prepared seedbed and rake them in lightly. Label the seedbeds,

then water the area gently but thoroughly with a fine spray.

• Sowing in drills: Use either a trowel tip or the corner of a hoe,

mark out shallow drill holes 3-6 " (8-15 cm) apart, depending on the

ultimate size of the plant. Sow seeds thinly and evenly by sprinkling

or placing them along each drill at the appropriate depth. Carefully

cover with soil and pack firmly. Label each row and water gently but

thoroughly with a fine spray.

 

• To prevent overcrowding, the seedlings usually need to be thinned;

to minimize disturbance to a seedling being retained, press the soil

around it after thinning the adjacent seedlings.

 

• Water the newly establishing seedlings fairly frequently until the

roots have developed.

 

 

Hope this helps some,

Rick

[Guest guest]

-Best post EVER... very enlightening!

thank you .........

si`la

 

 

-- In , " traciandrick "

<tracispoopy wrote:

>

> Here is some info my wife sent me from one of her groups..

>

>

> WHITE SAGE

>

> Artemisia ludoviciana Nutt.

>

> Alternative Names

> Silver wormwood, white sagebrush, wild sage, prairie sage, wormwood,

> white mugwort, western mugwort, Louisiana sage, darkleaf mugwort,

> Mexican sagewort, Chihuahua sagewort, Garfield tea, lobed cudweed, man

> sage

>

> Use

> Ethnobotanic: Burning white sage and " smudge sticks " (the process of

> harvesting sage stems and tying the stem together into a " smudge

> stick " ), was and is used for cleansing and purification (Gilmore 1977,

> Kindscher 1992). White sage or " man sage " was perhaps the most

> important ceremonial plant of the Cheyenne (Hart 1976). The sage was

> spread along the borders and on the altar in almost every ceremonial

> lodge (including the stone peoples lodge or sweat lodge) with the

> flowering end toward the fire. The leaves were burned as an incense to

> cleanse and drive away bad spirits, evil influences, bad dreams, bad

> thoughts, and sickness. A small pinch of baneberry (Actea rubra) was

> often mixed with it for this purpose. The smoke was used to purify

> people, spaces, implements, utensils, horses, and rifles in various

> ceremonies. The Lakota also make bracelets for the Sun Dance from

> white sage (Rogers 1980). The Cheyenne use the white sage in their Sun

> Dance and Standing Against Thunder ceremonies (Hart 1976). Other

> tribes who used white sage include the Arapaho, Comanche, Gros Ventre,

> Creek, Navaho, Tewa, and Ute (Nickerson 1966, Carlson and Jones 1939,

> Hart 1976, Thwaites 1905, Denig 1855, Elmore 1944, Robbins et al.

> 1916, Chamberlin 1909).

> The Dakota and other tribes used white sage tea for stomach troubles

> and many other ailments (Gilmore 1977). The Cheyenne used the crushed

> leaves as snuff for sinus attacks, nosebleeds, and headaches (Hart

> 1976). The Crow made a salve for use on sores by mixing white sage

> with neck-muscle fat (probably from buffalo) (Hart 1976). They used a

> strong tea as an astringent for eczema and as a deodorant and an

> antiperspirant for underarms and feet. The Kiowa made a bitter drink

> from white sage, which they used to reduce phlegm and to relieve a

> variety of lung and stomach complaints (Vestal and Shultes 1939).

> Usually, they chewed the stem and leaves and swallowed the juice.

> The Kiowa-Apaches used a thin, sharp-pointed section of the stem as a

> moxa to relieve headaches or other pain (Jordan 1965). The Chinese

> also use an Artemisia species as a moxa to relieve pain such as

> arthritis. The Kiowa also used an infusion of white sage plants for

> the lungs, to cut phlegm, and for stomach trouble. The Mesquakie used

> the leaves as a poultice to " cure sores of long standing " (Smith

> 1928). They also made a tea of the leaves to treat tonsillitis and

> sore throat and a smudge of the leaves to drive away mosquitoes. The

> Omaha used the leaves in a tea for bathing and used the powdered

> leaves to stop nosebleeds (Gilmore 1913).

> Both the Pawnee and the Bannock women drank Artemisia ludoviciana tea

> during their moon time, or menstrual periods (Dunbar 1880). During the

> time that women lived away from their lodges in a menstrual hut, they

> drank the bitter tea made from either the leaves of white sage or the

> root .

>

> The Blackfeet use the white sage in sweat-lodge rituals and as an

> ingredient in a stream vapor inhaled for respiratory problems. The

> " Giver of Breath " heals the ability to breathe with this powerful

> plant medicine.

> According to Moerman (1986) Artemisia ludoviciana was used for the

> following:

>

> • The Fox used a poultice of leaves to heal old sores, a burning

> smudge to drive away mosquitoes and to " smoke ponies when they have

> the distemper " , and an infusion of leaves to heal tonsillitis and sore

> throats.

>

> • The Omaha used the leaves as a bath for fevers and to prevent

> nosebleeds.

>

> • The Paiute used a decoction of the plant as a soaking bath to

> relieve aching feet, to heal stomachaches, as a poultice for

> rheumatism or other aches, as a poultice or compress for headaches, to

> stop diarrhea, in a sweatbath for rheumatism, and to relieve the

> itching and discomfort of rashes and skin eruptions.

>

> • The Shoshone took white sage for colds, coughs, headaches,

> stomachaches, as a compress for fevers, to stop diarrhea, as a physic,

> as a regulator of menstrual disorders, and for influenza.

> • The Washoe used white sage as a cooling, aromatic wash for

> headaches, colds, and coughs.

>

> The lactone glycosides, santonin and artemisin, are probably found in

> all Artemisia species and account for their anthelmintic properties

> (Moore 1979). Thujone, a terpene-like ketone and essential oil, is

> also found in the plant and may be responsible for some of its

> medicinal effects (Kinscher 1992). However, it is poisonous in large

> doses. The Food and Drug Administration classifies Artemisia as an

> unsafe herb containing " a volatile oil which is an active narcotic

> poison " (Duke 1985).

>

> Wildlife & Livestock: Sagebrush furnishes essential cover for many of

> the smaller desert animals (Martin et al. 1951). Its foliage and

> flower clusters constitute most of the diet of the sage grouse, and

> these parts together with the twigs bearing them are the primary

> source of food for antelope and mule deer. Range cattle also make good

> use of sagebrush as forage. Other mammals, which browse the foliage

> and stems, include jackrabbits, black-tailed rabbits, white-tailed

> rabbits, cottontails, chipmunks, gophers, ground squirrels, and

> various species of mice, prairie dogs, kangaroo rats, and

> white-throated wood rats. Elk and mountain sheep also browse on the

> foliage and twigs.

>

> Description

>

> General: Sunflower Family (Asteraceae). White sage is a white-woolly,

> perennial herb 3-7 dm (1-2 1/4 ft) tall, with a strong odor of

> sagebrush. The stems are erect and often clustered from creeping

> rhizomes. The leaves are alternate, entire to irregularly toothed or

> lobed, 3-11 cm (1.25-4.5 in) long, up to 1.5 cm (9/16 in) wide. Flower

> heads are small tight greenish clusters among the leaves near the ends

> of the stems. White sage flowers from August through September. The

> fruits are dry, smooth, broadly cylindrical achenes. There are four

> subspecies of Artemisia ludoviciana (Hickman 1993).

> Establishment

>

> Adaptation: White sage grows in riparian areas along both perennial

> and intermittent streams, in the sagebrush steppe, in both shortgrass

> and tallgrass prairies, and in semi-disturbed sites. It grows on dry,

> sandy to rocky soils below 3500 m.

> Most of the wild sages are abundant in their natural habitats. White

> sage and other Artemisia species can be propagated by seeds, by

> division of the rootstock, or by cuttings taken in the early summer

> (Kindscher 1992).

>

> Propagation from Cuttings: Artemisia ludoviciana spreads vigorously

> from rhizomes. Plants can easily be divided and replanted.

> • In greenhouse conditions, it is best to dig up and separate plants

> in late fall or winter. This is the " quiescent " period that follows

> seed maturation, and leaves are senescent (dried up and brown colored).

>

> • Split the plant clump into pieces by hand, then cut the plant into

> sections, each with one or more buds.

> • For dividing the whole plant, gently loosen the soil around the

> plant, taking care to not damage the roots, and then lift the plant

> gently with a pitchfork; shake off as much soil from the roots as

> possible.

>

> • Divide the plant into smaller pieces by hand, retaining only

> healthy, vigorous sections, each with new buds.

>

> • Replant the divisions as soon as possible. It is important the

> plants donÂ't dry out, so if replanting is delayed a couple of hours,

> dip the plants briefly in water and keep them in a sealed plastic bag

> in a cool, shady place until you are ready to plant them.

>

> • Cut back the old top-growth and replant the divided plant sections

> to the same depth as before.

>

> • When replanting, ensure that the roots are well spread out in the

> planting hole and the plant firmed in. Water newly planted divisions

> thoroughly; take care not to expose the roots by washing away soil

> when watering.

>

> • Plants should be planted in the full sun in a light, loose soil.

> Plants should be planted on 12-18 " centers.

>

> • As plants are becoming established, the rooting zone needs to be

> kept moist.

>

> Propagation by Seed: When the soil has warmed to at least 45ºF (7ºC)

> in the spring, sow hardy Artemisia species where they are to flowers.

> • Seeds can also be sown in pots or seed trays and either out-planted

> in their final positions in late fall or over-wintered in a cold frame

> to be out-planted in spring. This technique is particularly useful in

> gardens with clay soil that is slow to warm up in spring.

> • The two main methods of sowing outdoors are broadcast and drills.

> For both, prepare the seedbed first by digging over the soil to one

> spade depth, then rake over and firm.

>

> • Broadcast Sowing: Sprinkle seeds thinly and evenly on the surface of

> the prepared seedbed and rake them in lightly. Label the seedbeds,

> then water the area gently but thoroughly with a fine spray.

> • Sowing in drills: Use either a trowel tip or the corner of a hoe,

> mark out shallow drill holes 3-6 " (8-15 cm) apart, depending on the

> ultimate size of the plant. Sow seeds thinly and evenly by sprinkling

> or placing them along each drill at the appropriate depth. Carefully

> cover with soil and pack firmly. Label each row and water gently but

> thoroughly with a fine spray.

>

> • To prevent overcrowding, the seedlings usually need to be thinned;

> to minimize disturbance to a seedling being retained, press the soil

> around it after thinning the adjacent seedlings.

>

> • Water the newly establishing seedlings fairly frequently until the

> roots have developed.

>

>

> Hope this helps some,

> Rick

>

[Guest guest]

" silalasangre " wrote:

>

> -Best post EVER... very enlightening!

> thank you .........

> si`la

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Thank you! This is pretty much was I was talking about earlier about

White Sage having many nick names. I am glad that you found this post

useful.

 

Namaste,

Rick