Sage: More than just Poultry Stuffing!

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SAGE: MORE THAN JUST POULTRY STUFFING! JoAnn Guest Dec 15, 2004 10:26 PST

 

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SAGE: MORE THAN JUST POULTRY STUFFING!

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-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.

_________________

 

JoAnn Guest

mrsjo-

DietaryTi-

www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Genes

 

 

 

 

 

AIM Barleygreen

" Wisdom of the Past, Food of the Future "

 

http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Diets.html