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Greetings and Welcome All!

Given that Halloween, or Samhain, is just around the corner, I thought it fitting to feature the beloved Sage in this installment.

We all know of the Sage in our recipes and have likely even heard of sage smudge sticks, but this herb is considered by many, and since ancient times, as a cure-all, both remedially and mystically. It was used medicinally long before it became a culinary staple.

It's Botanical name, Salvia officinalis, is derived from “Salvere” in Latin, and “to be in good health” or "to save" in English. It is a member of the mint family.

The definition of sage, be it the latin phrase, or the English word meaning wise and judicious, tells us that this is an herb in which we can place our trust and that no home nor garden should be without.

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Photo: http://www.public-domain-photos.com

SAGE

Salvia officinalis
Category: Aromatic, Styptic, Stomachic, Astringent

There are many types of Sage but, in this discussion, we will be referring to Common Sage. It is a shrubby little plant that grows as wide as tall and wild throughout the world, although it is indigenous to the Mediterranean and Europe.

The stems have fine little hairs and are rather woody with relatively large, oval and fuzzy leaves. I've always thought Sage looked similar to Lamb's Ear. In late Spring, Sage bears lovely little flowers of white, blue, or lavender. Leaves are the desired part of the plant and are best picked at or before blooming, and on a full moon, if one is so inclined. In areas that do not experience freezing, Sage may continue to grow year 'round.

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~ TRADITIONAL USAGE ~

Sage is a superb styptic, will stop lactation, soothe sore muscles, and calm a bout of indigestion. It can help heal ulcers and strengthen the stomach lining. Having antiseptic properties, it is an excellent addition to a morning mouth rinse after brushing or oil pulling.

Administration

Sage may be made into a tea or an ointment or salve (see below), added fresh to many recipes, or even applied fresh and directly to the infected area or small wound. It may also be slowly chewed if there is an oral or throat infection present. If the latter exists, I would recommend Sage tea (see below) with honey (preferably local to help build the immune system) along with a few crushed Echinacea leaves https://steemit.com/herbalism/@areynolds/a-sacred-herbal-selections-from-my-personal-remedial-and-mystical-herbal.

SAGE TEA

Photo: Flickr, Creative Commons License

To Stop Lactation, Or Calm An Upset Tummy Or Ulcer

Add 3 Teaspoons of Sage, preferably fresh
2 cups of spring water
Boil slowly for 20 minutes
Strain and add honey, if desired
A little mint may be added to help with the tummy

SAGE OINTMENT

This ointment is great for aching muscles, to help stop minor bleeding as well as add an antiseptic benefit.

Fill a glass jar 1/3, or a few small ones, with fresh Sage
Cover the herbs with coconut oil
1 drop of Vitamin E per ounce of oil and beeswax (natural preservative)
Place in a slow-cooker with 2 inches of water
Leave it on low for 3 days, checking the water level each day
On the 3rd day, heat 3 ounces of beeswax and add infused oil
Cool and seal

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~MYSTICAL USAGE~

Sage is our Protector as we, on Samhain, move quietly into the dark underground and await the light of Yule. Bonfires alight and it's time to welcome our loved ones once again.

Photo: Flickr, Creative Commons License

Toss into the fire your weaknesses as you see them, written on small pieces of paper, or gather Nightshade by moonlight, if possible. Decorate with pumpkins, acorns, cornstalks, and mullein torches. Burn Frankincense, and use Sage tea in your Chalice and to clear and consecrate your Space. Most importantly, spend time in meditation with those who've gone on.

Astrological Alliance –Leo

Planetary Alliance - Jupiter, Venus

Tarot Alliance – Cups

Elemental Alliance – Earth

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LORE
~ In the 17th century, the Dutch traded the Chinese Sage for tea.
~ An old English custom was to drink Sage everyday in May to be granted immortality. That one, me thinks, didn't really pan out.
~ It is also said that where Sage grows, a woman rules the hearth, while in the Middle ages Sage was used to mask the odor of rancid meat.

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Tell me your experiences with Sage!

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Thank you

for reading and please follow @areynolds for more on Knoxville, Herbs and RandomStuffThatKeepsMeUp@Night!

Peace and many smiles!
~ General Info And Common Sense: It is recommended that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.