Sage
Salvia officinalis
Family: Lamiaceae (Mint Family)
Deities: Obatala, Odin and many others.
Element: Earth & Air
Sage is one of my favorite herbs for 2 reasons: first, sage is hands down one of the best purifiers and second, Thanksgiving.
Medicinal Uses: Sage will cut sweating by up to 50%, which is why sage is used in antiperspirant and for treating fevers. It also is used for reducing milk output of nursing mothers. The antibacterial and antioxidant compounds in sage make it a treatment for wounds and to preserve food from spoilage. Like many mints, sage is a digestive aid and relieves gas. It is also recommended to use sage for sore throats and tonsillitis. One research study showed sage could reduce blood sugar levels.
Spiritual Uses: When burned, sage purifies the air and removes negativity (in any form). Sage also promotes wisdom so if you are in need of getting in touch with your inner teacher, invite sage into your life. Since sage is used to treat so many medicinal complaints, it should not be a surprise that spiritually, this herb gets used in healing and longevity spells and rituals. The spirit of sage is calm and centered and feels like an old soul.
Sage originates from Southern Europe but is cultivated throughout the world. An evergreen perennial, sage prefers well-drained soils in a sunny environment. The plants can grow up to 2 feet tall and has square stems and soft gray-green narrow leaves that grow in opposite pairs. The purple-blue flowers blossom at the end of the stems in clusters.
