White Sage Stems - California (salvia apiana)

White Sage Stems (while supplies last)

We temporarily have an abundance of stems. Those who do a lot of smudging will know what a really great bargain this is. Stems contain the same medicine as the leaves and hold a coal for a long time, which makes them especially valuable when smudging large gatherings. They are also really great for use outdoors on a burner to help chase mosquitoes away.

All our herbs come from certified organic sources or trusted wildcrafters.

ENGLISH COMMON NAME: 
Standard: White Sage
Also known as; sage, California sage

LATIN NAME: Salvia apiana
Plant Family: Lamiaceae

PART(S) USED: Leaves, stems.

OVERVIEW:
Sage is one of the most sacred of traditional Indigenous medicines. Is has been used for thousands of years as both food and medicine, and as a smudge (cleansing ceremony) to kill germs and dispel negative energy from people, places, and objects.

Sage has been used to treat digestive issues, depression, memory loss, menstrual and menopausal issues, to correct overproduction of perspiration, saliva and milk flow, applied directly to the skin to treat cold sores, gingivitis, sore throat and much more.

California White Sage grows in a specialized coastal habitat in Southern and Baja California. This evergreen shrub, belonging to the mint family, has tall woody stems and tiny white flowers that are irresistible to bees. This plant loves to grow on sunny, arid slopes.

Research continues to prove what Indigenous People have known for millennia about the benefits of smudging to purify the environment and set the space for healing. In 2006, a scientific paper titled Medicinal Smokes was published, containing research information from 50 countries on five continents regarding the ancient practice of using botanical smoke as a medicinal aid for lung, brain and skin function, as well as an air purifier. The research indicated that smoke from a variety of herbs is highly effective in reducing up to 94% of airborne bacteria for twenty-four hours, and in some cases much longer. A follow-up paper was published in 2007, in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, which also concluded that in addition to health benefits, smudging is a powerful antiseptic. Unlike chemical air purifiers that only mask the smells in the air, Sage is also 100% natural and less likely to cause allergic reactions for people with scent sensitivities. It has been widely used by Indigenous people for this purpose.

Salvia apiana is native to the California region. In some areas it has been grossly overharvested in the wild. Consumers should take care that they obtain their herbs from trusted sources. Our trusted supplier owns a beautiful area of pristine land and has been dedicated to carefully nurturing the growth of healthy White Sage there for many years.

PREPARATIONS: Keep dry. Store in an airtight container in a dry cupboard away from light. Will keep for many years. Note that his product and the paper bag it comes in are highly flammable. Use with caution. Use a dried leaf or two and light the tips. Wave in the air to extinguish.

PRECAUTIONS & CONTRAINDICATIONS:  

• Use at your own risk.  
• If Sage is used for purposes outside that of a spice, it should not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding because of its emmenagogue (stimulates or increases menstrual flow) and abortifacient (may induce abortion) effect. Do not use during lactation due to the possibility of reduced milk flow. 

• Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have an existing medical condition, have allergies, or are on any medications.  

WARNING: This information is for educational purposes only, has not been evaluated by Health Canada, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. 

This information is for educational purposes only, has not been evaluated by Health Canada, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.