Chances are if someone mentions using white sage, a home or spiritual cleansing session is what comes to mind first. White sage has worked its way into the vernacular when it comes specifically to cleansing energy by burning sage sticks. This practice is referred to as smudging.
However, white sage can also be used in a variety of other ways, and it comes with some pretty exciting health benefits to consider, too! Here, we’ll take a look at what white sage is and how it can be incorporated into your health-focused lifestyle.
An Herb with More to Offer Than Meets the Eye
White sage is scientifically known as Salvia apiana and it grows throughout the southwestern U.S. as well as across Mexico. It’s a desert-residing evergreen mint herb that’s perennial and has long been used among Native American tribes as a part of ritual and cleansing ceremonies. The pleasing aroma that comes from white sage originates from the oils and scents that are released from the leaves. The white sage scent tends to be most potent when the leaves are steeped, burned, or rubbed together.
Benefits Beyond Energy Cleansing
While many people are familiar with the practice of burning white sage sticks to clear living and working spaces of negative energy, this herb also offers many tangible health benefits to the body. The following are just a few to consider.
1.White Sage Might Reduce the Symptoms of Sinus Infection
When seasonal allergies come around, sufferers often recognize a sinus infection on the horizon. White sage might just be a great solution to reducing sinus infection symptoms from the start!
The leaves of white sage host eucalyptol. This is an antioxidant compound that’s been shown to reduce inflammation and can potentially eliminate pathogens in the sinus passageway. Burning a white sage bundle and breathing deeply for even a few minutes can provide some serious sinus relief for many people.
2. It Could Help Improve Digestion
White sage has long been used as a natural remedy to improve digestion. One of the best strategies for enjoying this type of benefit is to brew white sage as a tea. The process is as simple as placing a single teaspoon of dried sage leaves in a teacup and steeping it with boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes. Once the tea is strained it’s ready to be enjoyed. A little honey and lemon added not only tastes great, but can help soothe a sore throat, too.
3. White Sage Can Assist in Clearing Away Harmful Bacteria
Beyond helping with digestion, white sage consumed as a tea can sometimes help balance the bacteria that are naturally present in the body. This can be a boost to your immune system over time!
If you happen to experience a small cut or burn, creating a white sage compress can help kill bacteria on the skin, reducing the chance of infection. A compress can be made by brewing 3 to 4 teaspoons of sage leaves with warm water. Saturate a small piece of cotton in the steeped water and then place it over the affected area for a few minutes before removing it.
Those who are looking to improve the air quality in their home will enjoy learning that burning white sage in a large space can potentially reduce bacteria in the air as well. This could lead to improved breathing on the part of allergy sufferers and fewer allergies experienced year-round.
A Little White Sage Might Just Go a Long Way When It Comes to Your Health
When it comes to health standards and strategies, it can be eye-opening to learn just how much more white sage has to offer beyond smudging! Try incorporating it a little at a time when you want to feel healthier all the way around. If your living space happens to become a more positive place to be along the way as well, consider it a welcome bonus.
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