THE SEER’S PATH
SAGE
( SALVIA OFFICINALIS)
BY NIONE

Salvia Officinalis has been cultivated in the herb garden in Northern Europe
since medieval times and has been naturalized in Northern America since the 1700's.
The Romans believed that sage was a gift form the Gods and promoted longevity,
giving rise to the saying “ he that would live forever, would eat sage in May.” The
mention of sage has also been found in the writings of Pliny, Theophrastus, and Dioscorides
where it was known as “salvia Salvatore” (sage the Savior).

Beside being an excellent culinary herb, Sage has many medicinal uses as well.
Though there are approximately 900 different species of Sage, the one most commonly
used and the hardiest, is common garden Sage. Almost all of the varieties of
sage are very aromatic and can be found as an annual, biennial, perennial and an evergreen
shrub. Sage is very rich in volatile oils, though these do vary greatly from
species to species. Sage has been esteemed for centuries for its excellent healing
properties and it makes a first rate remedy in hot infusions for colds. The phenolic
acids it contains are antibacterial and are especially potent against Staphyloccus
Aureus while the Thujone in the plant is a strong antiseptic. When combined with
apple cider, sage tea makes a good mouth wash and a gargle for inflamed gums,
mouth ulcers and tonsilitis. Sage can also fortify a debilitated nervous system, ease
hot flashes during menopause and stop sweating during anxiety. It also has a drying
effect on mucus membranes and has also been used to help dry up excessive breast
milk in nursing mothers.

Externally as a decoction, sage is used to cleanse old ulcers or wounds. When
massaged into the scalp it will help relieve dandruff and promote hair growth if the
root is only dormant and not damaged.

I would like to mention at this time that sage should never be taken by women
who are pregnant or those who suffer from epilepsy . Though Sage contains less
Thujone than wormwood, the tea should be taken for no more than one or two weeks
because of the potentially toxic effects.

Sage Officinalis, common sage, is a shrubby evergreen perennial with many
branched stems containing wrinkled, velvety gray green leaves approximately 3" in
length. The flowers are found in whorls of purple blue flowers atop the plant and are
approximately ½" in size. This shrub can be grown in zones 5-8 . If not grown in the garden it can be found in dry rocky places in the wild and flowers in June and July.

Magically, sage has been used by North American Indians as smudges to cleanse and protect an area of evil spirits. I routinely use sage to cleanse the ritual area of negative energies before a ritual. Sage’s gender is male. Its ruling planet is Jupiter and its element is air.

Sage can be hung in bunches in the house or the barn to protect all of those who live within, it can also be worn in an amulet around the neck for protection . Sage will help you to gain wisdom as well as longevity and health if eaten or drunk in a tea. It is said that when placed under your pillow it will help bring you what you dream of. When sage is burned before and/or during divination or meditation it will increase psychic awareness. It especially potent when combined with other prophetic herbs such as wormwood and /or mugwort.

It is also said that sage should never be planted in a bed alone as it will bring bad luck, but should be planted amongst other herbs and flowers Whatever you use sage for either medicinally magically, it is a very powerful ally and should be respected as a gift from the Gods.

The following is a recipe for a tea which is a wonderful combination of herbs for congestion of sinuses especially when a headache is involved. I have also used this tea to help relieve a migraine and sometimes simply because the taste is pleasant and relaxing.

1 C. Peppermint ½ C. Mullien
1 C Thyme 1/4 C. Rosemary
1/2 C. Feverfew 2 tsp. Powdered sage

Combine all of the above and grind to desired texture. Use 1 tsp. Per cup of boiling water. Steep strain if
needed and sweeten with honey if desired.

Walk with Wisdom,

Nione