Coming to you straight from the North Woods of Minnesota!

This white sage was harvested at the end of its bloom cycle (up here that is the last week of August). If you are new to the wonders of white sage here are some of the things it is used for:

White sage is a perennial evergreen herb that is primarily used to clean the air, improve the aroma and energy of a space, or it can be brewed as a tea for a variety of potential health benefits.

White sage can have a number of benefits, depending on whether it is burned, topically applied or steeped in a tea, including helping to treat sinus infections and congestion, eliminating bacteria, reducing inflammation, aiding digestion, and cleansing a space of negative energy.

Sinus Infections – If you burn white sage and inhale some of the smoke, be aware that it contains eucalyptol. It is an antioxidant compound that helps to eliminate pathogens and reduce inflammation in your sinuses. It can also have a similar effect on respiratory infections when consumed as a tea. Antibacterial – When consumed as a brewed tea, white sage can help to reduce the presence of bacteria in your body. When burned in a larger space, it can reduce the bacteria in the air by as much as 90%Inflammation – According to this review from the Slovenian National AGRIS Centre, sage tea lowers joint pain and discomfort. The presence of phytoestrogens and other antioxidant compounds in sage means that it can help to reduce inflammation associated with menstruation, including cramps and hot flashes.Digestion – Traditionally, this herb was used to promote good digestion, as it can help to reduce the inflammation of hemorrhoids and promote healthy, normal bowel movements.Cleansing Spaces / ‘Scrubbing’ – Perhaps the most well-known use of white sage is the act of burning of dried white sage. It is traditionally associated with cleansing negative energy from a space. Beginning at the door of one’s home, sage is burnt and the house ‘scrubbed’ with sage smoke. The powerful aroma and smoke clear out ‘old air’ and negative energy from past experiences. Stress and Anxiety – Some of the active ingredients of sage that are released when burnt are known to lower feelings of stress and tension, thus helping to lower chronic anxiety and related symptoms.

As explained above, there are various uses for white sage, including brewing a tea, binding dried leaves and burning them as incense, or applying them as a topical compress on the body.

Tea – To make a tea from sacred sage, place two teaspoons of fresh sage leaves (or 1 teaspoon of dried sage leaves) in a mug. Fill the mug with boiling water and allow the leaves to steep for 2-3 minutes. Strain the tea and enjoy with lemons or fresh honey.Compress – Similar to brewing tea, you place 3-4 teaspoons of sage leaves in a bowl with warm or cold water (depending on whether you want a hot or cold compress). Place a piece of cotton in the steeped water and allow it to get soaked through. Place the soaked piece of cotton where you want relief and attach it in place with a gauze or a bandage.Burning / “Smudging” – If you buy your own bundle of dried sage leaves, follow the instructions in the section above. If you want to make your own, thoroughly clean the sage leaves, pat them dry, and then tie them into a bundle that is hung upside down. Let them air dry for 7-10 days before burning them. Some people will also cook the dried sage in an oven at 180 degrees for 30 minutes, in case any insects have found their way into the herbal bundle. Here is an important thing to consider.... if you have never used white sage before, only use it in small amounts at first. It is very potent! It is quite rare, but some people do have a slight allergy to this plant. Consume small amounts with caution as you would when trying any new food.If you have any questions please feel free to contact me with them and I will do my best to respond promptly. I am in the timber daily as the weather allows, but check emails every evening.
(Per 1.5oz)
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North Woods Forager
Joined Oct 2022
North Woods Forager
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Your one stop shop for Minnesota wild mushrooms and foraged edibles. All sourced and foraged responsibly from the North Woods. Different seasons bring different blends of flavors, feel free to check often for new finds.

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