However, it resembles Lavender (when in bloom) and has a similar flowery fragrance. Benefits of Palo Santo vs Sage Palo santo and sage both have healing properties and both are used around the world. Sagebrush is accessible in more of North America than the Salvia. However, the fragrance is usually less intense. Talk to a health professional before taking sage. According to shamanic practitioner Marika Messager , smudging … While White Sage is all but proven to help clear bacteria and the unwanted in the air, incense was also used for the same purpose among other spiritual needs and aromatherapy. She specializes in health writing and copywriting for websites, blogs and businesses. In lieu of burning sage, you can employ smoke-free methods with white sage essential oil. This is a contributed guest post. White sage flowers are mostly white with hints of lavender, while garden sage flowers are usually purple or bluish-purple (although they can sometimes also be lavender or white). Both White sage and "regular," or Common, sage are a part of the Salvia L. genus of the mint family, classified as Lamiaceae. Both White sage and "regular," or Common, sage are a part of the Salvia L. genus of the mint family, classified as Lamiaceae. Oddly enough was just thinking about this topic yesterday. Common sage, also known as Salvia officianalis, garden sage and kitchen sage, is used commonly to add flavor in cooking and for medicinal purposes. Both are amazing and serve great purposes, but it's important to know the difference for your specific needs. The plant has been gathered for thousands of years by Native Americans, particularly the Chumash. (Other names: Clary, Europe Sage) Mostly this plant is used as an essential oil.  Long considered a "female's oil", clary sage is calming on the body and mind, and supports emotional and feminine functions. This was very informative on. Accordingly, this information should be used only under the direct supervision of a qualified health practitioner. 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.. What is White Sage? So when I was asked to test palo santo and sage smudging sticks for comparison, I had about a million questions for the Internet first.. Smudging, as I learned, is an ancient and sacred tradition that’s been integral to the spirituality of some indigenous peoples for thousands of years. This genus contains many types of sage in additional to these two, including Clary sage, Lyreleaf sage, Mediterranean sage, Silver sage, Azure Blue sage and Purple sage. Botanically, it is much closer to actual culinary sage. Comment below and tell us if you learned something new! Note: for more information on the near extinction of white sage please. This group of plants belongs to the family of plants called Laminacea (or known as the mint family) and the genus of Salvia. LIVESTRONG is a registered trademark of the LIVESTRONG Foundation. Tea … It is found in the sunflower family, and is known as Artemisia ludoviciana. This White sage also was used medicinally in tea, salves and other applications for the stomach, sinuses, headaches, sores, eczema and additional ailments. Therien has a Master of Arts in sociology from Florida Atlantic University. Sage, or Common Sage, is a potent essential oil composed primarily of ketones, while Clary Sage is mostly composed of esters. Both White and Common sage are ingested and used medicinally. The most common type grows to about two feet high and two feet wide. The material appearing on LIVESTRONG.COM is for educational use only. any of the products or services that are advertised on the web site. and grow throughout the world. Store Hours:Sunday: 12:00-5:00Monday through Saturday: 11:00-6:00. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service: Classification for Kingdom Plantae Down to Genus Salvia L. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service: Plant Guide – White Sage Salvia Apiana Jepson, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service: Plant Guide – White Sage, National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Sage, PARTNER & LICENSEE OF THE LIVESTRONG FOUNDATION. It also is used for skin ailments, such as sores, wounds and abscesses. The white sage is a very different smell and plant. 2020 It is known as a sacred plant—and is used in food, medicine and smudging (smudging is mostly how it is used today).  When smudging white sage is used to deep cleanse a space of negative energy. In late spring or early summer, sage plants produce flowers that range in color from lavender and white to pink and purple. What is White Sage? For its cleansing and nerve tonic properties, the Lakota Indians nicknamed it “master herb.” 3. I am newer than new to smudging. Cynthia B Turner from Georgia on May 30, 2018: Hi again, In answer to the queston, yes, my great-grandmother burned incense as well. It is also possible to be allergic to sage. Btw, you don’t have to use white sage to cleanse your home (it's your place, after all), but it is the herb most commonly associated with the practice, she says. Another identifying feature of sage plants is their texture. Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest updates, news and product offers via email. Let’s examine what this means and how this makes them so different. Most of the White Sage on the market comes from California. Privacy Policy Note: Sagebrush Artemisia tridentata, also can go by the name "Blue Sage," but is not a member of the Salvia genus. It is somewhat confusing when discussing sages as there are many types of plants, some even unrelated, that are referred to as ‘sage’.  But, in reality, there are basically two types of groups that are referred to as “sage”: Part of the confusion stems from the similarity in both name and historical use.  Both groups of plants are commonly used for smudging, an ancient practice that is now being validated by modern science as a way to cleanse and purify spaces of bacteria and other pathogens. For instance, you can diffuse the oil or create a white sage mist. Moreover, we do not select every advertiser or advertisement that appears on the web site-many of the White sage smudging is when the leaves of the sage are burnt, and the smoke is focused on zones and spaces that need protection and clearing, such as your Aura. Season: Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter. Reliance on any information provided by this article is solely at your own risk. That’s why we created the following gi... Of all the activities that you, our homesteaders and natural living enthusiasts, like to engage in during these fall months, we’ve found something for everyone. Talk to a health professional before using sage as a medical treatment. There’s even a variety called Death Valley Sage (Salvia funereal). Disclaimer: This information is intended only as a general reference for further exploration, and is not a replacement for professional health advice. White Sage is the bread and butter of any smudging kit. Black sage has green leaves that can darken during droughts, giving it a very different appearance from white or blue sage. 2. Jan 29, 2019 - Blue Sage vs. White Sage. I believe the Native Americans who didn't have access to White Sage(Salvia) used Sagebrush. White sage - Salvia apiana (Other names: California Sage, Grandfather sage, Bee Sage, Sacred Sage)- White Sage grows in a bush clump, wild across the American Southwest. I try to learn something new every day! In the Middle Ages, Sage earned the nickname “Sage the Savior” for its various treasured properties. (Other names: Gray Sage, Purple Sage, Wild Lavender). Unrelated to the flower Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). Both Common sage and White sage are perennials. These plants have square stems, opposite leaves and two lipped flowers.  Members of the sage family include:Â. He was referring to the local sage where he lived (which is now called Silver sage, and is a close cousin to Blue sage, of the artemisia family). The roots were used after birth for healing. There are about 300 different types of Artemisias.  These plants have woody stems and are bushes (shrubs) with often irregularly shaped leaves.  Member include: (Other names: Sagebrush, Desert sage,  Desert sagebrush, Desert magic, Mountain sage, Grey sage, New Mexico sage, Sagebrush smudge, Big sage, Great Basin sagebrush).  This aromatic shrub thrives in drier areas of the mountainous West. White sage is part of the larger sage family (Salvia) and is closely related to common sage (Salvia officinalis). Leaf Group Ltd. Thank you for the wildly insightful article! White sage specifically has been used by Native Americans for thousands of years for cleansing, purification, warding off evil spirits, and negative energies.” After you set an intention [Editor’s Note: All three practitioners interviewed emphasized this] it’s up to … This plant has a warm herbaceous aroma that it slightly peppery. It also grows in other Southwest regions of the US and Northern Mexico but its range is very small and often scattered. You will often find sage bundled with other botanicals in a smudge stick. Sage and Palo Santo are used for “smudging,” a practice that clears away all the energetic junk you may have gathered throughout your life to return you to a peaceful, harmonious state. A close relative of White Sage, Blue Sage is also good for healing and cleansing rituals.  It has a soothing and relaxing smell that is burned as a smudge. Sage offers antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties to promote overall health and target emerging infections. Sage is used for throat and mouth ailments, such as sores and laryngitis. Copyright Policy . Common Sage originates in Europe, and has a long history for its medicinal benefits and used as a culinary herb.  As herbalists we use it to soothe sore throats and rebuild stamina during a long term illness.  It is also beneficial for hot flashes during menopause. Add to Any Collection My Collection. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine explains that the sage family, when taken medicinally, can cause seizures, vertigo, vomiting, kidney damage, a rapid heart rate and other problems if you take too much or take it for too long. This California coastal sage eventually becomes a dark color (especially in drought), which occurs after it blooms when stems and the flowers harden and turn black. White Sage is used in Native American smudging ceremonies to drive away bad energy, cleanse and purify. Here are some alternatives to white sage. used as a substitute for professional medical advice, White sage is abundant in its local habitat as a keystone species of its plant community, but that habitat is under threat due to development and it is fragile, apparent by the many endangered and threatened species that rely on its habitat. A close relative of White Sage, Blue Sage is also good for healing and cleansing rituals. Terms of Use The difference between white and desert sage is minimal. Lavender Sage is another sun-loving plant that grows in southern coastal California. White sage is traditionally used by Native American and some Native Mexican people. White Sage ( Salvia apiana— also known as Bee Sage, California Sage, Sacred Sage) For many people, “smudging” means one thing only—White Sage. - #soulfulvibesco #smudging #bluesage #whitesage #cleansing #prosperity It should not be Carrying more of the Masculine/ Yang aspect, White Sage has been used by Native Americans for thousands of years for cleansing, purification, warding off evil spirits + negative energies. Add to Any Collection , White Sage is renowned for its healing, benevolent energy. ... It’s that time of year! Sage comes from the Latin word “Salvia” which translates as “to heal.” Burning Sage brings forth wisdom and clarity as it increases your spiritual awareness. advertisements are served by third party advertising companies. Palo santo has a great smell, however, it’s a little bit more difficult to light and it only gets rid of the negative energy, leaving the positive energy around. You can use it to help treat minor wounds or scars. Native Americans have used white sage for its medicinal properties for centuries. It has skinny, branched leaves with three lobes. This genus contains many types of sage in additional to these two, including Clary sage, Lyreleaf sage, Mediterranean sage, Silver sage, Azure Blue sage and Purple sage. Location White sage is native to the southwest and prefers dry, almost desert conditions, while garden sage is native to the Mediterranean and Spain and needs regular watering (not drought tolerant). (Its Latin name refers to its main pollinator, the honeybee.) Let us know in the comments below. Halloween is already over and as we start to prepare for Thanksgiving, many of you are also starting to think about Christmas gifts. Wallace Black Elk did not travel there to get white sage. A Great property of Sage smoke it is beneficial to breathe as it has many antimicrobial properties. It has a pleasant long lasting aroma indoors that doesn't bother the neghbors. (Other names: Common Sage, Green Sage, or Kitchen Sage, cooking sage, Dalmatian sage)- Common Sage is a close relative of White Sage. Sage is traditionally used in Native American medicine and shamanic practice. The first group of plants is considered the real “sage” by herbalists. Many a time, if someone has a bad reaction to sage, it is more the reluctance of the negative energies. Blue Sage also known as "Grandmother Sage” is a purifying herb with broad medicinal and magical applications. Sages, in turn, are members of the much larger mint family. The herb comes in many different forms and varieties, but the two most common are white sage and desert sage. (Other names: California Sage, Grandfather sage, Bee Sage, Sacred Sage)- White Sage grows in a bush clump, wild across the American Southwest. It is said to bring pleasant thoughts and relieve headaches and anxiety.  This plant is used interchangeably with Artemisia californica. A cup mugwort tea is excellent to help with gas, flatulence, stomach acid, bile production, and overall digestion.Â. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy. LIVESTRONG.com may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Hardiness: 8 - 11 Sun: Full Sun . Salvia apiana, the white sage, bee sage, or sacred sage, is an evergreen perennial shrub that is native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, found mainly in the coastal sage scrub habitat of Southern California and Baja California, on the western edges of the Mojave and Sonoran deserts. The second group is in the genus of Artemisia and the family of Asteraceae.  They are a group of plants called sagebrush and grow throughout the world. This process was used historically by Native Americans but has become popular in the New Age arena. Sage is a perennial, evergreen shrub with grayish-green leaves and a woody stem. (Other name: honey sage) - This California coastal sage eventually becomes a dark color (especially in drought), which occurs after it blooms when stems and the flowers harden and turn black. (Other names: Dakota sage, Man sage, Grandfather sage, Badlands Sage, Silver wormwood, Old man sage, Silver king, Western mugwort) Another Artemisia smudge, this one grows all over the badlands of South Dakota and out west and down south to Louisiana. Click the link in our bio to shop sage now. Do not use Common sage if you are pregnant or for long periods of time. Clary sage oil also works well as a natural antiseptic agent. White sage is a plant native to Southern California and parts of Baja California. The leaves were used for numerous medicinal purposes, such as a cold remedy or shampoo, to treat sinus problems and to control lactation. Sage Essential Oil is steam distilled from the leaves of the Salvia officinalis herb, also referred to as Common Sage, True Sage, Garden Sage, and Dalmatian Sage. Most of the White Sage on the market comes from California. And, of course, never eat a wild plant without first checking with a local expert. The use of this herb is ancient. diagnosis or treatment. Sage smoke is believed to have the power carry prayers to the heavens, to remove spirits, and cleanse ritual space. White Sage has been used by Native Americans for thousands of years for cleansing, purifying ones self and others as well as an area of space through the technique of smudging.Rosemary is one of the oldest forms of incense. There are a variety of sages including pineapple sage, blue sage, and scarlet sage. They both have grey-green leaves with hairs on them and purple flowers. Sharon Therien has been writing professionally since 2007. (Other names: New Mexico Sage, Desert Sage, Grandmother Sage). The plant has been gathered for thousands of years by Native Americans, particularly the Chumash. Taken medicinally, both types of sage come with potential side effects, although sage is safe when used to flavor food. It’s named after it’s blue flowers, but the leaves also have a blue-ish tint. Well, I learned something today. When smudging it is used to welcome money, wealth, health, healing and is cooling. and The sage is burned with the belief that the incense clears away negative thoughts, spirits and dreams as well as illness. The LIVESTRONG Foundation and LIVESTRONG.COM do not endorse Using White Sage. Height: 3' - 5' (90cm – 150cm) Spread: 3' - 5' (90cm – 150cm) Fragrant: N/A Salvia azurea (Pitcher Sage) Add to Collection. It is also used as a diuretic and a stimulant. Sign up for our newsletter and get the SCOOP on exclusive sales, tips and tricks, special events and classes . Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the LIVESTRONG.COM Just like the White sage in the Salvia L. family, this type of White sage, also known as wormwood, white sagebrush, mugwort and other monikers, was in the past and is still burned in rituals to purify and cleanse. Sagebrush is my favorite for purification and protective smudges. Mostly used for smudging black sage is used to encourage visions and vivid dreams. There are about 300 different types of Artemisias.  These plants have woody stems and are bushes (shrubs) with often irregularly shaped leaves.  Member include: What is your favorite “sage or sagebrush”? Both White sage and "regular," or Common, sage are a part of the Salvia L. genus of the mint family, classified as … The scent calms the mind and purifies the body. With the cold and flu season in full swing, we wanted to share with you a few herbal remedies that can aid in treating those more persistent symptoms. Blue Sage is a bush found in the deserts of the Southwest. Some folks love it and some find it too acrid to be pleasant. Enter FREESHIP at checkout. No, but it does seem to disperse patterns in energy, so it’s good for ‘cleansing’ homes and other places. Note: for more information on the near extinction of white sage please click here. Smudge sticks of this sage are burned as a way to cleanse and purify an area, though it is also possible to achieve this by anointing a white candle with sage oil and burning it, or sprinkling ground sage … White sage is regarded as a sacred plant by the Chumash people. White sage is a popular tool used for cleansing spaces of negative energy, but it's becoming over-harvested. The dried leaves have a sweet, slightly astringent aroma. The leaves were burned in ceremonies to purify and cleanse. The aroma and appearance of Dakota Sage is very similar to that of Desert Sage (Artemisia tridentada). Copyright © (Other names: Black sage, Mugwort, Cronewort, Wild wormwood, Chrysanthemum weed, Artemis, Old Uncle Henry, St. John’s plant) This plant grows all over Europe, Asia, Africa, and the US. Some Native Americans used Cedar leaves in the smudge. Free shipping within the US on orders over $50! What Is Sage? Another plant goes by the same name of White sage. White sage, or Salvia apicana is gathered in California and has a much more penetrating odor than the sage that we sell that is gathered here in the Black Hills. This content does not provide dosage information, format recommendations, toxicity levels, or possible interactions with prescription drugs. Its soothing, relaxing smell can be used to aid meditation, or burned simply for enjoyment. White sage has great properties for removing negativity, cleansing, and protection. Sage is the most popular choice because it is one of the most potent and effective cleansing tools. White sage is probably the most well-known smudging herb. It allows them to heal better and prevents infection and the buildup of harmful bacteria. According to Nerys Purchon, in her book "The Essential Natural Health Bible," Common sage is the type of sage most often used for medicinal purposes. Sage Essential Oil For Skin Care You can massage sage oil onto the surface of your skin (when diluted with either coconut, olive or almond oil). Salvia apiana (White Sage) Add to Collection. So, the huge demand for what we now call “white sage” is actually a misunderstanding of “common name” changes over time. She is a Certified Yoga Teacher and a Reiki Master with a Certificate in Fitness and Nutrition. Try some and see! Similar to Lavender, Lavender Sage is known for its calming, and relaxing effects. It is used as a smudge for cleansing and purifying, protection, and inner strength.