Sage it isn't so!
Yep, it’s true! You don’t have to physically travel far to have an adventure!
Realistically, it only takes a cool blankie fort in the living room filled with cushy, comfy pillows, a soft throw, some string lights, a great book, and like magic you can adventure far and wide! (I may also note that a handful of dark chocolate covered espresso beans prove equal to Jack’s beans in Jack and The Beanstalk on any day!)
In today’s case, my blankie fort happens to be the spice pantry.
But well enough. As each spice is just as capable (if not more) than a book of transporting one to different or far off places.
Besides, it is a fantastic place to start self-learning herbalism.
It has been to my amazement, how much I have learned of the spices lining my pantry shelves by simply taking two or three down at a time and doing research, footwork and discovery on each one.
Alright, getting back to today’s adventure!
Sage!
It was not a self-learning urge that occurred before I had my morning coffee. It was a curious little buzz that was performing harmony with the gurgle of my coffee pot. A fly. And with that, I found myself in the spice pantry grabbing for the sage in an attempt to get ahead of any possible full-on choir.
I like to use sage, along with other natural herbs, spices and applications vs chemicals in my home.
Sage works fine for me mixed in a small container (or spray bottle-diluted with a little warm water) with fresh basil and lemongrass oil or vinegar (White vinegar, not apple cider vinegar!)
I simply place the containers on/near eating and cooking surfaces as a deterrent. The spray is used to mist around the house as a deterrent while also providing for a wonderful natural air cleaner/freshener. Sage has a nice clean earth-like semi sweet aroma to it that works great in my home.
It is important to note that there are several variances of Sage, a few are white, blue and desert (these are types that are separate from today’s subject which is
common Sage). These variances are more known for their uses in smudging, cleansing, healing and protection rituals. While Russian Sage is more of a decorative.
Sage dates back to ancient periods, Egyptian, Roman Greek, having had its place throughout time in uses for spiritual, medicinal and culinary standing. It is an easy to grow member of the mint family and perennial evergreen subshrub native to the Mediterranean.
Some uses for the subject of today, Sage (Salvia officinalis) (common sage), are;
For around the home- it is known to be used for the aforementioned insect
repelling, air purifying (since it bares antibacterial properties) and improving mood (since it is known for properties that remove negatives).
Usage varies from oils, sprays, simply placing a potted plant indoors and by burning sage (though please always keep in mind that Sage/smoke can be toxic so best if you ventilate well and keep children/pets away)
Healthwise- it contains Vitamins A, C and K as a bonus add in to the mix of Sage’s known uses to possibly help with skin and hair, treat unhappy mouths, teeth and tummies too (gas, digestive, etc.) and heartburn. It is also known to be an antioxidant, expectorant, and antifungal. Use as an antiperspirant even makes the list.
For those looking to detox, destress and/or sleep, Sage is known for uses to possibly aid in areas of cleansing and calming.
Typical uses vary from making sage into a drinkable tea,
to burning it, notations of applying directly to skin, placing a sage plant indoors and of course being added to culinary dishes.
(**AS ALWAYS PLEASE CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE STARTING ANY INTAKE/USAGE)
Culinary- Sage can be found in many culinary dishes, especially at this time of year. It is almost a given that this holidays’ turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, and more have a whisper of sage somewhere within. (Usually accompanied by Rosemary-another great herb to look into). Sausages (especially breakfast sausage), poultry, veggies and pastas are also foods that are common to find containing Sage.
And, to the wonderful smell of Sage, so ends my adventure for today!
-Elise's Adventures In Herbaland ©
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