Origin. Most sage varieties are native to the Mediterranean and Asia Minor. Sage migrated to Central Europe during the Middle Ages, and it appears in an inventory of herbs grown in Charlemagne’s gardens in France around the year of 812. Immigrants from Europe brought it to America.
Where does sage originally come from?
Sage is native to the Mediterranean region and is used fresh or dried as a flavouring in many foods, particularly in stuffings for poultry and pork and in sausages. Some varieties are also grown as ornamentals for their attractive leaves and flowers. Several other species of the genus Salvia are also known as sage.
When did sage start being used?
Emperor Charlemagne had sage planted in Germany in 812 AD to use in trade and likely for medicinal purposes (Petrovska, 2012). The ancient Greeks and Romans first used sage as a meat preservative. They also believe it could enhance memory (Rogers,2014).
Is sage indigenous to the United States?
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.
How was sage used in history?
In ancient Rome, sage was considered to have substantial healing properties, particularly helpful in the digestion of the ubiquitous fatty meats of the time, and was deemed a part of the official Roman pharmacopeia. The herb was used to heal ulcers, to help stop the bleeding of wounds, and to soothe a sore throat.
What is female sage called?
The male is called sage cock , and the female sage hen . noun (Zoöl.) a species of hare ( Lepus Nuttalli syn. Lepus artemisia ) which inhabits the arid regions of Western North America and lives among sagebrush.
What was sage cured for?
Sage is used for digestive problems, including loss of appetite, gas (flatulence), stomach pain (gastritis), diarrhea, bloating, and heartburn. It is also used for reducing overproduction of perspiration and saliva; and for depression, memory loss, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Who burned sage first?
It’s a calling on of the spirits of the plants being burned. White sage is native to high desserts, but is most commonly found in California and the mountainous American west. And Native Americans were the first on record for using it in a ceremonial or ritual manner.
Is smudging cultural appropriation?
Reclaiming our traditions is necessary so that we can pass them down to the next generation and heal generations of trauma. Non-native peoples use of smudge products are often well-intentioned but this appropriation is still harmful and the exploitation of smudge is only a part of a larger issue.
What culture is smudging from?
Smudging is a cultural ceremony practised by a wide variety of Indigenous peoples in Canada and other parts of the world. Although practices differ, smudging is used for medicinal and practical purposes as well as for spiritual ceremonies.
Is it disrespectful to burn sage?
Because of all that complicated history of sage burning, when non-Native people use white sage to “smudge” their homes or other spaces, it infringes upon the cultural importance and authenticity of the ritual and prayer — simply, it’s cultural appropriation.
How did sage get to North America?
Sage migrated to Central Europe during the Middle Ages, and it appears in an inventory of herbs grown in Charlemagne’s gardens in France around the year of 812. Immigrants from Europe brought it to America. A few varieties of sage come from Central America and Mexico as well.
Why is burning sage cultural appropriation?
It represents a continuing legacy of marginalizing and punishing Native spirituality. So when our religious practices are mocked through these products, or folks are commodifying and making money off our ceremonies, it’s not about who has the ‘right’ to buy or sell.
Why did Native Americans use white sage?
White sage has been used traditionally to purify the mind, body and spirit before praying. Native Americans also used white sage in ceremonies of birth and death. Sacred objects such as pipes and eagle feathers were passed through the smoking of burning white sage in order to purify them.
What type of sage is sacred?
white sage
There are two types of sage, each with its own distinct qualities and uses. Smoke from white sage (Artemesia califoncia) is used for purification of mind, body and spirit and sacred articles in advance of prayers and ceremonies. White sage is burned for meditation, smudging and cleansing of spirit and dwelling.
What is the spiritual meaning of sage?
wisdom
The Latin word for sage salvia stems form the word heal. Other qualities believed to be associated with sage when burned are giving wisdom, clarity, and increasing spiritual awareness.”
How can you tell if someone is a sage?
What is a sage? Here are 7 characteristics of a sage:
- The world is a stage…
- They are concerned with how they look to others…
- They love the glitz and glamor.
- They have the gift of gab.
- They are fun.
- They are natural teachers.
- They are extroverts.
- Solicit feedback regularly.
Is sage edible?
Sage is primarily used as a flavoring for fatty meats, sausages, beans and vegetables. The herb is rarely, if ever, used raw, because its aroma and flavor is best released when cooked (plus the herb is a little bit too pungent to be consumed raw).
Can you eat sage leaves?
Sage can be eaten whole or ground. Adding sage to a dish is a great way to enhance flavor without adding extra calories or salt. The herb often pairs well with poultry and pork. Sage is often used as a fragrance in soaps and cosmetics due to its pleasant aroma.
Is sage harmful to humans?
Sage is considered safe with no reported side effects ( 46 ). However, some people are concerned about thujone, a compound found in common sage. Animal research has found that high doses of thujone may be toxic to the brain ( 47 ). That said, there is no good evidence that thujone is toxic to humans ( 48 ).
Can I drink sage water?
Simply bring the water to a boil, then add the sage and steep for about 5 minutes. Strain to remove the leaves before adding your preferred sweetener and lemon juice to taste. This drink is enjoyable hot or cold.
Lorraine Wade is all about natural food. She loves to cook and bake, and she’s always experimenting with new recipes. Her friends and family are the lucky beneficiaries of her culinary skills! Lorraine also enjoys hiking and exploring nature. She’s a friendly person who loves to chat with others, and she’s always looking for ways to help out in her community.