Salvia mellifera (black sage, also known as seel by the Mahuna) is a small, highly aromatic, evergreen shrub of the genus Salvia (the sages) native to California, and Baja California, Mexico.
| Salvia mellifera | |
|---|---|
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Salvia |
| Species: | S. mellifera |
| Binomial name |
How did Native Americans use black sage?
Native Americans in California had many uses for Black Sage. Leaves, stalks, and seeds were eaten and brews were made for treatment of coughs, sore throats, and arthritis pain. Black Sage is used in native landscape and gardening as it is good for erosion control.
What is black sage called?
Salvia mellifera
Black sage (Salvia mellifera) is a dominant shrub of the coastal sage scrub, where it is a major contributor to the characteristic pungent aroma. It has small dark green, resinous leaves and numerous pale lavender flowers, which occur in whirls around the upright stalks.
Why is it called Black Sage?
Smaller leafs, that are typically retained throughout the year, develop in the axils (between stalk and stem). In low water years, the leaves will curl up instead of dropping. The color of the plant appears dark during dry years – which may be why it is called Black Sage.
Who uses black sage?
Black sage, Salvia mellifera, is a traditional medicine of the Chumash Indians of California [1,2]. It is used as a sun tea made from the stems and leaves of the plant to treat pain. S. mellifera sun tea is also traditionally used to cure chronic pain.
What does burning black sage do?
BLACK SAGE is used to encourage dreams and visions. It is an herb of introspection and inner healing. When burnt before bedtime, it aids in restful sleep and pleasant dreams. Black Sage aids in protection during astral travel and shamanic journeying.
Can non natives smudge?
As long as you’re respectful, we firmly believe that smudging and use of other sacred medicines is perfectly acceptable for those who do not come from Indigenous culture.
What’s the difference between black sage and white sage?
The Black Sage (Mugwort) Smudge Stick is a much stronger herb than the White Sage and is best used for smudging and can be extremely helpful for inner healing, divination, crystal gazing, astral traveling, and inducing vivid dreams. Black sage is used to encourage visions and vivid dreams.
Are black sage and mugwort the same?
Black sage also called mugwort smudge, is a popular smudge stick used by those who are seeking spiritual journeys.
What does black sage smell like?
Black sage is a coastal sage scrub plant. Its tiny, strong, dark green leaves smell like mint toothpaste. The Native Americans put these leaves all over their bodies so they wouldn’t scare the animals away while hunting them.
Can you drink black sage?
Sage tea is very safe overall in normal amounts, but if you have any concerns, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider. Sage tea contains thujone, which can be toxic in high doses. While you should not drink large amounts of this tea for extended periods, drinking a few mugs per day is likely safe.
How do you identify black sage?
The plant has attractive dark green leaves, with raised texture that looks somewhat like a fingerprint pattern when viewed closely. The leaves are 1-3 inches long. The upper surface of the leaf is somewhat smooth, while the lower surface of the leaf is hairy.
How do you harvest black sage?
You can extend harvesting by picking off flowers as the buds develop, but it is also possible to harvest as the plants are blooming and after. You can even pluck off a few leaves in winter if you want. Expect it to take 75 days from planting seeds to getting harvestable leaves.
What is Dragon’s Blood sage used for?
Today, its most common use is for digestive health. The plant resin was formerly ascribed cure-all properties, though this is not the case anymore. It was once thought to speed wound healing, and some healers used it for respiratory issues. Dragon’s blood was also employed for different gastrointestinal conditions.
What is sage used for spiritually?
Native Americans and other indigenous peoples have burned sage for centuries as part of a spiritual ritual to cleanse a person or space, and to promote healing and wisdom. It’s been used since the time of the ancient Egyptians and Romans to treat digestive issues, memory problems, and sore throats.
Is it OK to use blue sage?
Blue Sage’s soothing, relaxing smell can be used to aid meditation, or burned simply for enjoyment. And a good to know fun fact: It’s less…pungent than White Sage, so you might appreciate it more if you find traditional White Sage a bit overpowering!
Why you shouldn’t use white 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.
Is it cultural appropriation to use white sage?
If you’re not a member of an Indigenous community, purchasing white sage, Palo Santo, or other sacred herbs and quickly Googling “how to smudge” will not make you qualified to do so. This is cultural appropriation, and it’s harmful to Native communities.
How do you burn sage respectfully?
How to smudge your living space, an object, and more
- Light the end of a sage bundle with a match.
- The tips of the leaves should smolder slowly, releasing thick smoke.
- Allow the incense to linger on the areas of your body or surroundings you’d like to focus on.
- Allow the ash to collect in a ceramic bowl or shell.
What is the difference between Palo Santo and sage?
Palo Santo means “holy wood” best known for its ability to add positivity to your space whereas sage removes negativity. It’s best to think of it as sage CLEARS it out the bad and palo santo BRINGS back the good.
Is smudging religious?
Smudging serves a variety of functions in different Indigenous cultures. As a ritual event, it is considered significant to spiritual and theological beliefs, as are sweat lodges and sacred pipes in certain cultures. (See also Religion and Spirituality of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.)
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