Sage
History
Sage as incense is truly a surprise. On a ceramic incense holder, its purifying aroma has a far reach and can be enjoyed for hours. Sage has a rich, sacred history spanning centuries and geographies. In ancient Rome, sage was considered to have substantial healing properties, especially for digestion. The sage that many are most familiar with, White Sage, or Salvia apiana, has been revered by Native Americans for centuries for ceremonial use and medicinal benefits. The practice of smudging (not limited to white sage) is distinctly indigenous to the Americas and is part of a spiritual ritual for purifying or cleansing a person or space. The ceremonial act of smudging for Native American tribes involved more than just burning the dried leaves; it included the intentional gathering of the plant as well as leaving the root in the earth so that the plant would grow back. The practice of smudging was historically suppressed and it was illegal for Native Americans to practice their religion (including smudging) until 1978. Even today, native people are still fighting for the right to perform these ceremonies in hospitals.
Benefits
Research has established that White Sage is rich in compounds that activate certain receptors in the brain that are responsible for elevating mood levels, reducing stress, and even alleviating pain. Sage is also thought to improve memory and focus. Studies have noted that sage’s cognitive-enhancing benefits are promising and it's even being studied in connection to treat dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Sage is also antimicrobial meaning that it helps purify the air and keeps infectious bacteria, viruses, and fungi at bay.
As a spiritual tool, sage dispels or neutralizes heavy or negative energies and strengthens intuition. This may help to establish a positive environment for meditation or intention setting. Sage also ushers out the old and makes way for the new. In this way, sage can be energizing and help with fatigue as it creates space for newer and positive energies. Sage has a strong, spicy note that can quickly refresh and clear unwanted scents from a space.
Our Sage
Due to increased popularity and changing climate conditions, Salvia apiana is at risk for overharvesting and is listed on the United Plant Savers, “To Watch” list. Due to the stress on wild populations, we do not use any wild-harvested sage, and instead source a sustainable, organically cultivated White Sage from a farm in Southern California.
Featured in: Oro, Golden