Sage holds a significant place as a traditional Indigenous remedy, serving as both nourishment and medicine for countless years. It is utilized in smudging ceremonies to cleanse and purify, eliminating germs and negative energy from individuals, spaces, and objects.
Sage's versatile applications include treating digestive problems, depression, memory issues, menstrual and menopausal challenges, regulating excessive perspiration, saliva, and milk production. It is also applied topically to address cold sores, gingivitis, sore throats, and more.
Ongoing research validates the ancestral wisdom of Indigenous Peoples regarding the healing properties of smudging. A 2006 study titled "Medicinal Smokes" compiled data from 50 countries across five continents, highlighting the effectiveness of botanical smoke in enhancing lung, brain, and skin functions, and purifying the air. This research revealed that herbal smoke can reduce airborne bacteria by up to 94% for a day or longer. Subsequent research in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2007 supported these findings, emphasizing smudging's antiseptic qualities.
Unlike synthetic air fresheners that simply mask odors, Sage offers a natural, scent-sensitive-friendly solution that Indigenous communities have long embraced.
