The Power of Sage
Nisreen Azar
The sweet and dry smell of sage is intrinsically tied to the Southern California landscape. It is an aroma that instantly connects us to Chaparral and Coastal Sage Scrub. Native American Tribes in Southern California used native sages for a variety of purposes ranging from food to medicine and ceremony. Black sage (Salvia mellifera) possess analgesic, aromatic, and carminative properties. It was traditionally used during bathing to alleviate aches from flu, rheumatism, and arthritis. Black sage seeds were used as a food source and leaves and stalks were used to flavor food. Similar properties can be found in Cleveland sage (Salvia clevelandii) and Purple Sage (Salvia leucophylla). White sage (Salvia apiana) possess anti fungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aromatic, nervine, and cerebral tonic properties. White sage was used in ceremony for purification and in sweat houses to eliminate illness. It was also crushed and added to water for use as a cleansing hair rinse and fresh leaves were applied to underarms to eliminate body odor (John Bean & Siva Saubel 1972, Largo & McCarthy 2009, Ramirez & Small 2015).
We honor the beneficial, powerful, and unique properties of California native sages by incorporating several species of ethically and locally harvested sage in our Sea Salt and Coastal Sage Body Scrub. This invigorating scrub combines four native sage species with the healing properties of Dead Sea salts. Mineral-packed Dead Sea salts detoxify, nourish, and restore balance to the body. Our body scrub combines the two healing agents for a simple way to replenish minerals in the body, rejuvenate skin, and increase relaxation and restoration during your bathing ritual. We hope you enjoy the power behind this beautiful plant as much as we do.
Works Cited:
John Bean, Lowell and Siva Saubel, Katherine, Temalpakh: Cahuilla Indian Knowledge and Usage of Plants, California: Malki Museum Press, 1972. Print.
Largo, Donna, McCarthy, Daniel, and Roper, Marcia. Medicinal Plants Used by Native American Tribes in Southern California, California: Malki-Ballena Press, 2009. Print.
Ramirez, Rose and Small, Deborah. Ethnobotany Project: Contemporary Uses of Native Plants, Southern California and Northern Baja Indians, California: Blurb, 2015. Print.
Cleveland sage (Salvia clevelandii) growing in our garden.