What Are the Health Benefits of Using Sage?
Sage, also known as salvia officinalis, is a herb that has long been prized for its many benefits. It is both eaten (it is a staple herb in many cuisines) and burned (which is also known as smudging). Native Americans have practiced burning sage for thousands of years, including among the Lakota and Chumash tribes.
The health benefits of using sage as part of one’s diet include the fact that it is high in several nutrients, loaded with antioxidants, and may protect against certain cancers. In this blog post, we will focus on the health benefits of burning sage.
Burning Sage Is Purifying
Sage has antimicrobial properties, meaning that it can help to keep fungi, viruses, and infectious bacteria at bay. Certain types of sage are antimicrobial and are effective at repelling insects.
In addition, sage can be helpful in dealing with dust, pollution, mold, and pet dander. People suffering from allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions can benefit from burning sage.
Reduce Stress and Boost Mood
Smudging has long been used to banish negativity and improve one’s spirits. There are studies that back up this claim and people use it to treat depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. Similarly, there is evidence that sage can alleviate pain, boost mood, and reduce stress.
Burning sage also produces a divine aroma and this uplifting fragrance can help one to relax after a long day at work or at college.
Improve the Quality of Sleep
The belief that burning sage can improve the quality of sleep has long been held by various cultures. Again, there is scientific research that backs up this claim. Studies show that sage includes compounds that help to improve insomnia and soothe anxiety.
Boost Energy Levels
If you are frequently feeling lethargic, you could benefit from burning sage. When one rids the body of negative energy and welcomes positive and fresh energy in its place, they can experience an energizing effect. White prairie sage is particularly recommended for those seeking to address feelings of fatigue.
For those interested in burning sage, it is best to start with a beginner’s smudge kit. This kit includes everything you need to start burning sage, and to realize its many health benefits.
The Health Benefits of Using Sage
Whether you are consuming sage or burning it, there is a wide range of health benefits associated with this popular herb. Smudging can be used as part of a spiritual and cleansing ritual, and with banishing negativity from one’s life.
The bottom line is that burning sage has been practiced by many different cultures for thousands of years, and there is strong scientific research to back up its health benefits.
Did you like this blog post on the many health benefits of using sage? Be sure to check out our other informative articles on a wide range of interesting topics.
