Page 5 - Kallima Newsletter - July/August 2020

Sage (Salvia) has been used as a spice and also as a way to improve health in traditional medicine. It has a long history of use in Egypt, Rome and Greek medicine, as well as within Native American healing traditions.
As far as burning Sage is concerned, dried Sage is burned as a possible way to heal, protect, increase wisdom and boost defense against disease.
Burning of Sage is a historical spiritual ritual also known as ‘smudging’.
Poor air quality may be linked to various health conditions. In this way, burning Sage is seen as a cost-effective way to purify the air (to an extent). This is because Sage is thought to have antimicrobial properties that help kill bacteria, viruses and fungi. That being said, it's important to keep in mind that burning Sage will create smoke which can cause health problems for individuals who are prone to asthma and other respiratory conditions.
Some practitioners of alternative medicine believe that burning Sage can help to release so-called "negative energy". Some people use a cleansing spray in their homes.
The benefits of burning Sage are said to include - ‘removing bacteria from the air’, ‘repelling insects’, ‘improving intuition’, ‘purifying specific objects’, ‘improving mood’ and ‘reducing stress’.
Types of Sage
Some well-known species include common Sage, white Sage, Spanish Sage and Chinese Sage.
The botanical term for common Sage is Salvia officinalis.
Are there any side effects or risks?
When done correctly and respectfully, smudging is completely safe and the effects last after the smoke clears. Be careful with Sage when it’s lit. If you aren’t careful, burns and even fire is possible. Have water nearby. Never leave burning Sage unattended. Make sure to put your Sage bundle out completely after every use.Setting off smoke alarms is common. Consider this if smudging in a public building.People with asthma and other respiratory conditions may be more sensitive to the smoke and have adverse reactions. Always leave a window open while smudging. Inhaling smoke can be hazardous to your health.
Safety of using sage
In general, the use of Sage for internal consumption is recognized as safe. However, some species of Sage contains thujone, which can have an effect on the nervous system. Twelve or more drops of Sage oil if consumed is considered to be a toxic dose. Some potential side effects of extended (internal) use of Sage include: restlessness, rapid heart rate, vertigo, vomiting, kidney damage, seizures, and tremors.
If you plan on using Sage internally in addition to burning Sage, it is important to let your doctor know (just as you should with any complementary medicines).
As far as burning Sage is concerned, it is generally safe to do so around children and pets, just as long as you are aware of any possible respiratory conditions they might have. Plus, they may not like the smell.
The benefits of burning Sage
• purifying
• symptom relief
• spirituality
• release negativity
• cleanse or charge objects
• mood booster
• stress relief
• brain booster
5