The wound is the place where the Light enters you. ― Rumi
My youngest son was a senior in high school when he first started to express that something wasn't right in his body. Less than a year later, in the Fall of 2016, he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.
The journey has been filled with highs and lows and we continue to wrap our hands around this disease and navigate treatment. I am grateful for his team of doctors and clinicians.
After the initial feelings of devastation, it didn't take me long to witness that his diagnosis was not a death sentence but a divine opportunity for all of us to let the Light in. (Read here)
I chose to use my energy to begin creating a haven of inspiration and resources for people searching for alternative methods to enhance their journey towards a healthy lifestyle and a healthy response to life. The Center for Herbs and Healing was born!
I am grateful that the Universe has an unlimited supply of everything we need on this journey called life. Regardless of our situation or circumstance, when we are ready, unlimited resources and opportunities await to transform our experience.
I believe that at our core we are whole and holy-isticly connected to a source of energy that has our best interest at heart and that this truth is sometimes lost in a world begging us to conform to being broken, disconnected, and afraid.
We are the products of an environment that we created and though dis-eases are running ramped, I also believe that nature is a healer and a teacher. We are healers and powerful beyond our beliefs! What we get into, we can often get out of. The world that we can't see (our thoughts, beliefs, fears, etc) is much bigger than the world that we can see (manifestations that appear). “What happens when people open their hearts? They get better.” ― Haruki Murakami
I am also grateful for modern medicine and the advancements that have been made. I am equally grateful for the world of metaphysics, herbal medicine, and other alternative healing modalities that work together to enhance our experience.
It is proven that our bodies respond favorably to love and good energy. And since none of us are getting out of her alive, while I'm here, I am going to spread positive energy, good vibes, and leave a legacy of love.
One step at a time, the Center for Herbs & Healing will become a global network of healing resources- for the mind, body, and soul! Thank you for supporting this movement. Be inspired! Be well! With Love, Shawn
Engage with Sage: 50 Benefits from A-Z
In 2016, I went on a healing herbs journey. It's been one of many roads and I am grateful for all that I have learned along the way. While traveling, I rediscovered white sage and fell in love. We've been together ever since! I've always had an affinity to the smell of its burning leaves and was intrigued by the the smudging rituals of which I've been a part of. But after my journey began and I learned more, my affinity ran deep! There are countless healing properties of this Herb of Immortality and the list might surprise you.
White sage, also known as salvia apiana, is an evergreen shrub that grows across the United States, and is most prevalent in high altitude desert ecosystems. Native Americans are well known to have used the healing properties of sage to drive out negative energy, evil spirits, and in ceremonies for blessings and prosperity.
For generations, white sage has been used for purifying, cleansing, and protection and many consider the plant to be sacred. According to tradition, all plants and animals have a spirit. The spirit of white sage is devoted to clearing, protection, and blessings. Tapping into the power of white sage will amplify any healing or clearing that you do on yourself or others.
Sage has a rich history dating back to prehistorical times and though it is often associated with Native Americans, sage was sought after by Chinese, Greeks, Romans, and Arabs.
For centuries it has been commonly used for clearing energy, but today there is scientific research that smudging purifies the air of harmful bacteria. Following a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, according to Sayer Ji, founder of Green Med Info (Science of Natural Healing), "not only did the burning of medicinal herbs clear aerial bacterial populations by 94% within one hour, but a full day later, the closed room was still effectively decontaminated. Even more amazing, a full month later, seven other pathogenic bacteria in the open room were still non-detectable."
There are many variations and uses for sage from culinary to medicinal. Why is Sage one of the most healing herbs on the planet? Here are over 50 benefits that I've compiled from A-Z:
ANXIETY-Sage can greatly relieve anxiety! (See alsoTry Me Sticks)
Attention Span- sage can increase attention span
Alzheimer’s - Sage helps with memory recall and some of its agents prevent plaque formation in the brain.
Anemia - Sage contains copper and iron.
Anti-Allergic - Sage helps to prevent allergic reactions.
Antibacterial and Anti-Fungal - sage is a good antibacterial agent because it contains oils that kill bacteria. Sage works well against Staph, E. Coli, Salmonella and also against fungal infections and yeast infections like Candida.
Anti-inflammatory - Sage is a great anti-inflammatory that can help with arthritis, joint pain, joint swelling, and redness.
Antioxidant - Sage is good antioxidant that contains flavoniods such as polyphenols like in green tea. Also superoxide dismutase a powerful antioxidant plus peroxidase which are great for cardiovascular health, strokes, and cancer. Sage also contains luteolin, apigenin, alpha-thujone, beta-thujone, and cineoleand diosmetin which are all powerful antioxidants.
Asthma - Sage can be helpful with asthma by clearing up inflammation of the bronchi and thus opening up air passages.
Vitamins A- Sage contains lots of vitamin A which is a wonderful antioxidant
Bloating
Brain Function - Research with double blind studies shows that sage helps people recall words, events, and names, thus helping with memory in general. A study in the Journal of Pharmacological Biochemical Behavior showed that a small dose of sage improved memory greatly.
Cosmetics - Sage is used in cosmetics, shampoos, and lotions as a wonderful fragrance.
Colds- The Native Americans used it to treat a cold by drinking tea made from smoked leaves in sweathouses.
Cold sores
Concentration - And sage tea is also called “Thinkers Tea” because it helps with concentration, depression, grief, and attention span.
Lowers Cholesterol - Another study showed that sage could lower cholesterol and triglycerides too.
Chronic fatigue- sage is also used in aromatherapy for stress and fatigue
Culinary Uses - Sage has been used in cooking in soups, stews, meats, poultry, sausages, fish, casseroles, veggies, and just about anything you can think of. Thanksgiving would not be the same without sage… and Greek and Italian dishes use lots of sage.
Cramps
Vitamins C- Sage contains lots of vitamin C which is a wonderful antioxidant
Depression
Diabetes - Studies at the University of Minho Portugal showed that sage lowers fasting glucose levels, and contains substances that works just as well as metformin (a common oral diabetes medication). And using sage as a food additive or spice might prevent diabetes.
Diarrhea
Vitamin E -Sage is great for sexual health and immunity
Exhaustion
Enzyme production- Sage contains manganese
Eye Health - Sage contains lutein and zeaxanthin which are important for preventing macular degeneration.
Fevers - Sage can also help with fevers and excessive sweating because it’s cooling.
Gas
Genital Herpes - Sage cream can also help for the symptoms of genital herpes, and some also use rhubarb cream in conjunction with sage cream for herpes.
Grief - Sage can enhance mood
GI Tract - Sage is great for stomachaches, gas, bloating, cramps, diarrhea, and digestive upsets. And because of sages great antibacterial oils it also works well for GI infections.
Gum disease
Headaches
Highly Recommended - A study of herbalists showed that sage was one of their most highly recommended herbs for lots of different challenges.
Immune system- Sage contains zinc for boosting your system
Vitamin K - Sage also contains a good amount of Vitamin K which helps with clotting.
Oily Skin - Take a teaspoon of powdered sage and mix with one cup of hot water and let cool. Then use as a mask for oily skin for 20 minutes… and dry with a cotton towel.
Menopause - Sage can also help with hot flashes because it’s a good cooling agent.
Menstruation- Sage can reduces heavy menstruation
Memory- (see alzheimers)
Mood - Sage can enhanc/improve mood
Muscles -Sage massage oils are good for tight and stressed muscles.
Nervous tension - Sage tea has also been used to help
Nosebleeds
Perspiration - Commission E in Germany found sage tea lowered perspiration by 50%.
PMS - Sage works great for excessive bleeding, bloating, and cramps.
Relaxing Agent - Because of the magnesium properties in sage, it can be a relaxing agent.
Reduces lactation- Breastfeeding women are advised to take the tea as it- Sage has the ability to lower the amount of breast milk for those who are nearing the end of nursing.
Sore throats- Gargle! Sage works wonders as a gargle for excess phlegm, sore throats, and throat infections. Plus it also helps with cold sores, gum disease, and inflammation of the nasal passages and tongue.
Spiritual Uses - Sage smoke has been used for spiritual cleansing of houses and buildings for thousands of years.
Stomachaches
Stress- A study in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics showed that sage worked great to prevent agitation in patients.
Sexual health and immunity- Because of Vitamin E, sage is great for sexual health and immunity.
Smokable- Sage is a smokable herb! (See alsoTry Me Sticks)
Try Me Sticks- Sage is a smokable herb and these handrolled sticks are great for anxiety relief.
Water regulation (and cardiovascular function)- Sage contains potassium
The Center for Herbs and Healing does not advise or recommend herbs for medicinal or health use. This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as a recommendation or an endorsement of any particular medical or health treatment.