Magical and Medicinal Associations of Sage

For centuries Sage has been considered a lucky plant. It is a symbol of domestic virtue and was said to flourish best where the woman of the house wears the trousers! Sage also grows well for those who have strong natures and who are wise.

If Sage was observed to be withering and not growing well, this would be sign that the head of the household's health was not good.

The plant stays fresh for a long time after it is picked and was traditionally used as a symbol of remembrance at funerals. The leaves of Sage would be used in love charms and spells where young girls would be anxious to discover who their future lovers or husbands might be.

If a family member or relative was preparing for a journey, a sprig of sage hung in the house as he or she left would show (so it was believed) how the traveller was faring. If the Sage remained fresh, this was indication that all was well. If it began to wither, this was seen as a sign that the traveller was in danger.

Sage was held sacred by Native Americans and the Romans believed that eating Sage could bring immortality.

Sage would be used in charms and spells for meditation, divination, stimulation and ritual purification. To attract money into your life, crush Sage leaves between your fingers while visualising yourself receiving a cash windfall.

There are over 700 species of Sage, many of them known as garden plants, some as weeds. It is a plant associated with good health, its name derived from the Latin 'salvere' or 'salvira' meaning to be in good health or to heal. Of all the many healing herbs known to man, it is Sage that is one of the best 'cure-alls.'

Medicinal Qualities of Sage

Sage was believed to be one of Jupiter's herbs, used in olden days to aid the memory and quicken the senses. It was also thought to aid digestion and stimulate the appetite.

Sage has been used for many medicinal purposes in the past including curing ulcers and sores and relieving the symptoms of epilepsy, anxiety and depression. Sage was also used to ease pain in joints and headaches. Nowadays, Sage teas are favoured for sore throats, laryngitis and tonsillitis. Sage oil is used in cosmetics and the leaves can be rubbed on the teeth to help whiten them.

As well as being helpful in the treatment of hot flushes caused by the menopause, Sage might also be used to relieve muscle spasms and as a natural antibiotic.

There is an old saying "Why should anyone die who has sage in their garden?" which stresses how this herb can be used to cure so many different ailments.

Sources

http://www.nutrasanus.com/sage.html

http://www.wiccaspirit.net/v1is4/index_pg6.htm

http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/herbal-remedies/sage-herbal-remedies.htm