Salvia apiana ‘White Sage’

Description

Salvia apiana, commonly known as ‘White Sage,’ is a versatile and valuable plant native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. This evergreen perennial shrub is highly prized for its aromatic leaves, which have been used for centuries in traditional medicine, spiritual practices, and culinary applications.

Botanical Name: Salvia apiana

White sage is a large, herbaceous perennial, sometimes called ‘bee sage’’ or ‘sacred sage.’ It may grow from 1.3 to 1.5 meters in ideal conditions and is one of the larger salvias. The slightly purple flower stalks extend up almost the same height again and bear small white to lavender flowers. The long, grey or silvery white leaves are highly aromatic when crushed and lend white sage its name. The bottom of the stem is quite woody, with a fleshy top and leaves grow in florets at the top.

The plant is also called ‘apiana’ because of the great bee attractant qualities. Wasps, hawk-moths and hummingbirds are also attracted to the plant in its native Californian environment. It is found in mainly in the coastal scrub areas and rugged hills of Southern California and the Western edge of the Mojave and Sonoran deserts.

White sage is highly valued by Native Americans as a ceremonial and ritualistic plant. It is deemed to have great spiritual and emotional cleansing properties and is now used by many people for this purpose. Sage emits negative ions, much like running water and can impart uplifting feelings. Sage, in the form of ‘smudge sticks’ are used in cleansing and purification ceremonies, even in the 21st century. Try out the Australian grown white sage smudge stick to experience the calming effects yourself.

White sage is revered for its mystical qualities and naturally growing white sage is becoming increasingly rare, due to its commercial uses.

Growing Conditions

White Sage can be tricky to grow. It needs REALLY good drainage, FULL sun, good airflow, and hates it leaves being wet. Also, pruning to keep the centre of the plant open for airflow will help.

White sage is native to only a small part of southern California and northwestern Mexico. It prefers conditions that replicate this often coastal and dry, sloping environment on the edge of the desert. Deep watering is only required once every two weeks, with sandy, well-drained soil in a sunny position. It will tolerate cool conditions, but shade, humidity and over watering will result in poor performance. In frost zones, white sage can be grown in pots and kept indoors. In these areas, it is best to treat white sage as an annual.

White sage can be grown from seed, but there are conflicting reports about how the degree of success. Some account say it is quite easy and others say the germination rate of white sage is very low, with a success rate of 15%. If taking this approach, make sure to sow a much greater amount than you need. It may be helpful to sow in seed trays, using a cactus potting mix. Water well and then keep very lightly watered as represented in dry conditions. Wait until seedlings appear and then plant out approximately 60 cm apart. White sage will easily hybridise with other salvias.

To harvest white sage, cut the stems being careful to note which part of the stem is fleshy and which is woody. If you cut into the fleshy top, the plant will produce 2 stems next year. If you cut the woody base, then no new growth or leaves will appear. Hang the stems upside down to dry and then bunch together to form ‘smudge sticks’. The dried leaves can be kept for teas and you may use them in food if you wish. Collect the seeds to plant the following year, by saving the brown nut like fruits before the seeds are released.

Culinary Uses

Native American uses for white sage included using leaves as a source of flavouring in meal preparation. They also ground up the seeds and mixed with flour to create porridge and biscuits. The seeds, roots and leaves are all edible.

Medicinal Uses

White sage is rich in cineole, a chemical with antiseptic properties, also found in rosemary and eucalyptus. The active constituents also have a reputation as anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic and pain reducing qualities. Cineole, ingested in a tea or inhaled from burning leaves helps to break up mucous, relieve congestion and stimulate clear breathing.

The traditional medicinal uses of white sage by Native Americans included as a cold remedy, for fevers and painful or heavy menstruation and for healing and strength after childbirth. It was also reputed to rid the body of foul odours when the leaves were crushed and rubbed all over the body. Warm sage tea is said to be good for sore throats and cold tea for stomach aches. The seeds were also used to remove foreign objects from the eyes, much like Clary sage in Europe.

Other Uses

White sage, as ‘smudge sticks,’ is used for ritually and for aura cleansing of any space, including house or car and even people.

Native Americans used white sage infusions as a rinse for shiny hair and to reduce grey hair. The grey foliage is also very useful in decorative wreaths and potpourri.

 

All information provided on this website is for informational purposes only. Please seek professional advice before commencing any treatment.

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Garden Use

In the garden, White Sage makes a stunning ornamental plant with its silvery-white foliage and tall flower spikes adorned with lavender-white blooms. It thrives in well-draining soil and full sun, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens. White Sage is drought-tolerant and can withstand extreme heat, making it suitable for growing in many parts of Australia, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions.

Medicinal Use

White Sage has a long history of medicinal use by Native American tribes. The leaves contain compounds such as cineole, camphor, and thujone, which have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. Traditionally, White Sage has been used to treat respiratory ailments, digestive issues, and skin conditions. A 2017 study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that White Sage extract exhibited significant antibacterial activity against various pathogens.

Traditional Uses

White Sage is most well-known for its use in smudging ceremonies, where the dried leaves are bundled and burned to create a fragrant smoke believed to purify and cleanse spaces, objects, and individuals. This practice has been adopted by many spiritual and holistic practitioners worldwide.

Culinary Use

The leaves of White Sage can be used fresh or dried as a culinary herb. They impart a savory, slightly peppery flavor to dishes and pair well with poultry, pork, and vegetables. White Sage can be used to make herbal tea, which is said to aid digestion and promote relaxation.

Other Uses

White Sage has been used as a natural insect repellent, thanks to its strong aroma. Dried leaves can be placed in sachets to deter pests from closets and drawers. The plant’s fibrous leaves have also been used to make baskets and other woven items.

In a survival situation, White Sage can be a valuable resource. The leaves can be used to make a medicinal tea to help alleviate respiratory and digestive issues. The plant’s strong aroma can also help mask human scent, which may be useful when trying to avoid detection in the wild. Additionally, the fibrous leaves can be used to make cordage or tinder for starting fires.

Preppers may find White Sage useful for its medicinal properties and its potential to create a calming, stress-reducing atmosphere when burned as incense.

Interesting Facts and Gardening Tips

• White Sage is a member of the Lamiaceae (mint) family and is related to other aromatic herbs like rosemary and lavender.
• The plant is a favorite among pollinators, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to the garden.
• White Sage can be propagated from seed or cuttings and can be pruned regularly to maintain its shape and encourage bushiness.
• Complementary plants for White Sage include other drought-tolerant, sun-loving species such as Lavandula (Lavender), Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary), and Eriogonum (Buckwheat).