History & Traditional Use
Salvia officinalis (S. officinalis), or Common Sage, is a natural herb that originates from the Mediterranean regions and has been used since ancient early Middle Ages for traditional medicinal and non-medicinal uses. People acknowledged sage to be an important herb since the earliest of times, but it was famous taxonomist, Carl Linnaeus who first described the natural herb in the 18th century with the scientific name Salvia officinalis (Kintzios, 2000). The genus designation “Salvia” originates from the Latin word “salvere”, meaning, “to save” (Grieve, 1984).
Many cultures have been using sage for centuries. The Romans utilized sage for its antibacterial properties and believed sage could impart immortality. The Greeks commonly used sage as a natural compress for wounds (Don, 2009). Both believed sage to impart wisdom and mental acuity. Many agreed with the Romans, and ancient proverbs even follow sayings such as, “Why should a man die whilst sage grows in his garden?” (Dweck, 2000). Sage tea was very popular in many cultures, especially the Chinese, who acquired it through trade, as they actually preferred it to their own teas (Dweck, 2000). Sage was typically administered via oral and olfactory methods. Most popular was the use of sage to make infused tea or liquid potion and taken as a drink.
In traditional Aboriginal culture, sage is a respected and commonly used herb. Before most traditional gatherings, such as healing sessions, a spiritual ceremony called “Smudging” occurs. Smudging typically entails the burning of an herb, sage being very common, and the smoke from the burning herb is taken into one’s hands and brushed all over the body, eyes, heart, and head. This is an act of cleansing the body and mind of bad feelings, thoughts, and spirits. It allows for a new experience to begin and Aboriginal teachings state that a person cannot effectively enter a healing session or be healed until one is in clear mind and heart (Burman, 2010).
An example of an individual partaking in a smudging ceremony is shown in the video below (JFP450H1F class, Sept 2010):
