There's sage, and then there's sage(brush)
In the course of doing research for my next book:
There is much said in these modern times about “spiritual appropriation” and the use of “sage” to cleanse and purify because American Natives have used this herb and this practice for centuries to do the same. As it turns out, the sage that we purchase for this purpose and grow in our gardens is not the same type of sage used by American Natives for indigenous ceremonial purposes.
As follows: Sage (salvia officinalis) is a popular culinary seasoning and is a member of the mint family. It is not related to Sagebrush (from the artemisia species) that Native Americans use for their religious and personal ceremonies.
SOURCE: "Hoodoo Root and Herb Magic" by Catherine Yronwode, published 2002
Relax, and enjoy your sage!
