Sage Away Negative Energy

And have a mocktail

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

When I travel, I love to do walking tours, especially walking tours that involve cocktails, ghost stories, or both! Yes, I did this in New Orleans once. Why do I bring up ghosts? Because this week is all about sage.

Having visited Ireland numerous times, you start to understand why they believe in ghosts. My mom once told me she doesn’t like going for walks in Ireland because the country is so small that you are probably stepping over a dead person’s body. You could say that about a lot of places? But Ireland does have an eerie, ghostly vibe to it, especially when the mist descends over the fields.

When I lived in Boston, I was blowdrying my hair when an amber figure walked by and scared the bejesus out of me. I thought I was seeing things until it happened again while I was watching tv, and my dog chased after it. I called my mom to tell her about, and without hesitation she said, “Well, just burn some sage.”

Historical Uses of Sage

Burning plants for practical and spiritual purposes has permeated cultures on every continent. Celtic druids believed that burning sage could ward off evil spirits and enhance wisdom. Native Americans used sage in ceremonies to cleanse people, objects and spaces of negative energy, and to carry prayers to the spirit world. In Chinese medicine, it is a key component to balancing energies. When we bought our house, my friend, who is Jewish, came over and we burned sage the clear the energy reciting both the Native American and Catholic prayers to cover all bases.

I smoked it in a cocktail glass once, which I highly recommend. Ward off evil spirits before you sit and relax.

Photo by Ginny Rose Stewart on Unsplash

Health Benefits of Sage

A small amount of sage provides about 10% of your needed daily Vitamin K, and it is loaded with antioxidants. It also has antimicrobial effects, protecting you from the microbes that cause plaque. Traditionally it was used to treat symptoms of menopause, which modern medicine has backed up. It is also anti-inflammatory. I ran 5 miles this morning, and feel inflamed. Sage tea is on my docket for this afternoon.

How to Add it to Your Diet

Sage is easy to consume. You can eat it fresh over delicious fall foods like stuffing or pumpkin ravioli. I love it on a flatbread. Looking to consume it with less effort? Make sage tea!

Sage tea is prepared like most other herbal teas- pick it fresh, put it in a strainer, and pour boiling water over it. Let steep for 3-10 minutes, depending on desired strength.

And of course, we are gathered here today to discuss sage in cocktails in mocktails. While I workshopped this drink, I liked the mocktail better than the cocktail, so that is what I am sharing with you today.