California White Sage (22-25 cm)

Cur moriatur homo cui Salvia crescit in horto? - What can a man die of who has sage in his garden? This sentence taken from a treatise of the School of Medicine of Salerno (XII-XIIIth century) says a lot about this sacred plant that is sage.

The plant
Its scientific name is Salvia Apiana; it comes from the Latin salvare - to heal. It grows wild in the southwestern United States, primarily in California and northwestern Mexico. It is a recognized medicinal plant. Most of its properties are found in the leaves, which absorb the sun's energy and produce a large amount of essential oils that flavor the plant. They give off a very pleasant fragrance that gives a feeling of well-being.

A little history
In Europe at the time of the Celts, the druids used it to increase their wisdom and during rituals of healing and protection. In America, many Native American cultures on the west coast of the United States used it to heal and purify body and mind; the white smoke of the burning leaves was used to bless and cleanse both people and objects.

His culture
Our sage comes from 100% natural cultivation, which means that its growth depends on the climate and annual rainfall. The size of the bundles can therefore vary from one year to another, depending on the vagaries of the seasons and more or less abundant harvests. It is interesting to note that, during periods of drought, the concentration of essential oils in the leaves is higher.

How to use it
The Cleansing Ritual is a universal practice that is said to promote mental clarity, joy, and tranquility.
1. Use a heat-resistant container, such as an abalone shell, and set up on a non-flammable surface. Bring a feather or a fan. Choose a plant stick bound with cotton yarn.
2. Light one end of the stick, preferably with a match. Let it burn for a few seconds, then blow out the flame. Be careful, the leaves can fly away quite easily. Place the stick on the chosen container, taking care not to burn yourself.
3. For the places: go through each of the rooms and guide the smoke with the feather or the fan towards the places you want to purify.
4. For people: guide the smoke towards the parts of the body to be purified, towards the head, the arms, the legs, the back, etc.
5. Wait for the stick to turn off. According to Native American belief, it will continue to burn until its beneficial action is complete.
Remember that intent is the basis of any fumigation ritual: if your heart is pure and your purpose noble, the effect will be heightened.

Ventilate the room after use. Do not inhale the smoke directly.