Healing Sage as a Tea and an Herbal Remedy

Cold and Flu Remedies and a Great Digestion Aid

Nov 6, 2009

Whether you have the sniffles or you're just flatulent, sage tea is what you need. People use it in the kitchen as a spice so much that they forget its other uses.

The early Hopi medicine man used sage in smudges and decoctions for purification and ceremonies, since its pungent fragrance was believed to carry strong spirit. Used as a wash, infused sage cleaned infections from wounds and bites; when drunk, it calmed the nerves and caused a fever-breaking sweat. The Hopi cooked with it and then made tea after meals to aid in digestion.

Today, sage is so commonly used in the kitchen that most of us forget the herb’s other uses. Its bouquet alone makes us think of a succulent roasted turkey, but when added to an after-dinner tea, it fills in the cracks and warms you from the inside out.

The Hopi Nation is known to have had a wide-ranging knowledge of indigenous plants, and sage is one of many, which they put to use in multiple ways. Today, there are still a few Hopi medicine men and women relying on these unhistorical methods.

Strong Spice, Strong Medicine

It is good to remember that just because something is herbal or natural doesn’t mean it’s not potent, and overdoses or side effects are sometimes possible. Sage used as a culinary herb has no known overdose or side effect symptoms; however, nothing of medicinal strength should be used for long periods unless prescribed by a physician. For example, pregnant women should not use sage as a medicine because it promotes uterine contractions; but as a culinary or tea flavoring, it is perfectly safe. Feel free to try these recipes or add a pinch of sage to your cup today, and taste a satisfying, warming drink that will take the edge off a busy day.

As previously mentioned, sage may also be infused as a tasty remedy for certain minor ailments. When steeped, the hot water draws out the plant’s beneficial properties. Depending on the ailment, other plants may be added to increase or complement the medicinal properties of sage. For example, a relaxing hot infusion of sage alone is one of the most wonderful remedies for flatulence and indigestion because it tastes great and makes everything settle well.

Good Recipe for a Digestion Aid:

Put the sage in a tea ball, place in a 2-cup teapot, then pour the hot water over the sage and cover, steeping for 20 minutes. Half a cupful while hot is recommended.

A cold infusion of sage will cause a fever reducing sweat and it makes an excellent sore throat gargle. Sage is beneficial in pharyngitis and other throat pains because it reduces inflammation and protects the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat.

Here’s a recipe that many find helpful for flu, colds and sore or inflamed throats.

Put 1 ½ teaspoons of the mixture in a tea ball, place in a 2-cup teapot and pour 1 cup of hot water over it and steep, covered, for 20 minutes. Remove tea ball. Add honey to taste if so desired.

For flu and colds, allow the tea to cool and drink the entire cup, repeating three times per day until better; or simply gargle with it if used for an inflamed throat. Fennel gives this tea a sweet licorice-like flavor.

Winter Warm-Up Blend

Put all ingredients in a large stainless steel teaball; place in a 6-cup teapot, then pour four cups of boiled water over it. Cover and steep for 10 minutes. Remove tea ball. The result will be slightly over four cups of a light, golden tea that packs a fragrant, flavorful punch. For a single cup, simply adjust the measurements to approximately one quarter of the amounts given.

Alongside a hot bath, sage makes any tea a perfect winter warm-up after a journey home in the cold and snow.

A Couple More Sites

The copyright of the article Healing Sage as a Tea and an Herbal Remedy in Herbal Properties/Benefits is owned by Sandy McCollum. Permission to republish Healing Sage as a Tea and an Herbal Remedy in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.