White Sage (Salvia apiana)

Description

White sage, also known as bee sage, is a shrub that grows along the coast of Southern California, most notably Baja.

Although the ground leaves and seeds of the plant were once used as cereal grain by Native American peoples of the Pacific Northwest, white sage is primarily used as a ceremonial herb. Specifically, it is added to incense or burned alone as ?smudge? to create sacred space. An infusion of the leaves is said to straighten hair when used as a final rinse. White sage leaves can be used to make tea (steeping one leaf is enough!), but keep in mind that the flavor is quite strong. The leaves are wrapped and tied to make smudge sticks. The powdered herb may also be added to incense blends.