Black Sage Seed
Salvia mellifera is native to California and Baja California. All parts of the plant have been used by our ancestors for many generations. Black sage is the darkest of the sages and like all sages it is highly aromatic. This sage has many medicinal properties, it is anti-inflammatory and has traditionally been used by the Chumash people to relieve pain. A decoction was made from the leaves and used as a bath for arthritic limbs. Sage is also beneficial with assisting colic, coughs and sore throats. I like to prepare a tea of black and white sage for coughs, adding a tablespoon of organic, local honey this can assist with calming irritation and fighting infections. Many have used black sage to calm canker sores, mouth ulcers and have suggested to use as a mouthwash and or gargle. Sages are also antibacterial antimicrobial, antifungal, astringent and assist the body as a nervine (relaxing the nerves).
