White sage (Salvia apiana)

Other names: white sage

White sage, also known as Salvia apiana or white sage, is a species of plant belonging to the genus Salvia, which is part of the deaf-leaved family. It is native to the western and southwestern United States and Mexico. This plant is sought after for its medicinal and ceremonial properties. The distinctive features of white sage are its silver-white leaves with a distinctive scent and bright white flowers. The plant prefers a sunny habitat and tolerates well dry and poor soils.

White sage products are popular mainly in alternative medicine and herbalism, but also in cosmetics. For example, white sage is used to make herbal teas, which are used for their detoxifying effects and to aid digestion. It is also often used in the production of essential oils, which are popular in aromatherapy, and can also be used to make body spray or other cosmetic products. White sage is also included in various smoking blends, where its leaves are bundled and burned. This smoke is then used in various rituals and ceremonies - to purify a space, people or objects. In Native American culture, white sage smoke is used as a sacrament in rituals of cleansing and healing.