Mission Statement

My goal with mande plants is to teach about medicinal and edible plants, show how to grow these plants, where to find these plants, and how to use these plants. There are many useful botanicals in our world. I will growing seasonal crops and perennial edibles using organic methods as best as possible. One of my long term goals is to grow a temperate food forest garden. As I grow new plants and harvest them I will be sharing photos and details on this blog. All photos on this blog are taken by me. If you like this blog and you would like to help me further my research you can use the paypal donate button on the right. All donations will be used to buy tools, plants, seeds, and pay for expenses needed to develop gardens.

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

California White Sage

White Sage (Salvia apiana) is found naturally in the far south of California, growing in chaparral and sage scrub communities.   It has long been used by Native Californians for its medicinal and edible uses.
Salvia apiana, White sage

The seeds of White sage are edible, much like its cousin chia, with about 8% protein and 7% oil.  When wet they swell up with musiclage as well.  The leaves were used to flavor game and the stem tops could be peeled and eaten like a vegetable.  The leaves are similar yet much stronger in flavor and odor to culinary sage.

Where ever this plant grew the native peoples would take advantage of its medicinal qualities.  The Cahuilla and Diegueno would make a cold remedy from the plant by making a decoction out of the leaves, which is essentially a more strongly brewed tea.  The leaves were also used as a deodorant when rubbed on the body.  Much like mugwort this herb is burned or made into a tea to help cleanse the body or air.  This is a powerful medicinal plant and should be used conservatively and respectfully.  











5 comments:

  1. That's cool that it was used to cleanse the air, and it was even used as a deodorant. Thanks for sharing this information. :)

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  2. Do you have any more resources about the use of it as a decoction? I am interested in how much is safe to take.

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  3. It has long been used by Native Californians for its medicinal and edible uses.custom plastic injection molding 

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