Sage~ to purify

The air around me has felt heavy and uncertain. We are afraid of the virus that has shown up in our world. We are tired of taking so many precautions when it comes to our basic routine. We are trying to maintain composure and perhaps an inkling of control. We don't know what we need or where to look for whatever it is anyway. I turn to others who are just as new to navigating this crazy world as I am. I feel like I am at a loss, and might possibly be starting to lose my mind. So where do I go?

 I go to the Earth. The plants. The herbs.

 I stop the endless scrolling and put down my phone. I put on my boots and I head down to the one place where I feel I still have some control. My greenhouse.

And yet- when I get there I find my sage plants completely overgrown. I've been watching it happen for some time now. It's needed harvesting for several days, but I just haven't had it in me. My visions of a sage tincture that have been lingering in my mind are out the window. I go up to my flowering, fragrant, sage plants and it hits me- bundles. A tincture would have been so lovely and so useful, but sage bundles might be just what I needed. I can already feel the air around me shifting from dark to light. And here I thought I was dropping the ball, all the while this herb had a plan for me.

 Friends, I am going to share with you how this sage plant can be used to purify our lives.
Sage has many wonderful qualities. One of my favorite things about sage is its ability to purify. Burning sage (known as smudging) releases volatile oils that act as an antiseptic and antimicrobial. That is a lot of big words to say that our friend sage is able to keep
infectious bacteria, viruses, and fungi at bay. Purifying the air in your home with a bundle of sage becomes easy, natural, and soothing. No bundle? Just simmer some sage on your stove, and feel the purifying powers cleansing your lungs and sinuses from that magical steam.

 During this strange season, our air needs a lot of cleansing. We can use many things to accomplish this, but I love using sage because it also takes care of our minds. We don't need protection strictly from viruses and bacteria, but also from negative energy. Smudging with sage can remove negative energy and support us with a positive environment. There are some cultures around the world who even use sage to
treat mood disorders like anxiety and depression. The negativity surrounding us can contribute to poor sleep, inability to focus, and low energy levels. How are we supposed to get through this tough situation when we're dealing with all of that? Removing that negativity will reduce stress and help us function, which will support our immune systems.
I don't know about you but that makes me want to take a deep breath of freshly smudged air. Oh- and did I mention it smells good?

 Time and time again I have found that when we open ourselves up to the natural world around us we will see how much it can provide. I am guilty of looking for answers where I won't find them as much as the next frazzled, panicked (albeit courageous), person during a worldwide pandemic. The Earth will take care of us. When we make a connection to the Earth, we open ourselves up to being cared for and getting what we need.

What things are you finding in nature to support yourself right now? I'd love to read about them in the comments.
Herbal blessings!