Asia and Rory’s Homa Herbal Corner – Sage and Rosemary

In this edition, we would like to share with you two popular, highly aromatic Mediterranean herbs -Sage and Rosemary. Although they are well known culinary herbs, they have also been used for thousands of years as medicine. All culinary herbs have greater medicinal properties when grown in a Homa atmosphere. If it’s not possible to get Homa grown herbs, then next best is to use quality organic herbs that have good colour and aroma.

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Sage is a hardy plant that will survive freezing winter temperatures but likes well drained soil. It is an easy plant to grow in the garden or in pots. The texture of the Sage leaf resembles that of the tongue, and as if nature was trying to tell us, this herb is the traditional remedy for mouth and throat problems. Only the leaf is used to make remedies.

It can be taken as an infusion for mouth ulcers, sore throat, tonsillitis and bleeding gums, while a stronger infusion can be used as a gargle for throat infections. To make an infusion add 1-2 teaspoons of dried herb per cup of boiling water, add a pinch of Agnihotra Ash Powder, and let stand between 5-15 minutes. If using fresh herb then use 2-3 teaspoons per cup.

Sage infusions are beneficial to the liver and kidneys and are also recommended for weak digestion and general nervous and physical debility. So it is a great remedy to

take when recuperating from an illness like flu.

Infusions have been used by Type II diabetics to help boost insulin production and tests have shown it may lower blood sugar levels.

Because of its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, Sage poultices can be applied to cuts and bruises. Just crush a few leaves to release their juices, add a little Agnihotra Ash Powder, and hold over the skin with a bandage.

Sage has a long folk tradition of aiding memory and enhancing longevity. It is a wonderful herb then for students as well as seniors.

The Romans used to brush their teeth with frayed Sage sticks, and a strong Sage infusion is traditionally used as a rinse for dark hair to add lustre and strength.

Avoid using Sage during pregnancy, because it will reduce milk flow in lactating mothers.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Rosemary is a very aromatic shrub that likes to grow in a warm sheltered position in well drained soil. In cold temperate climates, you can grow Rosemary in a terracotta pot that can be buried in the ground for the warm months, and brought indoors for the winter. If grown permanently in a pot then do not over water and let the soil dry out between watering. Again, only the leaves are used to make remedies.

Rosemary infusions are stimulating and warming and have been used to improve circulation and can be helpful for those with low blood pressure.
It also improves digestion, aids the liver, and stimulates the gall bladder to produce bile. You can make an infusion in the same way as with Sage (1-2 teaspoons per cup of water).

An anti-inflammatory infused oil can be made with fresh Rosemary that can be applied to arthritic joints, gout and muscular injuries. You can find the recipe to make infused oils in the previous newsletter. Rosemary oil infusion can also be massaged over the chest to strengthen the heart.

Rosemary is high in antioxidants which helps strengthen the immune system. Tests have shown that drinking Rosemary infusions can improve memory and cognitive functions, while also uplifting the spirits, so it can be used for mild depression. Although Rosemary stimulates blood circulation, it has a calming effect on the nervous system and can be taken for anxiety and stress.
 

Avoid drinking Rosemary if pregnant or lactating, and also avoid if you suffer from high blood pressure or epilepsy.