Salvia apiana Jepson White Sage; Lamiaceae
 
grandfather of sages

Grandfather Sage

This is a most prized herbal for the sage lover. White sage is often called the grandfather of sage. This sage was traditionally used to purify and protect the home. Very few West Coast USA, Native American ceremonies are without this power aromatic cleanser.

 
Cahuilla Medicine

(Cold Remedy)
Leaves eaten, smoked and used in the sweathouse for colds.

(Dermatological Aid)
Crushed leaves and water used as a hair shampoo, dye and hair straightener.

(Dermatological Aid)
Poultice of fresh, crushed leaves applied before retiring to the armpits for body odors.

(Eye Medicine)
Seeds used as eye cleansers.

(Hunting Medicine)
Leaves used to prevent bad luck if a menstruating woman accidentally touched hunting equipment.

Diegueno Medicine

(Cold Remedy)
Decoction of leaves taken for colds.

(Other)
Decoction of leaves taken for a serious case of poison oak that "has entered the blood."

(Misc. Disease Remedy)
Leaves burned in hot coals to fumigate the house after a case of sickness such as measles.

(Gynecological Aid)
Infusion of roots taken to heal internally and remove particles of afterbirth.

(Blood Medicine)
Infusion of leaves taken as a tonic for the blood.

(Cough Medicine)
Infusion of leaves taken as a cough medicine.

Cahuilla Food

(Spice)
Leaves used as flavoring for mush.
Cahuilla Food (Staple)
Parched seeds ground into a flour and used to make mush.

Diegueno Food
(Porridge)
Seeds mixed with wheat or wild oats, toasted, ground fine and eaten as a dry cereal.

(Unspecified)
Young stalks eaten raw.

Luiseno Food
(Unspecified)
Ripe stem tops peeled and eaten uncooked.

(Unspecified)
Seeds eaten for food.

Cahuilla Other
(Hunting & Fishing Item)
Fresh, crushed leaves applied to armpits by hunters to eliminate body odors and detection from game.