What is sagebrush?
Is sagebrush something we can forage, or is it just a plant best left alone?
How do I use it?
For other valuable “weeds” that we can forage, SUBSCRIBE to the Mama Prepper Channel! You’ll be pleasantly surprised!
What is sagebrush?
Sagebrush has been also been called big sagebrush and California sagebrush. It grows wild in the arid soils of the western mountainous regions and high plains of the Rocky Mountains. It does not grow in the wet mountain forests of Washington, Oregon or northern California. It also grows in Mexico, but because I am not familiar with those species, I will not discuss them here.
It is truly medicinal, however. It has been used for thousands of years by native populations to address pain, including rheumatoid arthritis inflammation, respiratory conditions, fungal infections, digestion and wound care.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Because sagebrush has anti-inflammatory ingredients, it works well on pain due to problems like rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune conditions. Just drink a cup of sagebrush tea for a week or two. No longer, though.
Important notes:Salvia dorrii, Dessert Sage or Purple Sage, is not the same thing as Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata). This distinction is disappearing from the internet, so be aware. Salvia dorrii is a part of the mint family. When you crush the bluish-purple flowers of the desert sage, you can smell a minty scent. Sagebrush emits a camphor-like scent.
Important Notes: If you are pregnant or nursing, DO NOT USE. Herbs are potent. If you have allergies to plants in the daisy family DO NOT USE. If you have any adverse side effects, such as headaches, nausea or dizziness, stop. When using it internally, only use this for 1-2 weeks at a time.
Is sagebrush something we can forage, or is it just a plant in best left alone?
If you believe herb gardens are the only places where potent medicines can be found, you will be delightfully mistaken, especially if you live in an arid climate. God plants healing herbs everywhere. You just need to know what they are and where to find them. Don’t plant sagebrush in your garden, however. The very act of watering your valuable herbs will kill sagebrush. To use it, you must forage it in the wild. That’s why foraging is called wildcrafting. It takes a bit of effort, but it’s well worth the work.
I knew a Native American whose grandson got extremely sick with a virus that was rapidly turning into pneumonia, but he couldn’t afford to see a doctor, certainly not a hospital. Even though he had lived away from his heritage most of his life and didn’t trust native medicines, he had no choice. He allowed his grandmother to treat him. She made a sagebrush poultice and placed it on his chest. She also brewed him a sagebrush tea which she made him drink every four hours, disregarding his complaints that he didn’t like the taste. His fever diminished. His breathing improved, and he got well.
At the time I heard her story, I wasn’t into herbal medicine. I considered the fact that sometimes people get well just because they’re treated by someone they trust and believe in that person. Although that’s true, I later found that her actions had a medical basis for working. Now I’m passing that onto you.
How do I use it?
It is a part of the aster family, which means if you have an allergy to daisies, do not use. Even topically, those sensitive to daisies can develop rashes. Also, do not use internally more than 1-2 weeks at a time. It can cause nervous disorders with overuse.
Inflammation
As a tea, you can drink once daily for 1-2 weeks. But the tea also works as a topical. Make the tea, then after it cools, apply the liquid to the affected area with a clean cloth.
Respiratory Conditions and Fever Reducer
Sagebrush has a camphor scent. Place a handful of leaves and/or flowers into a pot and add hot water. Using a towel over your head, breathe in the steam to ease congestion. Or as a poultice, wet the flowers and/or leaves with some hot water (not boiling), place the wet plant matter into a cloth, and place it on the chest of someone with breathing issues.
As a tea, it also works as an expectorant. Nice to know when you need to cough up some phlegm.
Digestion
A cup of sagebrush tea will help ease nausea.
Wound Care
If you are injured, sagebrush contains antimicrobial effects. You can clean the wound with some cooled sagebrush tea. It works great!
Fungal Infections
Cooled tea also works as a foot soak for athletes foot and other skin irritations.
Sagebrush Tea
1 teaspoon dried sagebrush leaves and/or flowers (2 teaspoons if using fresh)
1 cup hot water.
Sit back and sip slowly. You need to rest your body and give the herb a chance to do its work.
Extra note: this tea also works to expel parasites. A valuable extra.
Sagebrush Poultice
Crush leaves and/or flowers and moisten with warm water. Wrap in a towel. Place the poultice on the affected area. Change as often as needed while symptoms remain.
What is sagebrush?
Is sagebrush something we can forage, or is it just a plant best left alone?
How do I use it?
For other valuable “weeds” that we can forage, SUBSCRIBE to the Mama Prepper Channel! You’ll be pleasantly surprised!
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