Sage (artemisia
tridentada) is a bitter herb
often used aromatically as a smudge.
Smudging is the Native American term for cleansing and centering the
body and aura with the smoke of burned herbs. It is
similar in use to incense, both are used to uplift vibrations and alter
atmosphere. On a regular basis a sage
smudge can be used for centering the mind, body and spirit and of focus
on the moment and what is about
to be undertaken; clears mind of all previous activities and wholly
prepares one for the next. The smoke
itself affects all levels of being, attunes spirit to higher rates of
vibration, calms the emotions and purifies the
outer physical body. When done in a group it aligns the individual's
energy with the whole, serving as a
ritual, providing a group focus and preparatory rite.
In the morning smudging prepares one for the day ahead. At night it
clears the day's activities from one's
being and prepare for a sound night sleep. It is useful whenever
feeling upset, angry, depressed, or emotional
in general. Before important meeting, trip or other undertaking, before
discussion with another person.
It is also a good smoke deterrent for mosquitoes and "no-see-ums".
Our sticks come on average 8 inches long and 1 inch in diameter.
3 for $15
12 for $60
Mugwort
Moxibustion
(moxa
for short,
being the burning of herbs especially mugwort then applied to the body)
is useful
in treating sinus infections, and blockages. Though
it is made from many herbs, generally moxibustion refere to a stick
made from artemisia vulgaris as this herb is
of a mild heat, burns easily
and penetrates deeply beneath the skin into the body. Light
the herb, then blow out the flame, and keep the stick smoking by
occasionally fanning it with your hand or blow
lightly into the ember. As a sinus decongestant inhale through the
nostrils until a relief from pressure is felt.
Repeat later if more is needed.
Moxa is
also helpful when burned near the skin, usually at specefic pressure
points. The heat warms the energy
(chi) and blood in the body and is useful for the treatment of disease
and maintenance of the health. Often
pain and disease are the result of blockages or improper flow of energy
and blood. Moxa stimulates with
heat to alleviate original blockage and correct flow. It also
stimulates and supports the natural immunity of the
body and eliminates cold and damp thus promoting normal functioning of
the organs. Hold one
inch or as close as is tolerated above the skin surface, moving when
heat is intolerant-do not become
burned-remove heat for a moment and then return or use a circular
motion moving over and around desired
area, this spreads out the focus and is good for large surface areas.
Another method is called "sparrow
pecking" With the moxa stick rapidly "peck" at the desired point
without touching the skin- this allows deep
specific penetration. Be sure to occasionally tap off ashes.
To
Extinguish twist into a container of rice, place in jar, lid tight or
foil hot end. There are really endless
possibilities with the moxa stick not least of which uses the ashes to
stop bleeding.
Our
sticks average around 8 inches in length with a 1 1/4 inch diameter Use
Mugwort Moxa Stick Over:
-Chest: lung
congestion, cough, cold, flu, allergies, asthma, bronchitis, mucus,
difficulty in breathing and other lung
complaints.
-Upper abdomen: poor
digestion, gas, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, local spasms, and
cramps and food congestion. CAUTION: do not use over the right upper
abdomen near the rib cage, as this is the residence of the
liver, an organ already too
prone to heat. -Middle abdomen: poor
digestion, gas, diarrhea, local cramps and spasms, weakness, low energy.
-Lower abdomen: gas, diarrhea,
local cramps and spasms, bladder infections (without the appearance of
blood), low
energy, body coldness, lowered immunity, menstrual cramps, and
difficult, frequent urination, night time urination,
weakness, leukorrhea, and other discharges, poor circulation and
prostate difficulty.
-Upper Back: same as chest,
not as sensitive or vulnerable to treat on most people.
-Middle Back
(waist level): kidney and
bladder disorders, frequent and night time urination, low back pain,
bone and
disc problems, hair loss, knee and other joint problems, lowered
immunity and resistance, poor circulation, coldness,
weakness, low energy. Heating this part of the body will raise
resistance and energy level of the whole body aiding organs
and systems and diseases being experienced. Especially good for
vegetarians who tend to have more internal coldness
than others
-Lower Back: low back pain,
menstral difficulties, leukorrhea, bladder infections and diarrhea.
-Joints: local pain and
swelling, arthritis, aches, soreness, local injuries, coldness and
congestion
-Other body parts: all over body
useful for tension, soreness, ache, arthritis, cramps, or spasms or any
type of blockage,
and where healing is not happening CAUTIONS: don't use over the liver
as this organ is already running hot and cannot take the extra heat.
Don't burn the person.
Don't use with fever, over areas of inflammation or infection, lower
back or
abdomen of pregnant women. Avoid use in vicinity of sensory organs or
mucous membranes, numbness.
We
harvest Mugwort from our own integrated herbal plantings in our high
desert valley here in Santa Fe County at 6000' feet Our Mugwort
sticks average 8 inches with a 1 1/4 inch diameter