Prairie Sage Hydrolat

Description

Common names: Fringed sage, Sage Wort

Artemisia frigida

A member of the sunflower family, Artemisia frigida (Prairie Sage) is a flowering plant historically used by indigenous peoples of North America for coughs, colds and heartburn. It was used to heal wounds and, interestingly, the Zuni people dipped sprigs of the plant in water and then planted it with the corn, so that it grew more abundantly. The Chippewa used it in many ways, including placing it in the nostrils and mouth as protection when working with the dead or diseased. Other First Peoples burned it to keep mosquitoes away and chewed the leaves for indigestion.

These ancient uses inform us today: Obviously the coughs and colds suggest it would be great to add to your diffuser water, (25% would be a good place to start), and this would also help to disinfect an area frequented by outside visitors (retail spaces, office spaces). You can disinfect wounds with a gentle spray, and diffuse on porches or other open areas to discourage mosquitoes. Spiritually and emotionally, Prairie Sage supports attitudes and manifestation of abundance, and also can be used ceremonially for purifying an area or participants at a sacred event.