Prairie Sage and Honey Infusion

About Prairie Sage

Prairie sage (Salvia azurea), commonly called azure sage, blue sage, or pitcher sage, is a beautiful native perennial found throughout much of the United States, from the Southeast to Texas and Utah, extending north through the Midwest to Michigan. This member of the mint family serves as an important pollinator plant, drawing bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds to its striking blue flowers.

The name "Salvia" comes from the Latin word meaning "to heal" or "to save," reflecting the plant's long history of medicinal use. Prairie sage has been valued across many cultures for its therapeutic properties, including its ability to support respiratory health, provide antimicrobial benefits, and offer calming effects. Many indigenous and traditional healing practices consider sage a sacred plant, used for spiritual cleansing and promoting mental clarity.

Traditional Sage Honey Recipe

This time-honored preparation combines the healing properties of prairie sage with the antimicrobial and soothing qualities of raw honey.

What You'll Need:

  • 1 clean glass mason jar

  • Fresh prairie sage (enough to fill jar halfway) OR dried sage (enough to fill jar one-quarter full)

  • Local raw honey (enough to fill jar)

  • Wooden spoon or clean chopstick

Instructions:

  1. Clean and thoroughly dry your mason jar

  2. If using fresh sage, chop it finely to increase surface area for better infusion

  3. If using dried sage, crumble it gently between your fingers

  4. Fill jar halfway with fresh sage OR one-quarter full with dried sage

  5. Pour raw honey over the sage, filling the jar

  6. Stir gently with wooden spoon to combine and remove air bubbles

  7. Add more honey if needed, leaving about ½ inch space at the top

  8. Seal with lid and store in a cool, dark place

  9. Let infuse for 2-4 weeks before using

  10. Enjoy in herbal teas, warm water, or by the spoonful

Read more about this and other remedies in the incredible article Black Herbalism's Healing Legacy

A descendant of enslaved people deepens her knowledge of her heritage and her ecosystem as she helps revive the tradition known as Black herbalism

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