Sage Tea Recipes

A. Lakȟóta "Pejúta Šaŋ" (Sacred Medicine Tea)

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp dried white sage leaves (wíŋyaŋ šaŋ)
• 2 cups water
• 1 tsp wild mint (pȟežúta ǧí) (optional)
• Honey (from local bees, if available)

Steps:

1. Boil water, then remove from heat.
2. Add sage (and mint if using), steep 5-7 mins (longer = stronger medicine).
3. Strain, sweeten with honey.

✨ Sip slowly during prayer or to soothe sore throats.

B. Ojibwe "Mashkiki-wiisini" (Healing Sage Tea)

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp fresh prairie sage (mashkodewashk)
• 1 tsp cedar needles (giizhik)
• 3 cups water
• Maple syrup (ziinzibaakwad) to taste

Steps:

1. Simmer sage and cedar in water 10 mins (do not boil violently).
2. Strain to remove needles.
3. Sweeten with maple syrup.

✨ Drink warm for digestion or colds.

Bonus: When to Use Sage

• Lakȟóta: Before Inípi (sweat lodge), after handling sacred objects.
• Ojibwe: At dawn, during naming ceremonies, or when grieving.

Warning: Avoid white sage if pregnant. Prairie sage is safer for regular use.

Pilamaya yeló / Miigwech! Let me know if you’d like a song to sing while smudging! 🌿🔥