Ancient cultures used  Sage as an herb and essential oil for women. The dynamics and properties of the herb balances the conflict of  women's active and passive roles at home and in society. Integrating the two enhances longevity and empowers a female.

Sage is an herb that grows in adverse soils and circumstances, surviving intense hot and cold weather. This same virtue enhances women to thrive in adverse circumstances and achieve what most women have not envisioned. Sage addresses a woman's self esteem and worth, encouraging her to excel in the many roles she plays throughout her life.

In the body, Sage enhances health and balance during menses, menopause and beyond. Very few essential oils and herbs target women past menopause, yet Sage helps her seek fulfillment in all stages of adult hood without losing femininity. Sage blends well with Rose, Rosemary, Lemongrass, Lavender,Helichrysum and Thyme to fulfill a woman's health concerns. However, during pregnancy and lactation, Sage is counter indicated as a uterine stimulant which stops lactation after birth. It is very helpful during a long or difficult labor to birth the baby successfully.

Sage is a very strong aromatic herb, which is best used in small doses as a tea or essential oil in a diluted blend. In a tea, I recommend 1 teaspoon steeped in 1 cup of boiled water. (Cover the tea as it steeps) In an aromatic blend, 1-3 drops in a 1 ounce dilution is recommended. I also use Sage healing floral water for purification purposes.

For more info, read  Mother Nature's Herbal by Judy Griffin

Recent regulations by the European Union to assess all insect repellents for toxicity and safety leaves only a few choices for consumers.Among the pending insecticides, lavender geranium and citrus essential oils and a seed extract from the Neem tree,Margosa, are expected to pass assessment.

In my travels and research over 20 years writing  Mother Nature's Herbal, I learned about these and many other natural insect repellents. I have found the best repellents come out of my gardens. I successfully use lavender for ants, moths and many flying insects. Lemongrass and citronella repels mosquitoes and geranium repels fleas, and most household pests. What the essential oils don't repel, Neem will. It has been used by gardeners for centuries to repel bugs from food crops and restore wood products. It's now recommended to wait up to 7 days before harvesting crops after application of Neem. It's time to take notice of what's growing in your garden that can replace potentially toxic products.

Author Judy Griffin, PhD.