* Non-Irradiated * Kosher White Sage, also called incense sage, is native to the Southwestern United States and was revered as a sacred herb by Native Americans there. Branches of white sage are burned as incense, for purification, and in sweat baths. This sage is not used as a spice. White sage leaf is strongly aromatic, with a sage-like aroma. In its native habitat, the plant’s aromatic constituents help protect it from insects and grazers. It was used by native peoples for medicinal, spiritual and cleansing purposes and was later adopted by European settlers. Quality: Our White Sage consists of two- to three-inch branched pieces with attached leaves suitable for burning as incense. The branches may lose some leaves due to shipping and handling — loose leaves can be burned in an incense burner Sage tops have a high percentage of the essential oil bearing leaves — there should be no woody stems. Other sages or Artemisia plants should not be present. Did you know? Apiana, the species name for this sage is from the Latin for "bees" — appropriate in that bees have an affinity for the flowers of white sage.