Sagewalk Wilderness Therapy: Unveiling the Controversial Program’s Practices and Impact

What is Sagewalk Wilderness Therapy. How does the program operate. What are the daily routines for participants. Why has Sagewalk faced criticism. How effective is wilderness therapy for troubled teens. What are the potential risks and benefits of such programs. Who is the target demographic for Sagewalk.

Sagewalk Wilderness Therapy: An Overview of the Controversial Program

Sagewalk Wilderness Therapy, located near Bend, Oregon, is a behavior modification program that has garnered attention for its unconventional approach to treating troubled adolescents. As part of the Aspen Education Group, Sagewalk offers two primary programs: a Preparation/Youth Transition Program lasting 30 days or more, and a Family Reunification Program with a minimum duration of 60 days.

The program targets adolescent males and females aged 13-17 who exhibit a range of behavioral and emotional issues, including low self-esteem, academic underachievement, substance abuse, and family conflict. Sagewalk’s approach combines wilderness experiences with therapeutic interventions, aiming to address these challenges through a structured and often rigorous environment.

The Controversial Nature of Wilderness Therapy Programs

Wilderness therapy programs like Sagewalk have been the subject of intense debate within the mental health community and among parents of troubled teens. Proponents argue that these programs provide a unique opportunity for personal growth and behavioral change, while critics raise concerns about the potential for abuse and the lack of scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness.

One of the most controversial aspects of Sagewalk’s program is its use of teen escort services. These services, which are offered to parents, involve transporting reluctant or resistant teens to the program, often without their prior knowledge or consent. This practice has raised ethical questions and concerns about the psychological impact on participants.

The Debate Surrounding Teen Escort Services

• Advocates argue that escort services ensure the safety of both the teen and the family during a potentially volatile situation.
• Critics contend that this approach can be traumatic and may undermine trust between teens and their parents.
• Some mental health professionals suggest that alternative methods of engagement and motivation should be explored before resorting to escort services.

Daily Life at Sagewalk: A Rigorous and Structured Routine

Based on accounts from the TV show “Brat Camp” and survivor testimonies, the daily routine at Sagewalk is characterized by strict time limits and a highly structured schedule. This regimen is designed to create stress and provoke emotional breakthroughs in participants, a controversial approach that has both supporters and detractors in the therapeutic community.

A Typical Day at Sagewalk

1. Wake-up call with a 5-minute time limit for preparation
2. Hygiene routine with an 8-10 minute time limit
3. Breakfast (20 minutes) consisting of cold oats and water
4. Morning activities such as gathering firewood or group therapy
5. Light lunch during hikes or other activities
6. Afternoon activities including coursework and therapy sessions
7. Evening hygiene routine
8. Dinner at sunset

This strict schedule is enforced rigorously, with consequences for failing to meet time limits. For example, if participants do not complete tasks within the allotted time, they may be required to repeat the activity or face the loss of privileges such as access to spices for meals.

The Psychology Behind Sagewalk’s Approach: Breaking Down to Build Up

Sagewalk’s program is built on the principle of creating controlled stress to facilitate personal growth and behavioral change. This approach, often referred to as “breaking down to build up,” is based on the belief that by removing participants from their familiar environments and subjecting them to challenging situations, they will be forced to confront their issues and develop new coping mechanisms.

How effective is this approach in treating adolescent behavioral issues? While some proponents argue that it can lead to significant breakthroughs, critics contend that the methods used may be too extreme and potentially harmful. The lack of robust, long-term studies on the efficacy of wilderness therapy programs like Sagewalk makes it difficult to draw definitive conclusions about their effectiveness.

Potential Benefits of Wilderness Therapy

• Removal from negative influences and distractions
• Development of self-reliance and problem-solving skills
• Improved physical health through outdoor activities
• Opportunities for introspection and personal growth
• Exposure to natural consequences of actions

Potential Risks and Concerns

• Psychological trauma from extreme stress and isolation
• Physical risks associated with wilderness environments
• Potential for abuse or neglect due to lack of oversight
• Difficulty in transferring learned skills to home environments
• Financial burden on families

Nutritional Concerns and Food as a Control Mechanism

One aspect of Sagewalk’s program that has drawn particular scrutiny is its approach to food and nutrition. Participants are required to eat all prepared food, regardless of personal preferences or feelings of fullness. This policy has reportedly led to instances of vomiting among some participants, raising concerns about the potential for disordered eating habits and the use of food as a control mechanism.

Are these dietary restrictions necessary for the therapeutic process? While proponents argue that they teach discipline and gratitude, critics contend that such practices may be detrimental to physical and mental health. Nutritionists and eating disorder specialists have expressed concern about the potential long-term impacts of such restrictive and controlling food policies on developing adolescents.

The Role of Nutrition in Adolescent Mental Health

• Adequate nutrition is crucial for brain development and emotional regulation
• Restrictive eating patterns can lead to nutrient deficiencies and mood disturbances
• Forced eating may contribute to unhealthy relationships with food
• Balanced, nutritious meals are essential for supporting physical and mental health during intensive therapy

The Legal and Ethical Implications of Wilderness Therapy Programs

Wilderness therapy programs like Sagewalk operate in a complex legal and ethical landscape. While they claim to provide necessary interventions for troubled teens, their methods and practices have faced scrutiny from child welfare advocates, legal experts, and mental health professionals.

What legal protections exist for minors in wilderness therapy programs? The regulatory framework governing these programs varies by state, with some critics arguing that oversight is insufficient to protect vulnerable participants. Concerns have been raised about issues such as informed consent, the use of physical restraints, and the qualifications of staff members.

Key Legal and Ethical Considerations

• Informed consent and the rights of minors
• State and federal regulations governing youth treatment programs
• Liability issues related to wilderness activities and behavioral interventions
• Ethical considerations surrounding involuntary participation
• Staff qualifications and training requirements

The Impact of Media Exposure: “Brat Camp” and Public Perception

Sagewalk gained significant public attention through its portrayal in the reality TV show “Brat Camp.” This exposure brought both increased interest in wilderness therapy programs and heightened scrutiny of their practices. The show’s depiction of the program raised questions about the ethics of featuring vulnerable adolescents in entertainment media and the potential impact on participants’ privacy and long-term well-being.

How has media coverage influenced public perception of wilderness therapy? While shows like “Brat Camp” may have increased awareness of these programs, they have also contributed to a sensationalized view of wilderness therapy. This has made it challenging for the public, policymakers, and potential clients to distinguish between dramatized representations and the reality of such programs.

The Double-Edged Sword of Media Exposure

• Increased public awareness of wilderness therapy options
• Potential for misrepresentation and sensationalism
• Ethical concerns about privacy and exploitation of minors
• Impact on participants’ post-program experiences and relationships
• Influence on policy discussions and regulatory efforts

Alternative Approaches to Adolescent Behavioral Intervention

While wilderness therapy programs like Sagewalk continue to operate, many mental health professionals advocate for alternative approaches to addressing adolescent behavioral issues. These methods often focus on evidence-based practices that can be implemented in less extreme environments, allowing for ongoing family involvement and integration with daily life.

What are some effective alternatives to wilderness therapy for troubled teens? Evidence-based interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and family-based treatments have shown promising results in addressing a range of adolescent mental health and behavioral issues. These approaches often emphasize skill-building, emotional regulation, and improved family communication without the need for removal from the home environment.

Evidence-Based Alternatives to Consider

• Multisystemic Therapy (MST)
• Functional Family Therapy (FFT)
• Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach (A-CRA)
• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
• Mentorship and community-based support programs

As the debate surrounding wilderness therapy programs like Sagewalk continues, it is crucial for parents, mental health professionals, and policymakers to carefully consider the potential benefits and risks associated with these interventions. While some participants may experience positive outcomes, the controversial nature of these programs and the lack of conclusive research on their long-term effectiveness raise important questions about their role in addressing adolescent mental health and behavioral challenges.

Ultimately, the decision to enroll a teen in a wilderness therapy program should be made with careful consideration of all available options, thorough research into the specific program’s practices and outcomes, and consultation with mental health professionals who can provide personalized recommendations based on the individual needs of the adolescent and their family.

As society continues to grapple with the complex issues surrounding adolescent mental health and behavior, it is essential to prioritize evidence-based interventions, ethical practices, and the well-being of vulnerable youth. The ongoing discourse surrounding programs like Sagewalk serves as a reminder of the importance of critical evaluation and continuous improvement in our approaches to supporting troubled teens and their families.

Sagewalk

index/sagewalk – troubledteens

• SageWalk Wilderness (1997-2009) Redmond, OR
• • History and Background Information
  • Founders and Notable Staff
  • Program Structure
  • Daily Schedule
  • Abuse Allegations, Lawsuits, and Deaths
  • Closure
  • Survivor/Parent Testimonials

Wilderness Program

History and Background Information

SageWalk Wilderness (also called Sage Walk, The Wilderness School) was an Aspen Education Group behavior-modification program that opened in 1997. It was marketed as a Wilderness Therapy Program for teenagers (13-17) who struggled with moderate to severe emotional and behavioral problems, antisocial/reckless/dangerous behavior, substance abuse, depression, impulsivity, lack of social skills, low self-esteem, academic underachievement, and family conflict. The program had a maximum enrollment of 45 teens, who were split into single-gender groups of 9 teens. The average length of stay was reported to be 86 days, but could vary widely depending on the teen. In 2005, the program’s tuition was reported to be roughly $425 per day or about $13,175 per month. SageWalk was a member of NATSAP from 2002 until its closure in 2009.

The address associated with the program was 1116 SW Obsidian Ave, Redmond, OR 97756. However, because SageWalk was a “wilderness” program, the teens actually spent their stay hiking around the Central Oregon High Desert.

SageWalk was extablished in 1997 when the wilderness program officially split from its affiliated long-term residential program, Bridges Boys Academy. The program was purchased by Aspen Education Group in 2005. The same year, the program was featured on the U.S. season of the ABC television series Brat Camp. The show followed 9 American teenagers who were sent to SageWalk for various reasons. Because their experience was televised, the program appeared to be a lot easier and less harsh than it actually was in reality. The program closed in 2009 following the death of a 16-year-old boy at the program.

Founders and Notable Staff

Brett Merle was the Founder and Executive Director of SageWalk. His prior employment is unknown, but it was reported that he previously had 6 months as a crisis residential center counselor, 5 months as a residential treatment center counselor, and 6 year experience in wilderness. In 2008, he began working in the Youth Transport industry, which was used to legally kidnap teens and take them to a variety of behavior-modification programs. He worked in this industry until 2017, when he began working as a Senior Interventionist at Zenith Family and Counseling Services, where he continues to work.

Mike Bednarz was the Executive Director of SageWalk from 2008 until its closure in 2009, which was during the time when a 16-year-old died in the program. He began his career in the TTI as a Senior Field Staff at the reportedly abusive Second Nature Uintas from 1999 until 2001. He then worked as the Field Director of Aspen Education Group’s reportedly abusive Outback Therapeutic Expeditions from 2001 until 2006. After this, he worked as the Executive Director of Aspen’s reportedly abusive Lone Star Expeditions from 2006 until 2008, when he joined SageWalk.

John Novotny worked as the Field Director of SageWalk. His prior employment is unknown, but he reportedly worked with troubled youth for over 20 years. He passed away on March 13, 2011.

Larry Solie worked as the Executive Director of SageWalk from 2004 until 2007. Prior to this, he worked as the Executive Director of Bridges Boys Academy, which was a branch of SageWalk. His prior and current employment is presently unknown.

Kevin Warner worked as the CEO of SageWalk beginning in 2004. He previously worked as the CEO of TSN Television Network. His current employment is unknown.

J. Huffine worked as the Clinical Director and a Primary Therapist at SageWalk from around 2004 until 2005. He began his career as a Clinical Supervisor at the confirmedly abusive On Track Wilderness Program, where a 17-year-old died during a violent restraint in 2002. In 2005, he helped to create the reportedly abusive Second Nature Cascades, which rebranded in 2015 as Evoke Cascades. He continues to work at Evoke Cascades as the Owner and Clinical Director. He is married to Willow Huffine.

Brian Rossiter worked as the Program Director of SageWalk from November 2004 until October 2005. Prior to this, he worked as the Program Director of the Ascent Wilderness Program, which was a confirmedly abusive program owned by the notorious CEDU Family of Services, from 1997 until 2004. He also previously worked as the Program Director of Phoenix Outdoor Education Center, which was a branch of the King George School. After SageWalk, he worked as the Executive Director of Second Nature Cascades from 2005 until 2010. He then went on to work as the Director of Admissions/Marketing at SeaChange Hawaii from 2010 until its closure in 2012. After this, he worked as the Executive Director of Santiam Crossing from March until August of 2012. He currently works as a Field Admissions Representative at the Universal Technical Institute, Inc.

Guy LeGuyonne worked as the Admissions Director of SageWalk from 2001 until 2004. He then went on to work as the Director of Admissions at the reportedly abusive Academy at Sisters from 2008 until 2009. He currently works as the Owner of Clear Vision Consulting, which he founded in 2004.

Alexander MacDonald worked as the Clinical Director of SageWalk from 2007 until 2009. He reportedly previously worked for the notorious and confirmedly abusive CEDU Family of Services around 1999.

Willow Huffine worked as a Nurse at SageWalk. Prior to this, she worked as the Clinical Director of Bridges Boys Academy. In 2005, she began working as a Psychologist at Second Nature Cascades with her husband, J. Huffine.

Cindy Fogel worked as a Therapist at SageWalk from 2002 until 2006. Prior to this, she worked as a Therapist at the reportedly abusive Obsidian Trails Outdoor School from 2001 until 2002. After SageWalk, she worked as a Therapist at Second Nature Cascades from 2006 until 2013. In 2013, she began working as a Therapist at the confirmedly abusive Spring Ridge Academy, where she continues to work.

Scott Fitzwater worked as a Therapist at SageWalk from 2003 until 2005. Prior to this, he worked as a Therapist at Aspen’s NorthStar Center from 2000 until 2001. After SageWalk, he returned to NorthStar Center as the Program Director from 2003 until 2008. He currently works as the Admissions Director of Mansfield Hall in Eugene, OR.

SageWalk Staff List – 2007

HEAL Program Staff Information

Program Structure

Like other behavior-modification programs, SageWalk used a level-system consisting of four levels. The levels are reported to have been:

• Impact: When a teen arrived at SageWalk, they were put on Impact phase. Suring this time, the teens needed to adjust to their new surroundings and accept accountability for the actions that led to their placement. Students started with only basic privileges and essential equipment. They also learned basic skills such as the use of flint and steel, bowdrill fires, sheltering techniques to protect them from weather conditions, creating pack rolls for hiking, as well as low impact camping skills, camp sanitation, tool making, and other necessary skills. During this time, they were not allowed to use a backpack and had to carry their belongings in a handmade packroll.
• Backpack: On this level, the teens were given the “privilege” of being able to use a backpack. The teens also began to discuss and disclose information about themselves, their relationships with others, and any immediate issues they were internalizing.
• Pioneer Handcart: During this phase, the teens earned the “right” to use a handcart as a means to carry additional equipment and food. They were also rewarded with better tasting and more nutritious food, as well as the privilege of using a Dutch oven to cook with. Students were also encouraged to call group meetings to confront each other about issues and problems. They were expected to demonstrate a level of awareness as well as responsible and accountable behaviors during this time.
• Solo: This was the final level at SageWalk. By this point, they were expected to demonstrate healthy communication, honesty, and support. During this time, they also had to go on a 4-day “solo” in which they were spearated from the group and had to live on their own in order to develop a deeper understanding of who they are and a realistic vision for their future.

Daily Schedule

Based on the TV-show Brat Camp and survivor testimonies a typical day was described as follows:

• The day started off with counselors calling “5 minutes”. This meant that everyone had 5 minutes to be dressed, have their sleeping bags hung on a tree, grab their food bags, and be sitting around the fire pit. If everyone did not have this done in 5 minutes, everything gets put back the way it was, and the detainees had to do it again until every thing was completed in the 5-minute slot.
• Hygiene followed. This involved filling a cup with water and soap, taking a rag and washing their face, hands and feet. The time limit was 8-10 minutes. The counselors then checked the detainees, and it would have to be done again if all of them had not been checked within the time limit.
• Breakfast was next; usually a 20-minute time limit. Breakfast consisted of cold oats, with water, powdered milk, brown sugar and raisins. If a fire was going, the detainees had the option of heating their oats, although only a few did so. The detainees were required to eat at least 2 cups of oats, and one quart of water, both checked off.
• After this, the detainees needed to clean their cup, which involved making mud and scrubbing the inside of the cup with it and rinsing it out until it was spotless. If everyone did not have their food eaten and cups cleaned by the time-limit, then spices would not be available for later meals. All food that was prepared was required to be eaten, regardless if the detainees felt full or the food didn’t taste good. Some detainees vomited because of this (on the Brat Camp show, Nick vomited in episode one).
• After this, the teens paticipated in some sort of planned activity: gathering firewood, some sort of group therapy, day-hiking (food and water only, no packs).
• Lunch was usually very light, just some granola and another quart of water. This meal wasn’t required, but was only taken away if the group was misbehaving.
• Afternoon activities were performed, sometimes with “homework”, coursework that focused on goals, aspirations, management skills, etc., or more firewood collecting, therapy, etc.
• Dinner was usually at sunset or so (preceded by hygiene again). Dinner was rice and lentils, dehydrated refried beans and tortillas, burritos, or Macaroni night. Since Rice and Lentils take at least 20 minutes to cook on the fire, time limit could be either 40 minutes or 60 minutes depending on behavior (longer time limit for better behavior).
• While food is cooking, the detainees were required to write a page in their journals. The detainees also had a moment of silence.
• After dinner was when most of the group therapy occurred. The counselors encouraged the detainees to express grievances, whether it be with SageWalk, the counselors themselves, other detainees, or just problems in general. Usually, this either allowed for compromise and conflict resolution or sometimes flared tempers.
• Food was then eaten, cups cleaned, food bags put away and the detainees were dismissed to bed.
• The teens boots were taken from them before they went to sleep in order to prevent runways.

Abuse Allegations, Lawsuits, and Deaths

SageWalk Wilderness has been reported by many survivors to have been an abusive program. Allegations of abuse and neglect that have been reported by survivors include severe medical neglect, dangerous and unsanitary conditions, food deprivation/force-feeding, isolation tactics, cruel and punitive punishments, forced manual labor, sexual abuse, brainwashing, psychological/emotional abuse, and physical abuse. Many survivors report that they developed PTSD as a result of their time at SageWalk.

On August 28^th 2009, 16-year-old Sergey Blashchishen was hiking during his first day at SageWalk when he suddenly collapsed. According to reports, he complained to staff that he was not feeling good complaining of dizziness and exhaustion. Soon after, he began stumbling, and vomitted before falling unconscious around 2 p.m. He had been forced to carry an 80-lb backpack on a day when temperatures were over 80ºF. Reports regarding the circumstances of his death vary, but staff members reportedly thought he was faking his symptoms and failed to call 911 until his heart stopped. The staff then reportedly performed CPR for around 45 minutes before help could arrive. He was pronounced dead shortly after. Initially, his cause of death was unknown, but after the autopsy it was revealed that Sergey had died of a combination of dehydration and hyperthermia (heat stroke). No criminal charges were brought against any of the staff members responsible for his death.

Closure

Following the death of 16-year-old Sergey Blashchishen in August 2009, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Orgeon DHS suspended SageWalk’s permit to operate pending an investigation into the boy’s death. All of the teens at SageWalk were taken out of the program and either transferred to other programs or sent home. At the time, it appeared that SageWalk intended on reopening the program, but this did not happen.

Survivor/Parent Testimonials

3/7/2021: (SURVIVOR) Link to ‘Why This Channel Exists #iseeyousurvivor #breakingcodesilence’

Unknown Date: (SURVIVOR) “In 2005, I was awoken in the middle of the night and kidnapped by two complete strangers- a man and a woman. In my delirium, all I really remember is being told that I could “do this the hard way or the easy
way,” and my parents standing behind them. I remember being so confused that my parents were just letting these people kidnap me. I went the easy way and walked outside with them to a white van where they drove me from my home in California to the headquarters/offices of Sagewalk, a wilderness program for troubled teens in Oregon. I was drug tested with a couple of other kids (this was a whole issue for me because my drug test supposedly came up positive for PCP, which I’d never even heard of, and the rest of my treatment plan would consist of unnecessary drug treatment and brainwashing to believe I was a drug addict). I was strip-searched, and all my clothes and belongings were taken from me and replaced with a set of bright orange clothes and a huge heavy backpack that I could barely lift, filled
with the bare essentials for survival (mind you, I was 15 years old at the time and absolutely terrified by strangers seeing and searching my naked body). I was then blindfolded and driven for what seemed like hours to the middle of nowhere. They told me that trying to run would be useless because we were nowhere near any roads or civilization anymore, so I wouldn’t survive if I tried to run. I met up with a
small group of other girls and some staff members. From there, my time at Sagewalk consisted of strenuous hiking and generally just trying to survive. We hiked anywhere from 5-30 miles almost every day (carrying those heavy backpacks). There were no showers or bathrooms. At the end of every hike, we were instructed to dig a communal “Latrine” with large sticks or branches we found in the woods (no shovels). It was just a big hole in the ground. I remember squatting over that hole to use the bathroom while flies swarmed around everyone’s excrement and feeling absolutely disgusting. Our diets consisted of plain unseasoned grain-like foods
(oats, lentils, beans, rice, etc.) that we cooked over the fires we had to start ourselves with flint and steel. If we couldn’t start a fire, we didn’t eat. Food and laundry drop was once every other week, and we had to make that little bag of food last two weeks and wore the same clothes every day without being washed. Some days we had to skip meals to keep hiking, and I just remember feeling so hungry all
the time. We had to use dirty sticks we found on the ground to eat, no utensils. We also had to eat whatever we made so as not to waste food; I remember one girl who made too much oatmeal one morning, and they forced her to continue eating it as she was vomiting. Every morning we had exactly 5 minutes to pack up our sleeping bags and shelters from the night before and be dressed and ready to hike. If anyone didn’t make it in that 5 minutes, everyone was punished and had to unpack everything and do it again until we all got it right. We had to set up shelters every night with tarps they gave us to tie to trees, and we just slept on the ground under those tarps. Some nights were unbearably cold. They took our shoes at night, so we wouldn’t run away. My feet became extremely calloused and cracked and often bled, but I was forced to continue hiking. If one person stopped hiking out of exhaustion, we were all punished. One of those punishments was finding rocks to fill our pockets to add more weight, and then we would continue hiking. At some point in the program, you have to go “solo”- which is separating from the group and staff and surviving on your own in silence without help from the group. They gave me a whistle in case any bears came along, so that was nice of them, I guess? After your solo in silence was over, they did some supposedly Native American ceremony where you were “reborn” and given a new name. My name was Phoenix Rising From Obsidian Mountain. Honestly, looking back, it was pretty gross as this whole place was run by white people, and I’m sure that was some kind of bastardized version of an actual Native American ceremony. Sagewalk was closed in 2009 after a boy collapsed and died during one of the hikes.” – J (BCS Database)

8/17/2018: (SURVIVOR) Link to ‘Wilderness Therapy Solo Experence, Neglect, Starvation and Abuse’

6/27/2018: (SURVIVOR) Link to ‘A testimony from a veteran of Sagewalk’

SageWalk Wilderness Website Homepage (archived, 2000)

HEAL Program Information

SageWalk – Secret Prisons for Teens (archived, 2021)

Brat Camp USA Intro (YouTube)

Reality bites back at ‘Brat Camp’ kids (The Baltimore Sun, 8/13/2005)

SageWalk acquired by Aspen Education Group (The Business Journals, 11/28/2005)

Reality is, Atwater student not reformed by ‘Brat Camp’ (Modbee, 8/5/2005)

Teenage Wasteland (Slate, 8/25/2005)

Portland teen collapses and dies during wilderness camp hike (Oregon Live, 9/1/2009)

Mom Mourns Son after Camp Death (KPTV, 9/1/2009)

Redmond wilderness school suspends operations (KTVZ, 9/15/2009)

SageWalk Issues a Statement (Struggling Teens, 9/15/2009)

Hoods In The Woods (The Bend Source, 10/21/2009)

Autopsy: Teen had heat stroke at summer camp, killing him (KGW, 10/21/2009)

Teen Death Investigation (KOHD, 10/21/2009)

Abuse Investigation & Protective Services Report – Death of SB (CAFETY, 5/5/2011)

Dark Side of a Bain Success (Salon, 7/18/2012)

Sage honey: useful properties and contraindications

Author Margarita Bukina Reading 4 min Views 684
Updated 08/11/2020

Such a medicinal plant as sage is actively used in official and non-traditional medical practice for the treatment of respiratory diseases, diseases of the urinary and cardiovascular systems.

All medicinal properties of the herb are present in such a product as sage honey. This unique natural bee nectar produced by winged workers also has excellent taste characteristics.

Contents

1. Features of sage honey
2. Benefits of sage honey
3. Recipes with sage nectar
4. Contraindications

Features of sage honey

Bees collect sage honey nectar from the blue-violet blossoms of a semi-shrub perennial plant in mid-summer. Wild varieties of sage can be found in wastelands, garden plots, but in the southern regions of Russia (Krasnodar Territory, Crimea, Caucasian republics) there are entire fields with cultivated shrub species.

The blue-violet flowers are not fragrant, but are popular with bees. But sage honey has a very pleasant smell, amber-golden color, subtle taste with a barely noticeable bitterness.

In addition, a distinctive feature of sage honey is its liquid consistency. The product practically does not crystallize, therefore, even in winter, it is a viscous aromatic liquid without any crystals or inclusions.

Useful qualities of sage honey

A beautiful meadow plant contains a huge number of various elements: essential oils, tannins, vitamins, fruit acids, bioflavonoids, alkaloids, mineral components.

Many of these elements include sage honey, which takes on all the healing qualities of a useful semi-shrub. Bee nectar is actively used for colds and respiratory diseases. Tea with amber sweetness is indicated for persistent cough, sore throat, inflammation of the pharynx.

Another “field of activity” of sage flower honey is the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, including inflammation of the gastric membrane, large and small intestines. Also, this product is indicated for diseases of the liver, gallbladder and urinary system.

Sage honey is used not only internally, but also externally – in cosmetic products. The antiseptic and anti-inflammatory qualities of the product make it possible to use it in preparations designed to combat acne and other skin defects.

Recipes with sage nectar

Consider healthy recipes in which sage honey is the main ingredient. The most important thing in this case is to choose a natural product, focusing on the above-described organoleptic characteristics of nectar.

• For colds. Mix 10 grams of dried lime flowers and raspberries. Herbal collection should be poured with 1.5 cups of boiling water and then simmered on the stove for 5-7 minutes. After the broth is filtered, cooled and 10 grams of honey are added.
• For tonsillitis. Dissolve 10 grams of sage honey in 100 ml of cranberry juice. The resulting healing liquid must be gargled three times a day.
• With hoarseness of voice. You need to mix egg yolk, 15 grams of sage honey and 20 ml of cognac drink. It is necessary to rinse the throat with a similar drug until the symptoms disappear.
• For dermatitis. From the powder of cut grass, honey and butter (in equal volumes), an ointment of a thin consistency is prepared. This tool must be lubricated with affected areas of the skin.
• For acne. Mix 2 crushed Aspirin tablets, 10 grams of honey and 2-3 drops of water. Spread a homogeneous composition over the face and wait a quarter of an hour. Then gently massage and rinse with warm water.

It is important to understand that sage honey, despite its many healing properties, is only an additional remedy. In case of health problems, it is necessary, first of all, to turn not to folk recipes, but to experienced doctors.

https://youtu.be/71R9Pm3PVo8

Contraindications

Fragrant amber sweetness is undoubtedly a useful natural product, but it also has some contraindications that all lovers of sage honey should be aware of. It is not recommended in case of:

• allergic reactions to bee products and sage pollen;
• childbearing and lactation;
• kidney and thyroid diseases;
• an early age patient.

Thus, sage honey is a real healing drug that can be used in the complex therapy of many inflammatory diseases. And, of course, this type of bee nectar is able to give real taste pleasure to lovers of sweets and delicacies.

5 Therapies You’ve Never Heard Of

Psychologists don’t like to talk about their failures. Meanwhile, each of us has clients, work with which stays in one place for a long time. Usually, such clients willingly visit a psychologist, agree with him in many respects, but change little. In this case, the focus of therapy shifts from achieving results to maintaining relationships. And the therapeutic contract gradually turns into an oath of allegiance: “both in sorrow and in joy, until death do us part.”

Frankly, this state of affairs suits many consultants. And those colleagues who want to achieve change cannot always do something for this. After all, most psychologists work within the framework of one specific approach, and in cases where it is not effective, they are powerless. Only a few specialists are ready to offer alternative methods to get the therapy off the ground. For the rest, “foreign” methods remain a terrible heresy and in vain.

ECOTHERAPY

Therapy in nature based on theories from ecopsychology.

“Nature is the best healer.” In 2009, this statement of Hippocrates received scientific justification. In Ecotherapy: Healing with Nature, Prof. Craig Schalquist and Dr. Linda Buzzel reveal the secret behind the effectiveness of ecotherapy. It consists in the fact that being in a natural environment, the body quickly replenishes depleted psycho-emotional resources and restores its natural rhythm. This is especially important for residents of big cities, because in a metropolis the human brain is heavily overloaded and even 15 minutes in the park can save it from exhaustion. And a country retreat in the company of a therapist can create a real miracle – I can judge this not only from books, but also from my own practice.

Therapeutic gardening

Therapist-led gardening activities aimed at healing.

Today, with 75 out of 100 reasons for going to the doctor to be stress related, a natural sedative like growing flowers is becoming a popular remedy. Garden therapy research confirms that growing plants markedly reduces stress hormone levels, helping to reduce anxiety, stabilize blood pressure, and improve mood. Needless to say, when “gardening lessons” are led by a therapist, their impact on health increases exponentially. No matter how ridiculous it may sound, but when a good psychologist picks up a shovel, the results are just lovely sights.

Spiritual psychotherapy

An approach focused on the spiritual component of life as the main one.

Hundreds of scientists around the world connect the epidemic of depression with the loss of spiritual values. Locked into our own reality, we are increasingly losing touch with nature, with each other, with the culture of the society in which we live. We are losing meaning. But spiritual people have them, regardless of religion. After all, most of the teachings offer essentially similar practices: community meetings, prayers, rituals of thanksgiving and contemplation, pilgrimages, retreats. These practices help to find meaning and joy in life, and being independent of the belief system, they are easily integrated into the life of any person. That is why spiritual practices are successfully used in psychotherapy. Surprisingly, but true: spiritual people live not only happier, but also longer. Professor Harold Koenig came to this conclusion as a result of an analysis of 2100 studies published in the Religion and Health Directory. If you find this hard to believe, try a meditation retreat and see for yourself.

If you include spiritual practices in your everyday life, you will be able to make sure that he is right.

Therapy in the wild (adventure)

A method using hiking as a psychotherapy tool.

This direction originated in the 60s as a way of modifying the behavior of adolescents. The main idea was that survival in the wild contributes to the development of psychological skills, physical and mental health. Adventure therapy proved to be effective and eventually became widespread. Today, trips lasting 8-10 weeks are successfully used in working with addictions, age-related and female crises.

While traveling, various methods of group and individual therapy are used, but most often cognitive-behavioral therapy, including mindfulness. The only disadvantage of therapy is the cost: an average of $560 per day + $3,200 entry fee, which is about $32,000 per course.

Pet therapy (zootherapy)

Comprehensive treatment with the help of pets.

Scientists have known for a long time that animals have a beneficial effect on the human condition. 179In 1960, British psychiatrist William Tuke noticed that the presence of dogs helped reduce the frequency and intensity of seizures in patients, and the first formal study took place in 1960. Since then, dozens of studies have been conducted, as a result of which it turned out that animals act as a medicine for a number of diseases.