Description

Our extensive range of smudge sticks.

Smudge sticks can be used for cleansing of the aura, for example before meditation or prayer, or they are quite often used by body workers and therapists before treatments.

Beliefs that burning sage clears out spiritual impurities, pathogens, and even insects have been fundamental to the practice of smudging.

Smudging has also long been used to connect to the spiritual realm or enhance intuition. In traditional cultures, burning sage is used to achieve a healing state — or to solve or reflect upon spiritual dilemmas.

This may have some scientific basis, too. Certain types of sage, including salvia sage and white prairie sage, contain thujone, which is mildly psychoactive. It’s actually found in many plants used in cultural spiritual rituals to enhance intuition.

Smudging may help dispel negative energy

Smudging may also be used as a ritual tool to rid yourself — or your space — of negativity. This includes past traumas, bad experiences, or negative energies from others.

This may help you establish a positive environment for meditation or another ritual. Choosing to sit and let go of negative thoughts in a ritual like this sets your intention and dedication to self-improvement.

Smudging may help improve your mood

Tradition suggests that smudging can literally lift one’s spirits to banish negativity. Some research supports this. A 2014 study documented white prairie sage as an important traditional remedy for treating anxiety, depression, and mood disorders in certain cultures. it can also be a great ally against stress. It has been established that white sage (Salvia apiana) is rich in compounds that activate certain receptors in the brain. These receptors are responsible for elevating mood levels, reducing stress, and even alleviating pain.

Smudging has been traditionally used to safeguard against negativity that could interfere with sleep. Some research suggests that sage contains compounds that could help ease insomnia. Classic garden sage (Salvia officinalis) is sometimes burned like white sage. It’s also been used to improve sleep and soothe anxiety, and may improve the quality of your sleep

In addition to dissipating negative energy, improving mood, and strengthening intuition, smudging with sage may improve your memory and focus. A 2016 review of studiesTrusted Source noted that evidence for Salvia’s cognitive-enhancing benefits are promising — perhaps to treat dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Still, more research is needed.

Anti Bacterial Properties

The most-used types of sage have antimicrobial properties. This means they keep infectious bacteria, viruses, and fungi at bay. White prairie sage (Artemisia ludoviciana) is both antimicrobial and antibacterial. White sage (Salvia apiana) is also antimicrobial. And both have been shown to repel insects.

Requirements

The practice of burning sage or smudging is fairly simple, with few necessary tools

A sage bundle (or smudge stick)

A seashell or bowl of ceramic, clay, or glass to hold burning sage or capture ash

optional feather or fan for fanning smoke

There are many types of sage usable for smudging. Traditional examples include:

• white sage (Salvia apiana)
• other Salvia species
• white prairie sage or estafiate (Artemisia ludoviciana)
• other Artemisia species.

Preparing to Smudge

Before burning sage,some recommend setting your intentions, if smudging for spiritual, energetic, and negativity clearing purposes. Remove animals or people from the room. It is also important to leave a window open before, during, and after smudging. This allows smoke to escape.

Smudging your body

1. Light the end of a sage bundle with a match. Blow out quickly if it catches on fire.
2. The tips of the leaves should smolder slowly, releasing thick smoke. Direct this smoke around your body and space with one hand while holding the bundle in the other.
3. Allow the incense to linger on the areas of your body or surroundings you’d like to focus on. Using a fan or feather can also help direct the smoke, though this is optional.
4. Allow the ash to collect in a ceramic bowl or shell.

Smudge your home or living space

Direct sage smoke over all surfaces and spaces in your home or living area. Be thorough.

Smudge an object

You can smudge specific objects. This can be useful with new purchases, or secondhand items. If you have any concern with negative history or energy attached to a new or unfamiliar object, or Items related to negative experiences or memories, smudging may help bring peace of mind and make the object more sacred to you. Direct smoke around and over the object of your choice.  may also be smudged. You can burn sage over special objects, to acknowledge the object with sacred meaning.

Aromatherapy

You can also light and burn sage to improve odor, fragrance, and mood. Simply waft sage smoke in and around your home. You can place the bundle in a fireproof bowl or burner and allow it to smoke for a while.

After Smudging

Make sure your smudge stick is completely extinguished. You can do this by dabbing the lit end into a small bowl of ash or sand.

Check the end closely to make sure there are no more embers burning. Once it’s completely put out, store it in a safe, dry place out of the sun.

Are there any side effects or risks?

When done correctly and respectfully, smudging is completely safe and the effects last after the smoke clears.

Be careful with sage when it’s lit. If you aren’t careful, burns and even fire is possible. Have water nearby.

Never leave burning sage unattended. Make sure to put your sage bundle out completely after every use.

Setting off smoke alarms is common. Consider this if smudging in a public building.

People with asthma and other respiratory conditions may be more sensitive to the smoke and have adverse reactions.

Always leave a window open while smudging. Inhaling smoke can be hazardous to your health.

There is very little research on smudging as a practice beyond the cultural practice of the ritual, but keep in mind: Burning sage is a sacred religious practice in some Native American cultures. Treat the ritual with respect.