White Sage (Salvia apiana) is a sacred plant native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Here’s an overview of its origin, benefits, and uses:
Where did the practice originate?
Distinct from cleansing, smudging has been well established as a Native American cultural or tribal practice, although it isn’t practiced by all groups.
We have the traditions of many Native American peoples to thank for its use. This includes the Lakota, Chumash, Cahuilla, among others.
Many other cultures around the world share similar rituals.
Read on to learn more about the benefits of burning sage and how you can use it to improve your overall well-being.
White Sage is a member of the Lamiaceae family and is native to the deserts and coastal sage scrub habitats of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Benefits
1. Purification and Protection: White Sage is renowned for its purifying and protective properties, helping to drive out negative energy and promote a sense of calm and well-being.
2. Air Purification: It’s believed to purify the air, removing bacteria, viruses, and other pollutants.
3. Mental Clarity and Focus: it is said to promote mental clarity, focus, and concentration.
4. Emotional Balance: It’s used to balance emotions, reducing stress, anxiety, and promoting relaxation.
5. Spiritual Growth and Connection: it is considered a sacred plant, facilitating spiritual growth, connection to the divine, and communication with spirits.
Uses
1. Smudging: White Sage is commonly used in smudging ceremonies to purify and protect people, spaces, and objects.
2. Meditation and Prayer: It’s used in meditation and prayer to promote mental clarity, focus, and spiritual connection.
3. Rituals and Ceremonies: White Sage is incorporated into various rituals and ceremonies, such as weddings, births, and funerals.
4. Tea and Infusions: The leaves can be made into a tea or infusion, which is said to promote relaxation and reduce inflammation.
5. Insect Repellent: White Sage is believed to repel insects, such as mosquitoes and flies.
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.
Make sure your sage bundle is completely extinguished. You can do this by dabbing the lit end into a small bowl of ash or sand. Avoid using water, since it may be difficult to reignite sage if it is extinguished by water.
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.
Precautions
1. Respect and Intention: Use White Sage with respect and intention, as it’s a sacred plant in many Native American cultures.
2. Allergies and Sensitivities: Be aware of any allergies or sensitivities, as it can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
3. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult with a healthcare professional before using White Sage during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Perfect for cleansing, resetting, and purifying. Can be used to cleanse places, people, crystals, or sacred items. Used in ritual, ceremonies or just for cleansing.
How to use:
Hold the cleansing stick in the flame of your lighter (long handled lighter preferred) and rotate so all sides get lit. Give it a good blow and a shake. You should see smoke and no flames, then cleanse away.
When to Smudge
• Before you go to bed after a long day around people
• Before and after you’ve had guests at your home
• When you move into a new home
• When you begin a new job
• When you start your own business
• Before and after a healing session
• Before meditation
• After any illness
• After an argument / conflict
