-updated post 6th October 2024
What is a smudging stick used for?
Burning medicinal plants or smudging sticks has been used across the centuries by many different cultures to cleanse and purify homes and surroundings and to heal or connect with Mother Earth spirituality either as an individual or during a ceremony.
The process of smudging is to remove negative energies from your surroundings, in turn, this promotes a healthy and hygienic environment, cleansing the mind and body.
Smudging has many natural benefits. Studies show herb smoke can reduce airborne pathogenic bacteria concentrations in enclosed spaces by over 94% in 60 mins and continued protection can last up to 30 days. The benefits of smudging sage do not stop there, when sage is burned it releases negative ions, which could assist in combating common allergies such as pollen, dust, or pet dander (positive ions), which could help improve physical symptoms caused by asthma.
The act of smudging collectively is used to assist in improving mental health. There has been an increase in research into the uses of many different plants/trees and their importance culturally and medically to improve the health of individuals suffering from mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression. The reduction in anxiety and improvement of mood allows sleep patterns to normalise, this is so important to all of us but especially people who are predisposed to depression. The act of smudging can be used prophylactically to assist in supporting our daily mental health.
The Herb – Sage (the most popular herb used in Smudging)
The essential herb ‘sage’ (Latin salvis which stems from the word heal) will grow well indoors. I have a well-established plant sitting happily on my windowsill in the kitchen and she loves the sun. Sage can be grown outdoors and is quite hardy to our UK winters, however wild sage (Salvia Verbenaca) can be found growing in the British Isles, the Mediterranean region in Southern Europe, North Africa, and the Caucasus. It can also be seen as an introduced species that has naturalised in meadows in the USA.
If harvesting your own sage to dry and use for smudging, always leave the root ball to allow for regrowth. Growing your own sage will allow you to have access to this multifaceted herb at all times and used to assist in aiding a common cold and healing.
White sage is the most commonly used herb for smudging which has the strongest and heavy presence.
Blue sage would be used for cleansing and healing.
Desert sage would be used for purification and protection.
- image below dried sage.
Historically many cultures used a number of herbs to use for smudging or smoking.
Greeks, Ancient Egyptians, and Europeans – Frankincense/Myrrh.
Frankincense, when burnt, acts as a natural insect repellent and air purifier, the Catholic Church burns Frankincense to symbolise their prayers floating up to heaven.
Native Americans – Amaranth, Tobacco, Sweetgrass, Cedar.
Persians – Peganum Harmala – Wild Rue.
Asian – Sandalwood.
- image below Frankincense.
Science behind Smudging
There is always an interest in homeopathic medicine and how we can help ourselves using the delights that Mother Earth has, in abundance for our use. Along with this modern-day interest (as culturally and historically have been used for centuries), research has been undertaken to explain how smudging assists in alleviating or minimising the symptoms of chronic conditions such as asthma.
When smudging takes place the environment is filled with negative ions from the smoke created during combustion of the herb/plant. Allergens in the air such as pet dander, pollen, or mold are positively charged and accept the negatively charged particles from the burning. These particles, which are weighted down drop to the ground and are not present in the surrounding atmosphere, hence reduction in allergens.
Similarly, studies show herb smoke can reduce airborne pathogenic bacteria concentrations in enclosed spaces by over 94% in 60 mins and continued protection can last up to 30 days.
Many medicinal plants contain the ketone Thujone2 naturally, these include cedar leaf, sage, wormwood, thyme and rosemary. Thujone is a slightly psychoactive ingredient and has mood-elevating effects at low doses, improving the health of individuals suffering from mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression.
Use homeopathic medicine as an adjunct to conventional medicine, always consult your medical/general practitioner if you have any mental or physical health concerns. Check with a medical/general practitioner before using homeopathy alongside conventional medicines to avoid interactions or complications.
The Rules of Smudging
How to Smudge
- Use a tightly balled-up bundle of sage/smudging stick.
- ceramic or glass bowl/tray to hold and capture ash.
- lighter or matches.
- a fan or feather to direct the flow of smoke.
When you first commence burning, start with cleansing your hands and draw the smoke toward your body, as if cleansing yourself… cleansing yourself mentally and spiritually.
Every region that undergoes smudging serves a distinct function:
- Mind: for cultivating positive thoughts.
- Eyes: to perceive the goodness in others.
- Ears: to actively listen and appreciate pleasant sounds.
- Mouth: for speaking kindly about others.
- Heart: purifying our innermost sentiments.
- Back: ensuring others’ support and protection.
- Hair: nurturing our vital life force.
- Whole being: projecting only virtuous aspects of ourselves through our behaviour .
- Feet: navigating a righteous path throughout life.
How should you feel following smudging?
Engaging in the practice of smudging presents individuals with a valuable opportunity to pause, decelerate, and cultivate a state of mindfulness and inner harmony. This enables people to recollect their thoughts, establish meaningful connections, and stay firmly rooted in the present moment during any given event, undertaking, or objective. Moreover, through smudging one can effectively release negative emotions and thoughts that impede feelings of balance and concentration. The act of letting go is facilitated by embracing tranquility and creating an environment characterized by serenity while engaging in smudging.
During the activity of smudging respect both the tradition and Mother Nature who provides us with these medicinal plants that support us daily, connect us with nature, and provide us with all that we need to fulfil our lives.
Pingback: Moon Stone: Creativity and Intuition – Nomadify
Pingback: Green Aventurine: Happiness and Good Fortune – Nomadify