Burning sage or smudging is an old practice developed by indigenous people for thousands of years. It is the traditional way to wipe out negative energy. This ancient spiritual ritual was established by Native Americans but followed all over the world. A smudge stick is used in Australia for this ritual.
Even though it is a thousand-year-old tradition, it is still in practice to eliminate high wire anxiety. Even in this twenty-first century, practitioners recommend sage smudging to pump out negative energy and focus and relaxation. Check out to know more about the ethical concerns about smudging.
What is a sage, and how to prepare it?
These are the aromatic herbs used for medicinal purposes. Americans first recognised these plants, which are called sage or salvation plants by Ancient Romans. In Roman tongue, salvare means a cure or save. The Australian handcrafted sage smudge is the most popular in the market right now. There are some setting requirements in burning smudge sticks.
Before smudging, remove the living things from the room. Keep the windows open before, during and after the procedure. It allows the escape of smoke, and some people believe this escaping smoke takes impurities and unfavourable energy along with it.
Recent studies found that burning sage is a natural treatment for depression and dementia. It has strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities. So, it helps to cure obesity and lupus.
The necessary kit for burning sage:
Smudging is a simple practice with some basic tools, which include:
1) Smudge sticks
There are varieties of sage used for this practice. Some examples are Artemisia species, white sage and white prairie sage.
2) A ceramic or clay bowl or a seashell to hold and burn the sticks – also, to capture the ashes
3) Matches
4) Fan or feather for flaring smoke
Benefits of smudging
Some studies mentioned the sage’s efficiency of 94% airborne bacteria reduction. Other benefits of burning sage are:
1) Aromatherapy
Aromatics have therapeutic properties—scents like lavender help to enhance the body and brain with calmness. One of the most popular benefits of this practice is that its scent alone can create a chilling effect. Even if there is some scepticism about the science behind this tradition, the smell of smudging can reduce anxiety. The scent of the sticks can be incorporated with other aromatics like cedar, lavender and herbs Santa.
2) Pursuit of Mindfulness
Smudging encourages relaxation and helps to handle stress. It brings mindfulness as the sweet smell provides full sensory attention.
3) Belief in motives
Smudging is excellent for health and wellness. It has a grounding effect too. It is a widespread belief that rituals can calm people along with bringing order into their life. Whether for spiritual needs or relaxation, burning sage can certainly reduce tension. Make burning sage the personal mantra and engage in its mindful practice.
What to do after burning sage, and are there any side effects?
A completely extinguished smudge stick won’t do any harm. Dab the lit end soon after the practice. Make sure no embers are burning. Store the sticks in a safe and dry place. There are no risks in this practice. The outcomes last even after the smoke vacates.
Take care of the sage when it is burning. Complete control of the burning should be attended to. People with respiratory conditions might have adverse effects so consider it when burning sage in public places.