About Sage and smudging

 White Sage is used to prepare people for ceremonies and teachings. Also known for its antibacterial properties. Also used for releasing what is troubling the mind and for removing negative energy. It is also used for cleansing homes and sacred items.

· clearing negative energies of spaces, people or objects.

 Also known as Grandmother Sage, it can be used in ritual ceremonies, house cleansing, or simply for the pleasure of its fragrance.

Used by Native Americans for thousands of years for cleansing, purifying ones self and others as well as an area of space through the technique of smudging. Desert Sage has a warm herbaceous aroma that is a bit peppery (think Bay leaves or Mint tea). It is used for cleansing and purifying, protection, and inner strength. It is said to bring pleasant thoughts and relieve headaches and anxiety.

· Ward off bad feelings and influences.

· Used for cleansing of negative energy or exorcism.

Artemisia Vulgaris 

Used to encourage dreams and visions, Black Sage is an herb of introspection and inner healing. When burned before bedtime, it aids in restful sleep and pleasant dreams. Black Sage is used for astral travel, shamanic journeying, and for protection during such excursions. 

· the herb brings clarity deepens intuitive abilities as well as removes the unwanted energy.

The “Holy Stick” or “Holy wood” 

A natural wood aromatic incense used for centuries by the Incas and indigenous people of the Andes for medicinal purposes, and as a spiritual remedy for purifying and cleansing, as well as to get rid of evil spirits and misfortune. Palo Santo is said to clear out negative spirits and energies, increase relaxation, and bring joy and harmony to the home. Sticks of Palo Santo can be lit on one end and burned just like any other smudge stick, but in humid conditions charcoal may be required. The chips and powder are best burned over charcoal.

· for deep healing and clearing energy.

· relieving the symptoms of headaches, inflammation, emotional trauma, stress, colds and much more.

· Palo Santo has a citrus- like scent.

 Yerba Santa ("holy herb") is a sweet-smelling plant that grows in the arid hills of the Southwest. It got its common name from Spanish monks who were impressed with its healing properties. Yerba Santa is burned to honor ancestors, increase psychic powers, and bring healing and protection. It is also a traditional remedy against coughing and many other ailments.

A culinary herb with an assertive fragrance, this woody perennial may also be used for smudging. It clears negativity, inspires confidence, and invigorates the mind and body.

Some people prefer to avoid herbs associated with Native American cultures out of concerns about cultural appropriation. Rosemary is an Old World herb with a long history of use in incenses, and so makes a guilt-free alternative for Western practitioners.

Cedar is a medicine of protection. Cedar trees are very old, wise and powerful spirits. Cedar is often used to cleanse a home or apartment when first moving in, inviting unwanted spirits to leave and protecting a person, place or object from unwanted influences. Cedar is used as a name for a number of different genuses of trees and shrubs. The primary ones are Cedrus, Thuja, Libdocedrus and Juniperus. The Junipers are not truly Cedars (scientifically) but are used as such by many people. Keep in mind that these scientific names have little meaning to the people using them as medicine in traditional ways. 

Along with Rosemary and White Sage, Cedar is one of the most aggressively cleansing smudges you can choose.

· Renewal, Protection and grounding

· Spicy Ginger, Fresh Moss, Ancient Coastal Rainforest

This native of Europe is often used for invitation of the spirits. The name may be derived from the Latin lavare (to wash) or livendula (meaning bluish). In ancient times lavender was an important herb used in mummification. Burning Lavender is best done on Charcoal Tablets.

Juniper has a sweet and spicy "Christmas tree" fragrance and abundant blue berries. Like Cedar, Juniper is probably one of the most ancient plants. Juniper is said to have a masculine, protective energy, and is used in spells of cleansing and prosperity.

Juniper berries are popular in good luck charms, while the leaves are often used for smudging. Juniper is best used for blessing a new venture or dwelling, and inviting in abundance.

At one time both Frankincense and Myrrh were considered to be more valuable than gold. Used to  embalm the bodies of the Egyptian Pharaohs, this tree resin is considered to cleanse and protect the soul. Frankincense became important to most every major religion in the world and is still used in Muslim, Jewish and Catholic rituals. Frankincense is said to ease depression and promote clairvoyance. Burning Frankincense is best done on Charcoal Tablets.  

  This tree resin is said to help one maintain a state of enlightenment. It also connects one to the spirit of youth and clears the path of debris that stands in the way of one's truth. Burning Myrrh is best done on Charcoal Tablets.

This is tree sap from Mexico that is similar to Frankincense. When burned it has a crisp, clean, sharp scent that is almost citrus-like. Copal is sacred to the native peoples of Mexico, as it is a gift 'pleasing to the gods.' Because copal is the blood of trees, it is offered to honor the enormous gift given to us by all of the tree people of our planet. Burning Copal is best done on Charcoal Tablets.