You do not necessarily need to perform a full smudging ceremony each time that you burn sage--depending on how strictly you wish to adhere to the traditional rituals. This…. When done correctly and respectfully, smudging is completely safe and the effects last after the smoke clears. White prairie sage (Artemisia ludoviciana) is both antimicrobial and antibacterial. (They may not like the smell of burning sage.). Fill it with earth or sand. Blow out quickly if it catches on fire. Here are 10 of the world's healthiest herbs and spices, supported by science. Here, as told by Indigenous people, is why. Certain types of sage, including salvia sages and white prairie sage, contain thujone. Wait until the smoke clears before going into the room. This may help you establish a positive environment for meditation or another ritual. This video is on the benefits of sage tea and sage essential oil. Light the end of a sage bundle with a match. Some believe smoke also takes impurities and negative energy with it — so don’t skip this step. What Are Steel Cut Oats, and Do They Have Benefits? 2013;36(1):85-91. doi:10.1016/j.psc.2012.12.007, Ⓒ 2021 About, Inc. (Dotdash) — All rights reserved, Arlin Cuncic, MA, is the author of "Therapy in Focus: What to Expect from CBT for Social Anxiety Disorder" and "7 Weeks to Reduce Anxiety. Put the sage in the burning container and light it. We have the traditions of many Native American peoples to thank for its use. In addition to dissipating negative energy, improving mood, and strengthening intuition, smudging with sage might improve your memory and focus. Some practitioners of alternative medicine believe that burning sage, or taking it internally, can help release negative energy. For healers and laypeople in traditional cultures, burning sage is used to achieve a healing state — or to solve or reflect upon spiritual dilemmas. Some research supports this. Do what feels best for your situation and follow your intuition. If it stops emitting smoke, try lighting it again. You need a smudge stick (preferably white sage which consists of a bundle of dried sage herbs) as well as something heat proof to put the sage stick out with. This includes the Lakota, Chumash, Cahuilla, among others. (Responsibly, of course.) It turns out that sage may help clear the air of lots more than bugs and bacteria. Everything you Need to Know about Abalone Shells and Smudging Smudging is a word that often comes up when discussing spiritual goodness and all things high vibe’n. Smudging may also be used as a ritual tool to rid yourself — or your space — of negativity. Some people burn sage over special objects, to acknowledge the object with sacred meaning. 2017;17(1):53–64. Smudging has been well established as a Native American cultural or tribal practice, although it isn’t practiced by all groups. Be careful: “Hold the sage at a 45-degree angle, light the sage, let it burn for about 20 seconds and then gently blow out the flame so that you see orange embers on one end. Overall, not enough research has been conducted on the use of sage for its proposed mental health benefits. To get started with burning sage, you will first need to find a source of sage. Let it burn for several seconds and then blow it out so that it keeps smoking. Dried sage leaves can be used in cooking as a spice. You may have heard someone whispering that…, With so much information packed onto every product label, it can be tricky to know where to start when looking to add a supplement to your diet. There is very little research on smudging as a practice beyond the cultural practice of the ritual. You can practice smoke cleansing with different kinds of wood and herbs. In this way, burning sage is seen as a cost-effective way to help purify the air. In a way, this could have an energizing effect and help with fatigue. It is dry enough when it crackles when squeezed. - Find something in which to burn the sage, such as a fireproof incense tray, special sage burner, cast-iron pan, etc. Image via @naturalrefinery. This can be useful with new purchases, gifts, or secondhand items. Traditional users of sage believe that intentions matter when burning sage and, therefore, usually suggest purchasing sage from a trusted seller. If it’s a windy day, the breeze might send bits of burning leaf or ash through your home. You can also grow your own sage and dry it for burning. Items related to negative experiences or memories may also be smudged. "You don't need to use an entire smudge stick," she says. This allows the smoke to exit your house. doi:10.1007/s40268-016-0157-5, Hamidpour M, Hamidpour R, Hamidpour S, Shahlari M. Chemistry, pharmacology, and medicinal property of sage (salvia) to prevent and cure illnesses such as obesity, diabetes, depression, dementia, lupus, autism, heart disease, and cancer. A 2005 study showed that common sage oil improved memory and cognition (thinking ability). How Does Crystal Deodorant Work and Does It Have Any Side Effects? Block, MD, 6 Herbal Teas That May Help Relieve Stress, Everything You Should Know About Deplin (L-methylfolate), Surprising Ways Humor and Laughter Benefit Your Health, Mental Health Benefits of Cleaning and Decluttering, Herbs and Spices to Help Improve Your Brain Health. Always leave a window open while smudging. Research shows that thujone is mildly psychoactive. Positive modulation of mood and cognitive performance following administration of acute doses of Salvia lavandulaefolia essential oil to healthy young volunteers. doi:10.4103/2225-4110.130373, Tildesley NTJ, Kennedy DO, Perry EK, Ballard CG, Wesnes KA, Scholey AB. This allows smoke to escape. Twelve or more drops of sage oil is considered to be a toxic dose., Some potential side effects of extended use of sage include restlessness, rapid heart rate, vertigo, vomiting, kidney damage, seizures, and tremors., As far as burning sage is concerned, it is generally safe to do so, even around children and pets. It can cleanse or empower specific objects, A 2016 research project for the University of Mississippi, 8. It may help relieve the symptoms of some conditions. It’s also been used to improve sleep and soothe anxiety. How to burn sage properly. Learn the best ways to manage stress and negativity in your life. Everything You Need to Know About Emsculpt. Burning sage has a long history and may be helpful for starting a spiritual practice or making another life change. Salvia (sage): a review of its potential cognitive-enhancing and protective effects. You can purchase sage for burning online, in a health store, or from a traditional healer or shaman. It's burning the local fat stores up because these muscles need calories to feed them for this contraction." In this instance, direct sage smoke over all surfaces and spaces in your home or living area. Burning sage is one such use, and it’s steeped in some pretty ancient traditions. Dried sage is burned as a way to heal, protect, increase wisdom, and boost defense against disease. This is said to help neutralize positive ions. Many other cultures around the world share similar rituals.