Smudging is an age-old tradition involving the burning of sacred herbs to cleanse and purify spaces and people spiritually. This practice has roots in Native American culture and has been performed for centuries.
To perform smudging, herbs like white sage or cedar are tied together with cotton or hemp string and then dried. Once dried, the bundled herbs are lit and allowed to smolder, releasing smoke that is fanned around to cleanse the area.
Here are eight reasons to incorporate smudging into your routine:
1. Enhances well-being and mental focus
2. Clears negative energy
3. Acts as a natural anti-depressant
4. Purifies the air
5. Cleanses objects
6. Provides calming and relaxing effects
7. Boosts energy
8. Improves sleep quality
Several herbs can be used for making smudge sticks, each offering different benefits. If you have a garden, you can use herbs you grow yourself. Some recommended herbs for specific purposes include:
– Sage: Clears negative energy
– Pine needles: Cleansing and purification
– Balsam fir: Cleansing and purification
– Mugwort: Aids in lucid dreaming, purification, and calming
– Juniper: Cleansing and purification
– Holy basil (tulsi): Purification and calming
– Rosemary: Protection
– Lavender: Calming
– Rose petals: Meditation, calming, and attracting love
– Peppermint: Healing and protection
– Yarrow: Detoxification
– Lemon balm: Spiritual cleansing and calm
– Calendula: Love and consistency
– Dill: Protection, luck, money, and lust
– Chamomile: Protection and purification
Most of these herbs also help to repel insects. My favorite combination for smudge sticks is rosemary and sage because it offers both protection and negative energy clearing.
To make a smudge stick, you will need:
– Fresh rosemary
– Fresh sage
– Cotton thread or organic hemp string
– Pruning snips
Here’s how you can make them:
1. Lay a thick stack of herb sprigs on top of each other.
2. Secure the bottom with a double knot.
3. Wrap the thread tightly around the bundle, ensuring it’s snug, and tie a double knot at the top.
4. Let the bundle dry completely on a screen or rack for several days before burning.
To use a smudge stick, light one end with a lighter, match, or candle. Once it has a steady flame, blow it out and let it smolder. Use a dish to catch the ashes, and waft the smoke into the area you wish to purify using your hand or a fan. An abalone shell is a great option to catch the ashes.
Smudge sticks make wonderful, cost-effective gifts, especially if you grow your own herbs. Feel free to experiment with different herb combinations to find what works best for you.