Common Herbs Used in Smudge Sticks
Using a smudging tool is part of many Native American traditions. The burning of herbs for emotional, psychic, and spiritual purification is also common practice among many religious, healing, and spiritual groups. The ritual of smudging can be defined as “spiritual house cleaning.” In theory, the smoke attaches itself to negative energy and as the smoke clears it takes the negative energy with it, releasing it into another space where it will be regenerated into positive energy.
White sage
This is probably the most common and popular herb for smudging. It is associated with purity and has a strong and heavy presence. It’s very useful when you need a major space cleansing. White sage is burned for meditation, smudging and cleansing of spirit and dwelling. Some believe that white sage smoke provides a barrier that prevents negative spirits from entering the room in which the ceremony is being held.
Cedar/Pine
Cedar is used to heighten positive energy, to uplift feelings and evoke positive emotions. Cedar holds the medicine to purify and return balance and can also be used as a healing tea as it is very high in Vitamin C. It can be bundled, dried, and burned for purification and to heighten the connection to the spiritual realms.
Lavender
Smudge sticks have been used over the centuries to cleanse areas of harmful spirits and intentions, as well as to help purify the air quality. Smudging lavender brings positive energy, helps open the heart chakra, aids in releasing fear while calming the mind and helps to protect the spirit. The dried flower buds of lavender have a light refreshing scent when burned. They’re often incorporated into ceremonies that are focused on peace, restful sleep and happiness. Lavender can be burned therapeutically to address insomnia, depression, grief, sorrow and anxiety.
Sweet Grass
The three cords of the sweetgrass braid represent mind, body and spirit. There are typically seven strands of grass per cord. The first seven strands represent the seven generations behind us including our parents, grandparents, etc. The next seven represent the seven sacred teachings of love, humility, truth, respect, honesty, courage and wisdom and the final seven strands represent the seven generations that will come after us.
All in all, sweetgrass is a plant medicine that represents strength and resilience in both family and the community and their connection with Mother Earth. Braiding of the sweetgrass plant is usually a group event that brings communities together and connects each member. Sweetgrass is much more than a nice smelling plant that can be burned. It represents the connection of humans to earth and sky and is used in many ceremonies and prayers. Typically, sage is burned first to cleanse and purify and is followed by sweetgrass to attract good energy and spirits.
Mugwort
Mugwort is a flowering plant native to northern Europe, Asia, and parts of North America. The sage-colored plant is commonly used for making beer but is also thought to prevent or treat health conditions like digestion, anxiety and irregular periods. Mugwort is a plant related to ragweed that is used to flavor food and is also used as an herbal medicine. It is thought to boost energy, calm nerves, support digestion and relieve itching and pain.
Copol
Copol is linked with the crown chakra and is a powerful incense to use during meditation. It deepens the connection to the mystical and encourages pure thoughts during meditation. It also helps to strengthen the auric body and helps to remove stagnant energy.
Who is Smudging?
Religious groups, Native Americans, Healers, and people who want to clear stagnant energy from their space, body, crystals, or workplace.
Purposes of Smudging
- Ceremonies, Rituals
- Cleansing / Purification
- Clearing / Freeing / Releasing
When To Smudge Yourself
- When your spirits are low
- After being around someone who is sick, negative or depressed
- During meditation
- When in prayer
How To Smudge Yourself
Put the smudge stick to the flame using a match. Blow on the flame or wave across the flame to put out the fire. Allow the smudge stick to smolder, freeing the smoke to circle in the air. Fan the swirls of smoke around your body’s aura from head to toe with either your hand or a feather. You can open the front door of your home and the back door and smudge the entire house to clear away any unwanted energies.
