Aromatherapy is a real thing in my house. Every day, multiple times a day, there is an essential oil, incense or sage burning. If the house feels a little stuffy, I smudge an herb + open a window. If someone is in my house with negative vibes, I smudge. If you cough too many times (one time now that COVID-19 is around), I am going to smudge. I strive for clean air + good energy as much as possible.
After smudging the house, I feel as if the atmosphere is lighter. Kind of reminiscent of the days when you were younger and your ma or grandma cleaned the whole house + opened the windows…. good spring cleaning nostalgia.
Aside from the feels, the smoke from the smudge produces negative ions that offer serious antidepressant effects. The fresh air + negative ions effect our serotonin levels in the best ways by assisting with a mood boost, better sleep + relaxation. The properties in the smoke also kills most of the existing bacteria in the air.
What is smudging?
Smudging is a ceremony practiced by some Indigenous peoples of the Americas to cleanse + purify. It involves the burning of sacred plants and passing items or people through the smoke or fanning it around a space.
How do you smudge?
Image: Smudge Stick Photo Credit: naturallivingideas.com
There are two ways to smudge. The simplest way is to use a smudge stick. A smudge stick is a wand made of leaves + sticks of a plant(s) dried and tied together. To use, light the end of the wand and extinguish the flame once it has a smoldering end. Stand in front of the person or object + wave the wand through the aura working from the bottom upwards. Once at the top of person/object, turn it clockwise and pass the wand down the back.
To cleanse a room or house, carry the lit smudge stick around the house in a clockwise direction. Make sure to smudge in the corners, behind doors, under cabinets + in closets.
Image: Smudge Pot
The second way to smudge is to use charcoal as a heat source. Place the charcoal in a heat proof container + light the charcoal. Sprinkle a teaspoon of herbs on the charcoal and fan the smoke in the direction of the object/person/space you are cleansing as mentioned above.
No matter which why you choose to smudge, be sure to open a window to let the smoke escape.
Plants that can be used for smudging:
White Sage – This plant has a sweet aroma that will drive out negative energies + influences. Best to use to purify people and places.
Cedar – This plant is also used to purify, especially negative emotions.
Sweetgrass – One of the most sacred herbs used for smudging. This herb is used to bring positive energy in after negative energy is banished by using sage.
Lavender – This herb will restore balance + create a peaceful atmosphere. It also draws loving energy.
Juniper – This herb is also used to purify + to create a safe, sacred space. Juniper is often carried in a medicine pouch or pocket for protection.
Mugwort – This herb can be used to stimulate psychic awareness + prophetic dreams. Supposedly, when Mugwort is burned it makes bad energy move away from it.
Osha – The root of this plant can be burned as an incense or carried for good luck + protection from bad influences.
Palo Santo – This herb is popular for grounding and clearing energies. It can also enhance creativity and keep insects away with its pleasant aroma.
Where to purchase Smudge sticks:
Search for holistic or metaphysical shops near you + see what herbs they have for sell. I always purchase smudge sticks from a local store in Nashville, Cosmic Connections.
Unfortunately, I don’t have an online alternative that I would resort to if I couldn’t get there for some reason. I am now looking for more shops that I like + trust and will update this post as the list grows.
Have you tried smudging or know anyone who does?
How did it effect your environment?
Where do you (or the people you know) shop?
What is smudging?
Smudging is a ceremony practiced by some Indigenous peoples of the Americas to cleanse + purify. It involves the burning of sacred plants and passing items or people through the smoke or fanning it around a space.
How do you smudge?
Image: Smudge Stick Photo Credit: naturallivingideas.com
There are two ways to smudge. The simplest way is to use a smudge stick. A smudge stick is a wand made of leaves + sticks of a plant(s) dried and tied together. To use, light the end of the wand and extinguish the flame once it has a smoldering end. Stand in front of the person or object + wave the wand through the aura working from the bottom upwards. Once at the top of person/object, turn it clockwise and pass the wand down the back.
To cleanse a room or house, carry the lit smudge stick around the house in a clockwise direction. Make sure to smudge in the corners, behind doors, under cabinets + in closets.
Image: Smudge Pot
The second way to smudge is to use charcoal as a heat source. Place the charcoal in a heat proof container + light the charcoal. Sprinkle a teaspoon of herbs on the charcoal and fan the smoke in the direction of the object/person/space you are cleansing as mentioned above.
No matter which why you choose to smudge, be sure to open a window to let the smoke escape.
Plants that can be used for smudging:
White Sage – This plant has a sweet aroma that will drive out negative energies + influences. Best to use to purify people and places.
Cedar – This plant is also used to purify, especially negative emotions.
Sweetgrass – One of the most sacred herbs used for smudging. This herb is used to bring positive energy in after negative energy is banished by using sage.
Lavender – This herb will restore balance + create a peaceful atmosphere. It also draws loving energy.
Juniper – This herb is also used to purify + to create a safe, sacred space. Juniper is often carried in a medicine pouch or pocket for protection.
Mugwort – This herb can be used to stimulate psychic awareness + prophetic dreams. Supposedly, when Mugwort is burned it makes bad energy move away from it.
Osha – The root of this plant can be burned as an incense or carried for good luck + protection from bad influences.
Palo Santo – This herb is popular for grounding and clearing energies. It can also enhance creativity and keep insects away with its pleasant aroma.
Where to purchase Smudge sticks:
Search for holistic or metaphysical shops near you + see what herbs they have for sell. I always purchase smudge sticks from a local store in Nashville, Cosmic Connections.
Unfortunately, I don’t have an online alternative that I would resort to if I couldn’t get there for some reason. I am now looking for more shops that I like + trust and will update this post as the list grows.
Have you tried smudging or know anyone who does?
How did it effect your environment?
Where do you (or the people you know) shop?
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