The Benefits of Sage and How to Properly Smudge

Sage has become a staple herb in many households. Beloved for its anti-inflammatory properties as well as it’s ability to energetically clear the space of a room, sage is full of important antioxidants that promote health and wellness. According to the Medical Medium Blog:

[Sage] is one of the top antioxidants herbs and can provide powerful protection from degenerative diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, cancer, heart disease, macular degeneration, inflammatory bowel disease, osteoporosis, prostatitis, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

The benefits of sage include a number of holistic and medicinal uses that enhance the mind and body.

The Benefits of Sage

Known as the “thinkers herb,” the benefits of sage includes improving concentration and alleviating feelings of grief and depression.  Because of its powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-bacterial properties, sage is often used as a natural remedy for rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, bursitis, asthma, atherosclerosis and fungal infections.

The benefits of sage even include the regulation of the menstrual cycle and reduce sweating among women following menopause. And, thanks to free radical eliminating antioxidants, sage has potent anti-aging benefits that can be used in lotions and slaves. This wonder herb also supports digestion and its peppery flavor makes it an ideal ingredient for soups, stews, and other savory foods. The benefits of sage involve various factors that contribute to your sense of well-being.

The History of Smudging

While it’s unclear where the practice of smudging originated, we know Native Americans have used sage for years to smudge or cleanse the energy of a space. In ancient Egypt, natural plant matter and resins were used during religious ceremonies and were mentioned on a tablet in Egypt. The tablet is thought to have been inscribed around 1530 BC.

Smudging was used by the Babylonians during prayer or while consulting an oracle. And, around the 5th century B.C. the practice spread to Israel where herbs were burned as a religious offering. Smudging was eventually adopted by people in Greece, Rome, and India who burned herbs during festivals. According to Spiritual Scents:

Smudging tradition dates back millennia and connects all traditional cultures, from the Native Americans to the Druids, from the Zulus to the Maoris, from Aboriginals to the Mayans, from the Chinese to the Balinese, which have age-old forms of cleansing and blessing rituals. Smudge is widely used in Oriental religions (Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Taoism) and in the ceremonies of the Anglican, Roman Catholic, and Orthodox churches.

While the practice of smudging was used by various cultures, you can incorporate this ancient practice into your own life by learning how to properly smudge.

How To Properly Smudge

Throughout history, smudging has been used to cleanse, heal and for spiritual purposes. Today, learning how to properly smudge with sage has become widely popular among people looking to improve the feng shui or support the energy of their home. The act of smudging involves using herbs or resins to restore balance and is commonly performed using lavender, cedar, palo santo white sage, sweetgrass, copal, frankincense, and myrrh.

Energetically each herb has specific properties that lend its self to space. As you learn how to properly smudge,  you can incorporate various herbs, resins or woods to energetically enhance your space. Phillip Gardner explains in his article THE ART OF SMUDGING,

For example: Rosemary essential oil is used as a cure for dandruff when applied to one’s head. Rosemary tea has a calming effect on the mind, improves memory and the ability to concentrate, and has been used to relieve migraine headaches. Now as a smudge, rosemary brings about mental clarity and calmness by allowing you to ’let go’ of any negative thoughts/programs you have been holding on to. So whether you are using rosemary oil on your head, as a tea or as a smudge, it deals with the mind/mental aspect of your being.”

Now with a clear mind and good intentions use a match or lighter to ignite your smudge stick. Hold at about a 45-degree angle pointing the tip down toward the flame. Allow it to burn for about 30 secs to 1 minute and then blow out. Then walk around your workspace, home, car, bathroom or anywhere you would like to clear the energy.

The Best Herbs and Woods to Properly Smudge

Learning how to properly smudge your home can be easy. According to the Sage Goddess, here are the top 10 smudging herbs, woods and resins and their energetic properties:

1. White sage or salvia apiana

White sage is widely used to clear negative energies from a place, space, or person. And it restores harmony.

2. Coastal sage or artemisia californica

In addition to clearing space, Coastal sage heals holes in the aura.

3. Lavender

Lavender is used to bring peace of mind and restful sleep.

4. Frankincense resin

Frankincense helps you connect to divine energy, reduces stress and eases tension.

5. Myrrh resin

Myrrh resin used to for it’s healing and grounding properties.

6. Pinon pine resin

Pinion pine is used for its protective, healing, and nurturing energy.

7. Palo santo

Palo santo is very healing and can be used to clear a space of energies associated with illness.

8. Mugwort or artemisia vulgaris

Mugwort is used to bring clarity and deepen psychic abilities.

9. Thyme

Thyme is used during releasing ceremonies. Promotes positivity, optimism and increases courage.

10. Cedar

Cedar is used to banish fear and improve courage during difficult times.

Many people have been using this herb for healing purposes for thousands of years. More importantly, the process of smudging with the different herbs, woods, and resins that exist can help you achieve your desired outcome whether is to increase reduce stress or improve courage. When you subscribe to the Merkaela Box, you will receive wellness products along with content, affirmations, and music specially curated to a particular theme. And guess what…. this includes a cleansing herb. So please subscribe to Merkaela so you can cleanse and elevate your space, life, and soul.

Sources

http://lonerwolf.com/how-to-make-a-smudge-stick/
http://thechalkboardmag.com/how-to-make-a-smudge-stick
http://www.medicalmedium.com/blog/sage
http://www.aboutholistic.co.za/smudging.html
https://www.spiritualscents.com/t-art_What_Is_Smudging.aspx
http://www.sagegoddess.com/smudging-101-how-to-clear-your-space-with-sacred-herbs-resins/