White Sage Smudge Stick

Burning sage has long been used to connect to the spiritual realm or enhance intuition.

For healers and people in traditional cultures, burning sage is used to achieve a healing state or to reflect upon or resolve spiritual dilemmas. In 2016 a university study established that white sage is rich in compounds that activate certain receptors in the brain. These receptors are responsible for elevating mood levels, reducing stress, and even alleviating pain. 

White Sage is both antimicrobial and antibacterial which means it keeps infectious bacteria, viruses, and fungi at bay as well as repels insects. In addition, it releases negative ions. This is said to help neutralize positive ions which can be found in pet dander, dust, mold, and pollution.

White sage, bee sage, or sacred sage, is a cornerstone species of the coastal sage scrub habitat of Southern California and Baja California. White sage is fragrant, with silver-white leaves, and clusters of white flowers with lavender streaks. Young leaves start green and turn white as they get older.

White sage is deeply rooted in the cultures and traditions of indigenous communities of Southern California and northern Baja, the only region in this sage naturally occurs in the world.

White Sage is also an important food source for bees, butterflies, birds, and other wildlife. 

ABOUT SMUDGING
Smudging is traditionally a ceremony for purifying or cleansing the soul of negative thoughts about a person or place. There are four elements involved in a smudge:

• The container, traditionally a shell representing water, is the first element.
• The sacred plant(s), gifts from Mother Earth, represent the second element.
• The fire produced from lighting the sacred plants represents the third element.
• The smoke produced from the fire represents air, the fourth element.

During a smudge plant leaves or stems are placed in the container and ignited (preferably with a wooden match). The flames are then gently blown out and the smoke, which heals the mind, heart, and body, is wafted over the person or around a space, either by hand or with a feather. The ashes traditionally are returned to Mother Earth by disposing them outside on bare soil. It is believed that the negative thoughts and feelings have been absorbed by the ashes.