According to countless ancient ways of knowing, all plants possess a sacred spirit…a spirit that goes well beyond, and vibrates deeper, than its physical constituents.
It is this pure and hallowed nature of plants that has led to their traditional/medicinal use in healing physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually while cleansing {a space or our bodies} or used to promote guidance and protection.
Contrary to popular thought, the use of plants for these purposes is not a new idea…nor is it new-age, super hipster mumbo-jumbo.
One that has helped to heal and sustain us.
The Power of Smudging
“Nature understands fire and smoke better than words.” -Alfred Savinelli, Plants of Power
As Jane Alexander says, in her book The Smudging and Blessings Book, smudging has the practical ability to help us clear away negative or stagnant energy in a space. It can help leave old relationships behind and help us move on to new ones. It can be a great way to celebrate different times of the year, wake up and greet the day full of confidence, energy, and hope.
Many cultures and religious structures believe the smoke of the burning plants carry prayers to the heavens.
Smudging is a practice which involves the burning of herbs that are bundled, braided, or loose. But no matter if the herbs are bundled, braided, or loose…the process for smudging remains the same — smoke is fanned across the body or around a space for its intended purpose.
What Plants Are Available For Use In The Making Of Smudge Sticks?
Plants used in the making of smudge sticks include, but are not limited to:
sage (many varieties such as white sage and garden sage) — negative energy clearing
sagebrush — to treat wounds + headaches + colds cedar leaf — cleansing + purification
pine needles — cleansing + purification
balsam fir — cleansing + purification
sweetgrass — healing + purification + brings positive energy {perfect to burn after smudging with a more potent energy cleanser}
mugwort — lucid dreaming + purification + calming juniper — cleansing + purification
holy basil (tulsi) — purification + calming rosemary — protection
lavender — calming
mullein — cleansing sickrooms + heals/improves respiratory function
rose petals — meditation + calming + attracts love desert
chaparral — negative energy clearing + protection + calm
peppermint — healing + protection
yarrow — eliminates toxins from the body
lemon balm — spiritual cleansing + calm
I highly recommend, when considering what plants to use in making your smudge sticks…look around…what grows near you…use it!
How To Make Smudge Sticks
Measure a piece of thin cord 4 times the length of the cut branches.
Bundle the branches together (to your desired thickness).
With the tips of the branches pointing down, begin wrapping the cord tightly around the base of your bundle.
Then, wrap the cord around the bundle (while firmly pressing the plant material together) working your way to the tip of the branches.
When you reach the tip, begin working your way back down toward the base.
Tie the two ends of the cord together at the base.
Trim the edges if you’d like to make it look all nice and neat.
Set the smudge stick to dry in a basket or on a drying screen for 7-10 days (or as long as necessary). Enjoy.
How To Smudge
Light the tip of the smudge stick with a lighter, match, or candle. Once the smudge stick has a steady flame, blow it out so it is smoldering and smoking. Fan the smoke over the body and/or throughout your space.
