Learn everything you need to know about the famous and popularized White Sage Smudge, or Palo Santo.
To cleanse bad energy!
The White Sage Smudge is a sacred practice commonly used in all of North and South America to release and cleanse bad energy around you.
In this blog, you will learn further about what it is, different names it has, how to use it, and if it causes any harm or not!
Stick around and let’s get rid of bad energy in your life.
What is a White Sage Smudge & Where Did it Originate?
A White Sage Smudge is a bundle of dried white sage leaves that are bound together and used in rituals or ceremonies for purification and cleansing purposes.
But has been popularized around people from all over the world to cleanse bad energy and improve overall health!
The origin names for the practice of smudging with white sage include:
- Indigenous peoples of North America (ethnic group).
- Specifically, the Chumash, Cahuilla, and other Indigenous groups of California, USA.
- Various Indigenous groups in the southwestern United States, such as the Navajo, Hopi, and Apache.
- Mesoamerican cultures, including the Aztecs and the Toltecs.
- Indigenous peoples of Central and South America, including those in Mexico and Peru.
“That hand is not the color of yours, but if I prick it, the blood will flow, and I shall feel pain. The blood is of the same color as yours. God made me, and I am a Man.”
Standing Bear.
Burning Sage Benefits & Why
We have seen the energy and spirits cleansing motives that this sacred practice offers.
But did you know it’s been used for medicinal purposes by indigenous communities for centuries?
It’s time to review this further!
According to healthline there isn’t enough scientific studies to confirm the anti-inflammatory or overall medicinal benefits. But is called ”Holly Wood” for a reason!
9 of the best-known benefits of Burning Sage or Palo Santo:
- Purifies the air you breath.
- Boost quality of sleep.
- Decreases stress.
- Can decrease headaches and inflamation.
- A potential bug repellent.
- Reduces colds, benefiting the immune system.
- Can alleviate stomachaches.
- Reduces throat pain.
- Reduces arthritis pain.
When Burning Sage What Do You Do?
Now that we know it’s divine origins and benefits.
Let’s explore the process on how to release the bad energy from our lives and experience a non-stressful life:
Knowing it’s pre-historic origins and history for respect and better understand to implement this blessed practice accordingly.
Buy the right and ecological Sage from ethical stores. We recommend places such as:
- Shamans Market.
- Taos Herb.
- Four Visions.
- Sacred Wood Essence.
- Mountain Rose Herbs.
- The Sage Lifestyle.
- Dharma Shop.
- The Palo Santo Co.
This way, we avoid buying from mass-market places which don’t have enough care or pay enough attention to the proper cultivation.
And if a mass retailer is the only option.
Then, be sure to read product descriptions carefully, look for information on the sourcing practices, and consider reaching out to the seller if you have any questions about their sustainability efforts.
Or if they could provide any certifications evidencing organic cultivation.
Understand the scientific effects the Palo Santo or White Sage has on our body.
Keep your space and windows wide open before burning sage. To start the releasing and flowing around the area.
Pay respects and make the burning preparation with the right sage kits.
This kit includes just the right elements such as:
- Sweetgrass.
- Sage Bundle.
- Flat Cedar.
- Abalone Shell.
- Quick-lite Charcoal.
- Mini Feather Fan.
- Crystal.
Light Carefully.
With total calmness and care.
Hold the White Sage Smudge in a 45-degree angle, letting it burn for 20 seconds, to then gently start blowing it around the space until it consumes itself.
And don’t be afraid to re-use or lighting the same Palo Santo any other time!
It’s actually a common practice and is a sacred object.
So, if you were wondering if that was allowed. Now you know is absolutely fine to do so.
Other alternative Vogue recommends aside from a white smudge sage?
A Sage Spray!
It’s perfect when in spaces where smoke isn’t allowed. And according to them, is a perfect option to apply when travelling.
Some Sage Smudge Sprays Shops’ recommendations:
- Paper Crane Apothecary.
- Be Well Company.
- Nourish Natural Products.
- Rooted Earth Farm.
- Shaman’s Dawn.
- Sacred Wood Essence – Online Shop.
- Lucky House – Mystical Store.
- Living Simply Soap.
Vogue has released an easy-to-follow guide to Smudging White Sage for beginners that you can check further by clicking here.
When Burning a White Sage Smudge What Do You Say?
After we understood all the science behind a white sage smudge, the benefits, how to properly burn it, and sacred origins.
It’s now time to discover what we normally or traditionally would say to pay respects through this practice and finally cleanse bad energy in our valuable space!
A common question people have when starting their burning sage ritual.
Is if it’s there any specific way to ”communicate” or ”pray”?
The fact is, there are several rituals for cleansing and setting our intentions:
- While the stick slow burns. Set your intentions and start making your prayers.
- Some people like to burn the sage while doing yoga or right after practicing it. Which I highly recommend! You can check our blog about yoga for beginners and stress relief.
Can Burning Sage be a Harmful Practice?
While burning sage doesn’t normally present any harmful consequences to our bodies.
There are some considerations to take into account and be aware of while burning white sage frequently:
Inhaling way too much of the smoke that spreads the sage while being burned. Can cause allergies or lung problems to some people.
Especially those who suffer from asthma or any other lung conditions.
Sage essential oils aren’t harmful. And are an excellent alternative for people with allergies. But is advised to consult with your doctor in case of sensitive skin or any other skin problems.
Is Burning Sage While Pregnant Harmful?
The short answer would be no.
But as we already mentioned.
In general, is important to open the windows and maintain the area extremely exposed for air to flow and not inhale much of the smoke.
Especially, if this is a ceremony you practice frequently.
Rethinking burning sage this year according to salon.com
This practice has become so popular. That burning sage in public is illegal in the state of California.
The reason behind the prohibition of this practice in public it’s commonly attributed to the overconsumption of this herb, and overharvesting the cultivation, in harmful ways, by mass retailers mentioned earlier in this blog.
It’s just some information to have in mind and create awareness, that’s all!
White Sage Smudge – Conclusion
Burning sage has been popularized, passed through generations to generations.
Has unified communities, and increased well-being to people that pays respect to this divine practice alongside other stress-relieving rituals and lifestyles.
But we could say everything should be done with moderation and awareness!
Our times have changed, and massive commercialization could alter original intentions and products.
But with the right sources of information and genuine interest to pay attention to what works and doesn’t work anymore.
Should be enough to keep rekindling such special act.
This way, we would never let it’s unique essence disappear, and actually enjoy what this native occasion has to offer!
I’ll be thrilled to keep exploring further about Palos Santos and it’s massive benefits to introduce to our lives.
I hope this article was useful to you, and accomplished it’s purpose to guide you in this spiritual, healthy, and self-loving practice.
“In every community, there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart, there is the power to do it”.
Marianne Williamson
