WHITE SAGE

The plant Salvia apiana, called white sage, bee sage, or sacred sage, is an evergreen perennial shrub that is native to the southwestern United States and certain parts of Mexico. It is prized for its silvery-white leaves and aromatic scent. It has been traditionally used for centuries within many Native American cultures. Tribes like the Cahuilla and Kumeyaay used the plant for tea to soothe stomachs, treat sore throats, and also as an eyewash. Seeds were ground into a flour for pinole, a traditional food, and leaves were used as a spice. Additionally, numerous native cultures would roll, bind, and burn the dried leaves for its use as an incense within the ceremonial practice of “smudging”. Smudging is an ancient Indigenous practice of burning sacred herbs - typically sage, sweetgrass, cedar, or tobacco - in order to purify people, spaces, or objects. It is said to cleanse negative energy, ground emotions, and act as a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds. A traditional smudge often involves all four elements: the shell, which represents our connection to water; the herbs, which represent our connection to Earth; the lit match and fire, which represents destruction, creation, and rebirth; and the smoke or air, which represents prayers rising to higher powers and the creator.

Carefully use a match or lighter to ignite one end of your sage. Allow it to burn for 30 seconds, then blow out the flame. Move the smoking bundle around your home, car, or anywhere you would like to clear the space of negative energy. Allow the smoke to moderately fill the space before intentionally opening a window or door. This allows the sage to cleanse the area and force out unwanted energy. When finished, place the bundle in a fire safe bowl or container for later use. The ashes, which are believed to absorb negative energy, are traditionally returned to the Earth on bare soil.