“Aside from the metaphysical uses of smudging, research is showing that sage can also be used to benefit physical, mental, and emotional well-being,” says Reshma Patel, PA-C, MMS, CEO and founder of Ananda Integrative Medicine. In traditional Native American culture, burning sage is also thought to cleanse people of negativity and promote healing, wisdom, and longevity. If you are a non-Native person choosing to smudge, buying sage from an Indigenous company is one way to directly support the communities where this practice originated. (More on that below!) If you’re new to the practice of smudging, there are a few more items you’ll need to get started. “Traditionally, people use an abalone shell to hold the sage and then use a feather to fan and spread the smoke around the space once the sage is burning,” says Colleen McCann, a shamanic energy practitioner. If you’re a bit sensitive to smoke or can’t have smoke in a specific space like your office, there are plenty of cleansing smudge mist options available these days too. (Here are a few from Indigenous-led companies.) To recap, here’s what you’ll need to get started: It can be something you come up with on your own, or for a little guidance, Wasfie, suggests, “I let go and release what no longer serves me.” “Give special attention to areas in front of mirrors, in corners, and in spaces like foyers, hallways, and doorways,” Wasfie recommends. “I’m also a big fan of saging technology like our phones or laptops. I usually hold the sage wand underneath them and then wave it around them.” “Although saging is a great way to clear your apartment or office of stagnant and possibly negative energy, it is best not to inhale it directly,” says licensed acupuncturist and certified herbalist Irina Logman, L.Ac., MSTOM. “Lungs are a delicate organ, and any type of smoke can be drying and irritating to the mucosa.” Pro tip: Don’t get it wet! “Don’t use water to extinguish the hot embers—it will ruin the tip of the stick and make it harder to light next time. When you are done using the smudge stick, you can keep it in a vessel until you are ready to use it again,” says McCann. RELATED STORY: 5 Prayers & Mantras To Say When Smudging Your Home Stand in the shape of a T with legs slightly spread like you’re in the TSA line at the airport. Then, keeping the sage stick at an arm’s length distance away from you, work your way up from your feet. Repeat your mantra (either internally or aloud) as you go, envisioning the smoke is clearing you of any and all lingering negativity. McCann recommends doing a little self-diagnosis ahead of smudging yourself to determine which areas might need it the most. For example, if you shake hands often, then smudge your hands frequently, or if you speak all day at work, then be sure to sage around your throat. Again, don’t directly inhale large amounts of smoke, and ensure the sage remains a safe distance from your body. If you have long hair, pull it back in a bun. Don’t forget to extinguish the sage once you’ve finished the ritual. RELATED STORY: 7 Simple Tools For Clearing Your Negative Energy Pasqualini recommends researching how your sage is being handled and prepared. “If it will be used for your energy clearing ritual, it’s important for your smudge stick to be deliberately prepared and handled with care and thoughtfulness,” she says. To respect this practice, purchase from small shops owned by Native Americans, such as The Wandering Bull, Whispering Winds, or Native California White Sage. White sage is the most common variety you’ll find in a smudge stick, since the color is associated with purity. However, other dried plants such as juniper, rosemary, and cedar can also be used to clear energy if sage isn’t your thing. RELATED: Smudge Sprays: What They Are & 5 Sustainable Options
