Florida Water Smudge White sage, lavender, lemon and palo santo

Benefits of burning sage

It may be purifying

The most-used types of sage have antimicrobial properties. This means they keep infectious bacteria, viruses, and fungi at bay.

It may help relieve the symptoms of some conditions

It turns out that sage may help clear the air of lots more than bugs and bacteria.

Though scientifically unproven, burning sage is thought to release negative ions. This is said to help neutralize positive ions.More information

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11 Benefits of Burning Sage, How to Get Started, and More

Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT on October 25, 2019 — Written by Adrian White

Purifying

Symptom relief

Spirituality

Release negativity

Cleanse or charge objects

Mood booster

Stress relief

Sleep quality

Brain booster

Energy booster

Aromatherapy

What you need

Preparation

3 smudging techniques

Post-smudge cleanup

Potential risks

Takeaway

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Where did the practice originate?

Burning sage — also known as smudging — is an ancient spiritual ritual.

Smudging has been well established as a Native American cultural or tribal practice, although it isn’t practiced by all groups.

We have the traditions of many Native American peoples to thank for its use. This includes the Lakota, Chumash, Cahuilla, among others.

Many other cultures around the world share similar rituals.

Read on to learn more about the benefits of burning sage and how you can use it to improve your overall well-being.

1. It may be purifying

The most-used types of sage have antimicrobial properties. This means they keep infectious bacteria, viruses, and fungi at bay.

White prairie sage (Artemisia ludoviciana) is both antimicrobial and antibacterial. White sage (Salvia apiana) is also antimicrobial. And both have been shown to repel insects.

[PROD INSERT BLOCKQUOTE] Beliefs that burning sage clears out spiritual impurities, pathogens, and even insects have been fundamental to the practice of smudging.

2. It may help relieve the symptoms of some conditions

It turns out that sage may help clear the air of lots more than bugs and bacteria.

It can be a spiritual tool

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

For healers and laypeople in traditional cultures, burning sage is used to achieve a healing state — or to solve or reflect upon spiritual dilemmas.

It may help dispel negative energy

Smudging may also be used as a ritual tool to rid yourself — or your space — of negativity.