White sage and plants for fumigation
Sage and other plants like sweetgrass are valued for their purifying, medicinal and soothing benefits. You'll find them here in a variety of forms. In smudge (bundle or torch), in bulk or in incense sticks. Join us in discovering its wonderful benefits.
What is sage?
Different plants for fumigation
-
- CedarInfumigation, cedar brings joy, boosts confidence and stimulates intuition. It is also used to drive away malevolent entities and invite beneficent ones. So don't hesitate to use it to invoke your guides and protectors. It is very effective at repelling flying insects such as mosquitoes and flies. Mixed with white sage, it amplifies the purifying benefits of the latter.
-
- SweetgrassSweetgrassis an aromatic grass that grows mainly in northern Eurasia and America, as well as in Eastern Europe. It's also known as sweet oats or buffalo grass, because it's so popular with buffalo. If you're a fan of Polish vodka, you'll have found a stalk of it in every bottle of Zubrówka, whose emblem is a bison. But that's not what we're interested in here! Sweetgrass has a delicious vanilla scent and is widely used for fumigation. However, it is also very popular as an infusion to relieve colds, coughs and sore throats. It is a sacred plant in many Amerindian tribes. It is traditionally used as one of the most important elements in healing ceremonies to purify and sanctify a space or people. It is a "shield" against "evil spirits". It attracts beneficial energies and purifies energies.
-
- EucalyptusEucalyptussmoke has powerful virtues for relieving the respiratory system and has a liquefying effect on bronchial secretions. It also repels mosquitoes. Eucalyptus has purifying benefits against microbes and memories of disease.
-
- CopalBurningcopal helps dispel dark thoughts. It has a welcoming energy and smoothes relationships with those around you. Its energy is also that of the heart and brings benevolence. Its virtues are also soothing and encourage spirituality.
-
- ArrudaArrudaemanations bring good luck and ward off the evil eye. They have protective virtues and help to anchor.
-
- LavenderBurninglavender in a room creates an atmosphere conducive to relaxation and It's the ideal plant in cases of emotional shock, anxiety, bereavement or to promote sleep.
What is a smudge?
The term "smudging" can be translated as "purification by smoke". It is commonly used to refer to native ceremonies in which sacred herbs and medicines are burned as part of a ritual, for purging or medicinal purposes. Smudge refers to the bundle or torch of aromatic herbs used for fumigation. You can take a look at our selection of Sagrada madre smudge balls in sage and other herbs, by exploring our page dedicated to this prestigious Argentine brand.
What are the different qualities available on the market?
-
- White sageAlso known assalvia apiana. Salvia comes from salvare, meaning to save. Apiana is derived from apis, meaning bee. Bees are particularly fond of this variety.
-
- Black sageMugwort, also known as dream herb. It's an excellent catalyst for divination sessions.
-
- Blue sageBlueas the color of its magnificent flowers, which last all summer long. Shasta, highly prized by shamans and growing on the outskirts of Mount Shasta in California, is a variety of blue sage. It possesses a particularly powerful Yin energy.
-
- Green sageGreen, hormin or salvia viridis. It symbolizes power, ardor and youth. Ideal for regaining energy!
-
- Desert sageFrom thedesert or Texas, it brings the energy of renewal.
What are the benefits of sage?
White sage, other varieties and various plants used in fumigation have many virtues, acting on the physical, psychic and spiritual levels, as well as purifying the atmosphere, places, objects and people.
As a fumigant, its virtues and benefits are similar to those of Palo Santo. It can be used for its relaxing virtues and improve depressive states, anxiety and mood disorders. It is therefore beneficial for sleep disorders and to combat stress and anxiety. The latter effects are even more pronounced at bedtime. It is also known to promote clarity of mind and concentration. It is therefore a formidable ally in creative processes, when making important decisions or for clearing mental fog and refocusing. Healers used and perform sage rituals for spiritual dilemmas and to promote positive energies.
In fumigation, white sage and its cousins also release negative ions which help to ward off positive ions such as allergens, dust and mold, thus having a beneficial effect on asthma, certain allergies and air quality. Don't confuse negative and positive ions with negative and positive energies. These are two very different things.
Other therapeutic uses and antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties. It helps relieve sore throats and coughs. It helps regulate the menstrual cycle and relieves related pain. It also calms menopausal disturbances. Mugwort is a member of the Artemisia genus, named after the goddess Artemis, goddess of hunting and childbirth, whose role was also to protect women in pain. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, it is used in cases of gingivitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis or canker sores. It has an effect on the nervous system and is effective in cases of fatigue, dizziness and low blood pressure. Recognized as a digestive plant par excellence, its virtues are well proven in cases of diarrhea, abdominal pain and vomiting. It is also powerful in the fight against profuse sweating.
Where, how and when to use aromatic herbs for fumigation?
Like Palo Santo, sage is ideal for purifying a space. At home, at work, in a guest room or Airbnb, it creates a relaxing atmosphere and purifies negative energies. Following an emotionally-charged event such as an argument, a stressful contingency or a tense meeting, it helps to reset the counters and start afresh on a healthy footing.
Cleansing with a smudge brings clarity of mind and aids concentration. If you're about to embark on a creative process such as painting, music or any other professional and family activity project, it's a great ally.
Sage can be used to purify your stones, crystals and other ritual objects. Some stones cannot be purified with water, as they may deteriorate. Remember, it's important to regularly purify your minerals. This way, they're ready to be recharged under the sun, a full moon or near an amethyst geode. It also purifies your most beautiful jewels, your salt lamp, your statuettes and goes wonderfully well with your altar for your rituals.
Salvia apiana and its close relatives bring an atmosphere of clarity and serenity to your daily, weekly and special occasion rituals. Whether it's getting up, going to bed, moments of intimacy or sexuality and massages, before a birth at home, a funeral ceremony, a wedding or sacred union, a first menstruation or seasonal ritual, its presence is an asset and a precious help.
When you're feeling overwhelmed by stress or anxiety, to recharge your batteries with a bath, massage, meditation, sport, dance or other therapeutic activity. Before a job interview, business meeting or negotiation, to keep your mind clear. To maintain a high vibratory level after a spiritual retreat. As you can see, there's no shortage of opportunities to put its countless virtues to good use.
When performing a fumigation ritual, start by making sure that the area you're in is well ventilated to allow the negativity-laden smoke to escape. Light your bundle with a lighter, candle flame or match. Let it burn for a few seconds before gently blowing out the flame.
Once the flame of your smudge has been extinguished and is diffusing its smoke, remain present to yourself and allow any disturbing thoughts to be welcomed without clinging to them. Intend to purify the place, person or object of your ritual. Place your bundle of sage in a heat-resistant container, such as a dedicated ashtray, an earthenware dish or an abalone shell.
-
- How to purify your home?
Move around with your smudge and spread its smoke in the rooms you wish to purify. It's best to start at the front door and work clockwise, if possible. Don't forget to let the smoke diffuse into the less-used corners of the room. It's mainly in these places that negative energies settle.
- How to purify your home?
- How do I purify a stone or object?
Hold your precious bracelets, necklaces, stones or other objects over the smoke for a few minutes. Be sure to maintain your original intention. For large minerals or statuettes, place them next to your container and let the smoke diffuse around them.
- How do you purify a person's energies?
Always with a good quality of presence and the intention of purifying, diffuse the sage smoke around you. It is not advisable, however, to inhale the smoke directly. Avoid doing so in the presence of pregnant women, young children or small animals.
At the end of your ritual, or if its purpose is simply to diffuse a pleasant scent, place your container with the bundle of white, black, blue or green sage in the room of your choice. Let the smoke spread. But keep an eye on it as long as it's lit.
The ritual of fumigation is an ancestral practice and this plant has long been considered sacred. Remember to convey your gratitude to the plant at the end of the ceremony and thank it for the virtues and benefits it brings you.
How to use bulk white sage
An ancestral fumigation ritual involves using loose plant material arranged in an abalone shell and dispersing the smoke by gently waving a raptor feather. This ritual represents the four elements in even greater depth. The flame of the match invokes fire. The abalone shell invokes water. The ash and plant invoke earth. The raptor feather and smoke invoke air. We'd like to emphasize the gentleness with which the feather should be waved. Loose leaves are more volatile than smudge. Take the time and stay present for this ritual.
White sage leaves can also be scattered on the floor. Walking or sitting on them releases a pleasant scent and ensures purification of the area.
Are there any dangers or contraindications to burning aromatic herbs?
Used for fumigation, they present no danger. It is, however, a ritual of fumigation and burning, which requires special care, constant supervision and good ventilation. Breathing in direct smoke is obviously not advisable, especially for people with respiratory problems.
What is the origin and history of sage?
It was already recognized as a medicinal plant par excellence over 3,500 years ago. Traces of it can be found on ancient Egyptian papyri, where it was used as an itching remedy. It was used as one of the main ingredients in embalming preparations in pharaonic tombs, and no Egyptian pharaoh could cross the threshold into the next world without this medicinal plant.
In the time of Hippocrates, considered the father of medicine, healers praised its hemostatic, fortifying and emmenagogic properties. The Romans recommended sage for its warming and astringent properties, as well as for coughs, hoarseness, to ease childbirth and combat ulcers. It was considered sacred. Harvesting was ritualized and always preceded by an offering of food. They used only clean clothes and a special knife that was not made of iron, so that the blade would not react when in contact with the plant. They took care to wash their feet before harvesting. Traces of this practice can be found under the reign of Charlemagne, among the Celts, and from China to the Americas. Charlemagne held the plant in high esteem. He instructed all the country's farms to plant a hundred or so different medicinal plants, among which sage took pride of place. This sacred plant has probably left its mark on every known civilization that had access to it and
Continue your visit
Reproduction in whole or in part of this content is prohibited. More info