Sage, sweetgrass or tobacco is burned in the shell, with the feather used to guide the fragrant smoke around a person. Called smudging, it's a daily practice for many Dakota and Ho-Chunk people. For Native American patients in the hospital, smudging can be a prayer for healing.
Benefits of Smudging
Reduces Bacteria: Research reveals that smudging works as an antiseptic. A study published in the journal Ethnopharmacology in 2007 found a 94 percent reduction in the bacterial count of a room that had been treated for one hour by smudging with medicinal herbs. Palo Santo and Sage have antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, and serve as an excellent way to cleanse a space. Can serve as an insect repellent too.
Health Benefits: Traditionally, it is used for "relieving common colds, flu symptoms, stress, asthma, headaches, anxiety, depression, inflammation, emotional pain and more. Palo Santo aids in speeding up recovery from illness by interacting with the immune and nervous system, through it's calming properties, and can even help with sleep quality by easing insomnia.
Reduces Anxiety: Whether or not you believe that energy can be cleared by smudging, the scent alone can have a grounding effect. This allows you to think more clearly, reduces anxiety, and creates a sense of calm in your day-to-day life.
WHO CAN DO SMUDGING CEREMONY
Smudging is always voluntary. People should never be forced or pressured to smudge. It is completely acceptable for a person to indicate that he/she does not want to smudge and that person may choose to stay in the room and refrain or leave the room during a smudge. In some traditions, all people who wish to do so, participate in the smudge in a circle.
In other practices, one person, an elder or teacher, leads in the smudge with prayers for all and only she or he will smudge; others participate vicariously.
Sacred elements of Smudging: The container, the sacred plants, the fire source and the feather as fanning tool (optional).
Herbs, wood sticks, or resins used traditionally for smudging:
• White Sage: It has antibacterial properties used for cleansing, healing, or spiritual purposes.
• Lemongrass: Promotes clarity and focus.
• Lavender: Brings a peaceful vibe that facilitates restful sleep, alleviates insomnia, depression, and anxiety.
• Desert Sage: For protection, as it wards off negative energies and influences.
• Sandalwood: Also known as "Chandan" in Hindi as its mostly found in India, smells heavenly, is used to bring grounding and stability.
• Cedar: Used to clear negative energy and attract good ones.
• Sweetgrass: For attracting positive energy, light energy and purify spirit.
• Rose Petals: Mixed with Sage and other dried plants, are burned to attract love, romance, peace and serenity.
• Mugwort: To purify energies and dispel negativity.
HOW TO SMUDGE
When fully dried, light one end of the sage “stick” on fire and then blow it out. Gently wave the stick in the air and use the smoke to “smudge” the space you want to clear. Starting at your heart, visualize your intention and begin waving your smudging tool in circular motions. Then, begin working your way down through your core to each leg and foot.
Making sure to get all your limbs, work your way back up through your core and chest, then down each arm. Continue upwards, towards the crown of your head, then down towards your back body. Continue working down your back body, sort of creating a cocoon of smoke around you. When you finish, be sure to leave your smudging tool on your plate or shell.
Your smudging tool should extinguish on it's own, due to it's natural oils. Try to get every corner of the room for a full and proper cleanse. Spread enough smoke so that it lasts in the air for an hour. Sage smoke is safe for children and pets.
If you have an acute lung condition, let someone else do the smudging for you, and leave the room until the smudging is complete. The smoke itself may irritate your condition while burning, but it will be ok for you to re-enter when the smoke has cleared.
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