Why you should start burning sage. Sage Smudging facts and uses. (Extended)

Burning sage has many useful purposes, from spiritual to scientific .. The smoke from sage makes for a great air purifier to traditional and spiritual uses of removing bad energy from spaces and more. Below are the types of Sage, Scientific citations on how sage removes bacteria from the air, Spiritual uses and a DIY on how to make your own sage bundles.

THE SCIENCE OF SMUDGING:

Scientific Facts and Citations

Sage as an Antibacterial?

2020 update: While this blog was written in 2016 - published 2017 , the initial scientific citation has been updated

Sage isn't just a antibacterial it's also all natural antibacterial,Recent research has shed light on the popularity of sage smudging, revealing that burning certain plant matter actually removes harmful bacteria.

The scientific paper entitled “Medicinal Smokes” and published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology focuses a scientific lens on the practice, which is becoming more and more widely practiced, despite skepticism.The research included information from 50 countries over 5 continents and found that, predominantly, smoke administered medicinally is mostly used to aid lung, brain and skin function. In addition, it was revealed that passive fumes doubled as a sort of air purifier.The purpose of the study was to see whether or not these medicinal smoke deliveries could be explored by western medicine“The advantages of smoke-based remedies are rapid delivery to the brain, more efficient absorption by the body and lower costs of production.”“We have observed that 1 hour treatment of medicinal smoke emanated by burning wood and a mixture of odoriferous and medicinal herbs (havan sámagrii-material used in oblation to fire all over India), on aerial bacterial population caused over 94% reduction of bacterial counts by 60 min and the ability of the smoke to purify or disinfect the air and to make the environment cleaner was maintained up to 24 hour in the closed room.Absence of pathogenic bacteria Corynebacterium urealyticum, Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens, Enterobacter aerogenes (Klebsiella mobilis), Kocuria rosea, Pseudomonas syringae pv. persicae, Staphylococcus lentus, and Xanthomonas campestris pv. tardis crescens in the open room even after 30 days is indicative of the bactericidal potential of the medicinal smoke treatment.We have demonstrated that using medicinal smoke it is possible to completely eliminate diverse plant and human pathogenic bacteria of the air within confined space.”In short, burning medicinal herbs cleared airborne bacterial populations by 94%, and the space was still found to be disinfected a day later. What’s more, a month after smudging, much of the pathogens originally found were still undetectable"

In other words, sage smudging isn't just for the traditional ceremonies anymore... Maybe the Natives and many other cultures knew what they have been doing for centuries and actually proves to be helpful afterall?

Sage as an Antibacterial Source:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378874106004314

Source: https://www.greenmedinfo.com/article/medicinal-smoke-can-completely-eliminate-diverse-plant-and-human-pathogenic-ba

Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/journal-of-ethnopharmacology

NOTE from ilmypsychicjane.com (please read medical disclaimer at the bottom of the page)

2020 update: While this blog was written in 2016 - published 2017 , the initial scientific citation has been updated

SAGE as a natural antibacterial included other herbs - the The scientific paper entitled “Medicinal Smokes” and published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology - has been quoted above on the initial statement that sage works as a natural antibacterial (2006) - that study however, once updated (2019) mentioned a mix of herbs working as antibacterial when used together,- antimicrobial and the study not being thorough enough to rule it out as fact for white sage - "working solely as antibacterial to remove 94% of bacteria from the air for 24 hours" (2020) this study from ( 2007 )does not mention coronavirus nor does this blog post written in (2017) is not intended to be a cure, disinfectant for coronavirus . (2020:) THIS BLOG CONTAINS BOTH PREVIOUS FACTS AND CURRENT FACTS. AS FAR AS THE OWNER OF THIS WEBSITE IS CONCENERED SAGE IS NOT AN ANTIBACTERIAL FOLLOWING THE UPDATED INFORMATION ABOUT BURNING SAGE AND OTHER HERBS. Burning sage is intended to be a used as incense and spiritual cleansings (ONLY) to remove negative energy from a space , place or object - Use at your own choice, decision and research. - Mandy Jane (Amanda Albert) -Owner of ilmylunajane- owner of ilmypsychicjane.com

Spiritual Traditions

(Native Americans Smudging)

Burning sage is one of the oldest and purest methods of cleansing a person, group of people or space. Sage should be used in areas most commonly occupied , this can include any room in your home, car, even your workplace. While upon moving into a new home, buying a new car (and more) Sage smudging is often used to cleanse and give a fresh start to the particular place or object.Sage is still used today, of course and has been used for centuries, the main focus of using sage is the intention of removing negative energy (cleanse) , to heal, to bless a person or object, Or "fan away , "Wash off" Negative energy.While Native American sage burning is the most commonly recognized form of it today, it has nevertheless been a shared practice in other cultures too and other religions as well such as modern wiccans, myself for example.. For centuries many cultures have used smudging as a way to create a cleansing smoke bath that is used to purify the body, aura, energy, ceremonial/ritual space or any other space and personal articles.I've mentioned a few times "intention matters while smudging" the reason for this is because, with sage, as it can remove negative energy, it can also remove positive energy as well, having a positive thought, positive intent, while smudging makes a difference. White sage is the most common for this practice, blue sage, Black sage (and more) , Each holds their own traditional purpose as mentioned above. Sage smudging is simple., relaxing and makes for a great mood booster as well. When you're feeling drained, stuck, negative, sluggish, or even downright depressed, Indicates a good time to smudge as the goal of smudging is to make a place clear of lingering negative energy and simply, the unwanted.

Types of Sage and the traditional smudging purposes.

White Sage

California White Sage, Sacred Sage also known as Salvia apiana, is a good choice for preparing for any type of spiritual work, Odor remover, bug repellent, cleanses the Air, removes negativity. White Sage is the most commonly used type of sage for smudging practices.

Black Sage

Black sage also known as Salvia officinalis, while common sage isnt generally used for smudging ( more for cooking and medical purposes) , Mugwort "Artemisia vulgaris" along with the sage creates a powerful mix, Mugwort is associated with divination and dreaming (to induce a goodnight sleep or simply better dreams) , Black Sage being used to remove negative energy, This mix is known to be an amplified version of white sage for cleansing and even for its air purifying purposes. The Photo above is Common Sage, Mugwort and White Sage.

Russian Sage

Russian Sage (Not a type of sage) However ,"Perovskia atriplicifolia", commonly called Russian sage , is a woody-based perennial of the mint family, Commonly used for smudging to uplift mood, cleanse a space or object , used much like white sage and other types, removing negative energy from spaces. The photo above is a White Sage, Russian Sage Mix.

Common Sage

Common sage, also known as "Salvia officinalis" garden sage and kitchen sage, is used commonly to add flavor in cooking and for medicinal purposes such as, throat and mouth ailments, such as sores and laryngitis. It also is used for skin ailments, such as sores, wounds and abscesses. Odor remover, antibacterial, bug repellent, as well as used for smudging to remove negativity.

Desert Sage

Desert sage also known as "Salvia eremostachya", removes negativity , However, desert Sage is a good choice for any type of psychic work or spiritual work. Used for in preparation of ritual, divination or house blessings, as well as odor removing, bug repellent. The photo above is Desert Sage

Loaded Sage

Loaded smudge sticks are usually just a mix of different types of Sage, Flowers, Sweetgrass, Cedar, Oils and more, Each mix serves a traditional purpose, Black sage and mugwort, cedar with white sage, Sweetgrass and Lavender are commonly used for loaded smudge sticks. ... For white sage, the mix generally changes the scent, for those who tend to dislike the scent of white sage, this may be a better alternative for you.

Spray Sage

Spray Sage works just as well as traditional smudging, without the smoke, For those who have respiratory issues, sensitive to smoke, this is the best alternative for you and much like the loaded sage, Spray sage comes with many different mixes and scents.

DIY SAGE BUNDLES

1. HOW TO BUNDLE SAGE

Bundling sage is quick and easy process, there's a few ways you can burn sage for smudging. One way you can burn sage is by letting the sage and other herbs or flowers, dry out without bundling to use in an incense burner or even sage sachets for your home, car or wherever you may want to carry one, Bundling is the traditional way.

What you'll need? Newspaper, Sage, Flowers (optional), Essential Oils (Optional) Twine, Other herbs such as Cedar for example (optional)

1. Lay out everything together that you want in your bundle onto your newspaper.

2. Place your sage, flowers and other herbs all facing the same direction (this part isn't entirely needed, though it looks much better this way)

2. Slowly start at the bottom wrapping the twine from the bottom up . *NOTE* Do not wrap your Sage bundle too tight or you can risk growing mold within the bundle (which ruins the bundle and the scent entirely)

3. After loosely wrapping your bundle, hang the bundle upside down to dry in a cool dry place.

4. After between 3- 4 weeks your bundle should be dried entirely and ready to use.

5.Take an additional line of twine and wrap over your initial twine to tighten the bundle.

6. Get your abalone shell and feather, now you're ready to start smudging with your bundle.

2. HOW TO DRY SAGE

How to dry sage for smudging is very important, One main question that i've received is " can i just place the sage in my oven for a few minutes to dry it out ?" Even if you aren't using sage for smudging ( maybe, as a bug repellent for example?) placing sage in the microwave or oven removes the essential oils needed...basically drying out the sage to where it's nothing except a spice for cooking.

The best way to dry sage is to gather it together in a bundle, tie it together, and hang it in your garage, closet or another cool dry place so it will dry evenly, leaving Sage outdoors to dry, with humidity and even morning dew can cause mold to grow, while the off and on moisture also leaves the sage unable to dry out entirely. You want to aim for a crackly dry bundle of sage.

What to do if you see mold in a bundle? If the mold was found in your DIY bundle, discard the sage bundle entirely and try again with fresh sage.. It's not recommended or safe to burn a bundle which has molded and its not fixable, However, it can be preventable. If you've purchased sage from a store and notice the sage smelling unusual, one good way to check is by cracking it open a little, looking at the inside of the bundle, if you've noticed mold, contact the store you've purchased your bundle from immediately , Most places will offer a refund or a new bundle .. Simply because, it can happen sometimes

3. WHAT TO USE TO BURN SAGE

(Abalone shell, Feather and White Sage)

There's a few ways to burn sage, while the most common is as a bundle, you can also burn sage for smudging as incense.

Abalone shell: The abalone shell being the traditional tool used for smudging, The act of smudging is done with a bowl or Abalone Shell with the appropriate herbs directly lit or burned on a coal or Charcoal Tablet. When using charcoal tablets, the bowl or shell should be filled with sand or a flat stone to prevent over heating the container. There's generally a wooden stand which comes with the abalone shell as well, the stand is used to protect surfaces from the heat of the shell while smudging.

(abalone shell and white sage)

Feathers: For centuries, Native Americans and other cultures have used feathers as part of the smudging ceremony, The feather, type, size and shape also tend to each hold their own spiritual meaning to the user, On a more physical level, Feathers known to be incredibly useful for spreading the smoke of sage, or other incense around in a space to purify cleanse and remove negativity. The feather serves its purpose of "fanning away" negativity, while using sage, you push the smoke in an outward motion.

Common Qs About Burning Sage

1.Where can I find a sage smudge stick? You can find Sage and Smudging supplies online on Etsy.com, Amazon.com And even Ebay. In Stores- Check around for your local herb and tea store,wiccan supply store or even family and Home craft stores.

2.Is it safe for my kids and pets? Burning sage herb is safe for both kids and pets. Your pet may not appreciate being in the same room since their sense of smell is much more heightened than ours, but it will not harm them, nor is it toxic to breathe and If you have respiratory issues, sensitive to smoke, use spray liquid sage an as equal alternative.

1. I dont like the smell of white sage? Do i have other options?

Some people tend to dislike the smell of white sage, if you dislike the smell of white sage, Try blue sage, or a loaded sage.. The smell tends to be different entirely for each type.

Disclaimer by ilmyPsychicJane :

This video and blog is for informational purposes only, This video and information should not be substituted for professional and medical advice options, If you are experiencing medical ailments, serious or otherwise, Always seek professional medical advice, Ask, if you sage, sage smudging, sage vitamins or supplements, Burning sage, Using Sage Sprays is right for you before proceeding., DO NOT USE SAGE IF YOU HAVE A KNOWN ALLERGY TO SAGE OR SAGE PRODUCTS. ( Im a Psychic who has used plenty of sage and enjoys doing research on beneficial uses of plants and natural cures, i am not a doctor , nor am i portraying a Doctor with the information posted on my blogs and my videos)

Medical disclaimer and note from Mandy jane- owner of ilmypsychicjane.com

The author of this website ilmypsychicjane.com is not a medical professional- note advice from this website should not replace advice from trained medical professionals, all opinions from blog posts are personal opinions, spiritual advice purposes only with links, citations to back facts otherwise - and under no circumstances does this website intend to share advice to replace a medical professionals opinion- Please check with your doctor before burning sage and other herbs, (and other information)

The website is for spiritual and entertainment purposes ONLY

Disclaimer: Nothing on this website should be taken as medical, financial, or legal advice. All herbs are intended for external adult use only. Some herbs may not be suitable for all persons—consult a licensed professional if you have concerns. Incense, candles, and herbs are fire hazards. Please observe proper safety precautions when using these products.