It took me years before I gathered the courage to use sage smudge sticks. I always thought they were “weird” or “strange”. I have no idea why I thought this but somewhere along the line of life I picked up that belief. Then, many years ago, someone gave me sage smudge sticks as a gift. My friend told me that the bundles of dried herbs and flowers, when burned, would purify the air and invite good energy into the home.
While I’m not sure about the energy part, I have incorporated smudging into my cleaning routine mostly because I like how it leaves the house smelling. It’s also a very relaxing thing to do, and now I look forward to this ritual. It’s like once I smudge the house, I know the house is clean. For at least a day! Once I started doing this though, I did some research and discovered that smudging dates back thousands of years. Sage, especially, was (and still is) used to cleanse sacred and secular spaces. And since unpleasant smells were more of an issue throughout history than they are now, these smudges helped clear the air. It’s similar to why people in the 14th-18th centuries (maybe even earlier) placed dried lavender and other herbs on the floor in the corners of their just-swept rooms. Because of this research, Sarah Munro (my PhD historian, is the heroine in book 2 of the Deadly Force series, ONE DARK WISH), has added it to her collection of historical (and updated) DIY herbal remedies.
Sarah Munro’s Sage Smudge Stick
Ingredients:
Directions:
Trim your flowers and herbs to about 4 or 5 inches. Gather them together until you have a thick “stick.”
With the twine, start at the bottom and wind the twine around the stick until you reach the top. Try to wrap the twine as tightly as you can. Once you reach the top, tie off the twine with a solid knot.
Trim any excess herbs or leaves from the top and bottom (to make it even) and trip off anything that is poking out from the sides.
Place the smudge stick in a safe place and allow to dry for two weeks.
To use, light the top of the smudge stick with a lighter. I use a plate beneath to catch any ash or embers as I travel through the house waving the smudge stick around. The smoke will waft as you walk. Some people say to move in a clockwise direction through the house, but I don’t do that and it works fine!
When you are done, run the stick under running water and set it aside to dry thoroughly. You can reuse the same stick until it’s not safe anymore to hold it while it burns.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER ABOUT WILD PLANTS, FORAGING, AND MAKING HERBAL REMEDIES:
I am not a medical professional and nothing written on this blog is medical advice. None of my statements have been evaluated by the FDA (I am legally required to give you this disclaimer).
It is important to do your due diligence before foraging, harvesting, and/or consuming any type of medicinal plant.
- If you are taking any medications, talk to your doctor about any potential drug interactions.
- If you are allergic to anything, make sure whatever you are foraging is not in the same family. Example: While dandelions are typically considered safe, those who are allergic to ragweed, latex, daisies, or any other plants in the same or similar families, may not be able to consume dandelion.
Always research potential side effects, dosage recommendations, and how to properly prepare and consume each medicinal plant.
Always make sure you are foraging what you believe to be. Fully prepare and study the anatomy before harvesting wild plants.
Always make sure your kitchen/work area is clean and that all materials are sterilized.
Do not forage plants from areas that have been sprayed within the past 2 years at the very least.
I am not legally or morally responsible for the health of any of my readers. Please do your own research!
