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: Herbal Remedies, Wild Plants, and Foraging
The information shared in my Romance Herbalist posts is intended for educational, historical, and entertainment purposes only. I am not a physician, licensed herbalist, or other medical professional. Nothing on this website should be considered medical advice or a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare provider.
Herbs, flowers, spices, and other plants have been used for centuries in cooking, traditional remedies, and folk medicine. However, natural does not always mean safe. Some plants can be toxic, cause allergic reactions, interact with medications, or be unsuitable for certain medical conditions.
Before preparing, consuming, or using any herbal product, please keep the following precautions in mind:
- Medications and medical conditions: Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using herbs medicinally, particularly if you take prescription or over-the-counter medications, have an existing medical condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are preparing something for children.
- Allergies: Research potential allergic reactions and cross-reactivity, especially if you have known allergies to plants, herbs, or spices.
- Plant identification: Never harvest or consume a wild plant unless you can positively identify it and confirm that it is safe for its intended use. Some poisonous plants closely resemble edible or medicinal varieties.
- Harvesting and foraging: Avoid collecting plants from roadsides, chemically treated areas, contaminated soil, or locations where pesticides, herbicides, or other pollutants may be present. Always follow local foraging laws and respect private property.
- Preparation and consumption: Research appropriate preparation methods, potential side effects, and safe quantities before using any plant. Certain plants may be safe in food but dangerous when concentrated or prepared incorrectly.
- Food safety: Use clean equipment, properly stored ingredients, and appropriate food-handling practices when preparing herbal teas, infusions, syrups, or other homemade products.
A note about traditional remedies: References to historical or folkloric uses of plants do not establish that those uses are medically effective or safe. Any discussion of potential health benefits is provided for general information and should not be interpreted as a recommendation to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
By choosing to forage, prepare, or consume any plant or herbal product discussed on this website, you accept responsibility for your own research, decisions, and safety. The author makes no guarantees regarding the safety, effectiveness, or suitability of any plant, recipe, or preparation described.
When in doubt, consult a qualified professional before using any herb or wild plant.
