The properties of white sage

What is white sage?

White sage is one of the most widely used medicinal plants in the world of natural healing. It belongs to the family of the Lamiaceae and in many cultures, it has been considered sacred for hundreds of years thanks to its many properties. It grows mainly in Mexico and the south-west of the United States, in California.

The tradition of white sage

The tradition of white sage, due to its sanctity, has been used for years by cultures such as the Native American, who used it to purify the environment or to treat illnesses such as the flu. It is also a common spice used in the kitchen. For being so beneficial, its use has spread to other cultures and civilizations. Today, this plant is used all over the world, from East to West.

The properties of white sage

White sage has many beneficial properties for the body and mind.

1. Physical healing and protection.

   White sage has antimicrobial and antibacterial qualities that keep bacteria, viruses and infectious fungi at bay.

2. Environment purifier.

   When burned, it releases negative ions and helps neutralize positive ions, i.e. allergens such as pet dander, pollution, dust and mold.
   This characteristic is said to improve the quality of the air and consequently, to soften afflictions like asthma or allergies. Don’t forget to ventilate the room before entering in order not to inhale smoke.

3. Spiritual and healing tool.

   For healers and laypeople, burning sage has been used to resolve spiritual issues, to cleanse the aura or to release negative energy. Certain types of white sage contain thujone, a psychoactive component found in many plants that helps improve your mood and state of mind. A 2014 study specifically claims that Artemisia ludoviciana had been a traditional remedy for treating depression, anxiety or mood disorders in many cultures.

4. Reduction of stress level.

   Another of the many properties of white sage is that it can reduce stress.
   The leaves are rich in compounds that activate specific areas in the brain responsible for raising mood, reducing stress or relieving pain.

5. It helps you sleep better.

   Studies claim that thanks to its cleansing properties, in the reduction of stress and the resolution of spiritual dilemmas, it can help improve the quality of sleep by reducing insomnia; since such concerns often affect us when it comes to sleep.

How is the ritual carried out?

The white sage smudging ritual is simple and can be easily performed if you have the necessary tools and knowledge. The ceremony can be more elaborate if you wish; it all depends on the time you have and the reason why you are doing it.

Materials you need:

• A bunch of dry white sage. The California white sage bundle is a very good option to initiate you into this ritual.
• A ceramic, clay, or glass bowl to hold the bunch of sage during the burning process and house the ashes it gives off. The important thing is that it is heat resistant and safe. If you are looking for a suitable container to burn your sage, we recommend the abalone shell, in which you can pour some standard or marble sand. 
• You can use a lighter or matches, the latter being the preferred way to perform the ritual.
• Optional: a feather or fan to disperse the smoke.

Our Positive Energy Set contains these essential elements.

Steps to follow:

• Free yourself from any worry before starting the ritual. Your mind has to be clear and relaxed so that problems do not interfere with the ceremony.
• Express the purpose for which you wish to use it. You can think of one of the many properties of the white sage: to cleanse the aura; to protect yourself from bad influences; to release negativity; to purify your home...
• Hold the dry white sage smudging bundle and light it from one side.
• Let it burn a little bit and then gently shake the corsage or blow it until only the embers and smoke remain.
• When the row of smoke emanating from the sage is abundant, you can leave it in the bowl and go around the room to purify the air or you can use it on your own body. If you choose this option, move it from head to toe and come back again. As you go through this process, visualize the smoke in your mind taking away any negative energy from your life.

What should you do after burning the sage?

Make sure that the sage bundle is completely extinguished and that no twigs are left to burn. You can then store it in a safe, dry place.

The ritual of burning sage is safe, but remember to be careful when the bundle is lit and open a window when the smoke is abundant, as inhaling it can be harmful to your health.

What other uses can you make of white sage?

White sage has a very special and powerful smell that is used for aromatherapy. You can simply use it to improve the smell and fragrance of your home as a natural incense.

If after reading this entry about the properties of white sage you still have questions about its use and benefits, do not hesitate to contact us. We will solve any doubt you may have. Our last tip is for busy people: if one day you have little time but you want to take advantage of the properties of the sacred plant, you can burn sage incense sticks, such as Morning Star and Scentsual Japanese incense. We hope that you have found our explanation useful and that you will take part in the white sage smudging ritual like we, at Tierra Zen, do.