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Burning sage — also known as cleansing — is an ancient spiritual ritual. Certain types of sage have antimicrobial properties and may provide additional benefits.
The most-used types of sage have antimicrobial properties. This means they keep infectious bacteria, viruses, and fungi at bay. Scientists have studied the cleansing elements of sage and found that when this herb is burned, it can clear a staggering 94% of bacteria out of the air.
White prairie sage (which is technically a species of mugwort, Artemisia ludoviciana) is both antimicrobial and antibacterial. Trusted Source. White sage (an actual sage, Salvia apiana) is also antimicrobial. And both have been shown to repel insects. A 2016 research project for the University of Mississippi established that white sage (Salvia apiana) is rich in compounds that activate certain receptors in the brain. These receptors are responsible for elevating mood levels, reducing stress, and even alleviating pain.
It turns out that sage may help clear the air of lots more than bugs and bacteria. Though scientifically unproven, burning sage is thought to release negative ions. This is said to help neutralize positive ions. Common positive ions are allergens like pet dander, pollution, dust, and mold.
If this is the case, burning sage may be a blessing for those with asthma, allergies, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions. But inhaling the smoke during the cleansing can aggravate any respiratory condition. Wait until the smoke clears before going into the room.
Burning sage has long been used to connect to the spiritual realm or enhance intuition. For healers and laypeople in traditional cultures, burning sage is used to achieve a healing state — or to solve or reflect upon spiritual dilemmas. This may have some scientific basis, too. Certain types of sage, including salvia sages and white prairie sage, contain thujone. Research shows that thujone is mildly psychoactive. It’s actually found in many plants used in cultural spiritual rituals to enhance intuition.
You can use this incense to cleanse yourself, specific spaces, as well as objects such as crystals. Clearing items of old energy and using your intention to recharge or activate them for your space is very helpful.
The practice of burning sage is fairly simple, with few necessary tools.
Basic tools include:
There are many types of sage usable for cleansing. Traditional examples include:
Before burning sage, some recommend setting intentions if cleansing for spiritual, energetic, and negativity clearing purposes. Remove animals or people from the room.
It’s also important to leave a window open before, during, and after cleansing. This allows smoke to escape. Some believe smoke also takes impurities and negative energy with it — so don’t skip this step.
Light the end of a sage bundle with a match. Blow out quickly if it catches on fire.
The tips of the leaves should smolder slowly, releasing thick smoke. Direct this smoke around your body and space with one hand while holding the bundle in the other.
Allow the incense to linger on the areas of your body or surroundings you’d like to focus on. Using a fan or feather can also help direct the smoke, though this is optional.
Allow the ash to collect in a ceramic bowl or shell.
Cleanse your home, living or business space
In this instance, direct sage smoke over all surfaces and spaces in your home or living area. Be thorough.
Some recommend working in a clockwise direction around your home, ending back where you started, especially for spiritual purposes. Others recommend counterclockwise.
Do what feels best for your situation and follow your intuition.
Direct smoke around and over the object of your choice.
This can be done to a new item, such as jewelry, crystals, furniture, or clothing, to protect or dispel it of negative energy. Items related to negative experiences or memories may also be cleansed.
Some people burn sage over special objects, to acknowledge the object with sacred meaning.
Make sure your sage bundle is completely extinguished. You can do this by dabbing the lit end into a small bowl of ash or sand. Avoid using water, since it may be difficult to reignite sage if it is extinguished by water.
Check the end closely to make sure there are no more embers burning. Once it’s completely put out, store it in a safe, dry place out of the sun.
