White sage (Latin: Salvia apiana) is a sacred herb of the Navajo Indians. Performing a ritual using white sage incense is intended to cleanse rooms, living situations and even people of negative energy. Hence the plant's other names - ceremonial sage and sacred sage.
White sage - frankincense will help cleanse negative, toxic energy
White sage plays an important role in Native American culture. The plant, considered a "sacred herb," is burned during various ceremonies - the ritual is called streaking or smudging. According to the beliefs of the Navajo Indians, white sage has a positive effect on the energy, both of the house and its surroundings. White sage incense can also be used to purify people. The white smoke, with its intense aroma, expels evil powers and restores the correct aura.
White sage is a plant with valued medicinal properties
White sage exhibits many beneficial medicinal properties. The herb acts as an antioxidant and as an aid in the treatment of bacterial and viral diseases [1]. White sage also releases negative ions, which neutralize positive ions present in the air, such as those from mold or pet dander [1]. This minimizes the risk of respiratory disorders and allergies in the household.
The beneficial effects of white sage have been documented in many scientific studies. Antioxidant and cytotoxic properties Salvia apiana confirmed, for example, researchers at Portugal's Aveiro University. The scientists noted that white sage can be beneficial in the prevention of cancer, and they also confirmed the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects of white sage [2]. Similar results were obtained by Polish scientists - they suggested that the plant has great potential for practical use in modern phytomedicine [3]. Meanwhile, researchers at the University of Mississippi found that the Salvia apiana contains a number of chemicals that help reduce stress and boost mood [4].
White sage benefits well-being
What other properties does white sage have? Frankincense has a positive effect on mood - it sets a good mood and reduces stress. Its lighting in the bedroom allows you to relieve tension and anxiety, and improves the quality of sleep. The mystical aroma has a beneficial effect on both body and mind.
Where to buy white sage?
White sage in ready-to-oxidize form is available in herbal, aromatherapy and esoteric stores. White sage leaves are tied in bundles, and all you need to do is place them in a fire-resistant vessel and set it on fire.
How to clean an apartment with white sage incense?
How to take advantage of the beneficial properties of white sage? Frankincense is worth using in the ritual of cleansing a house or apartment. Decking a house with white sage is advisable, first of all, after moving house, in order to free its surroundings from bad energy. It should be started by closing all doors and windows and lighting a favorite candle. White sage leaves should be placed in a ceramic, glass or clay vessel that is resistant to fire.
After setting a bundle of white sage leaves on fire, extinguish the flame and leave the smoking leaves. After that, you can proceed to odorize the front door, as well as all subsequent rooms. After performing the ritual, leave the white sage in the center of the apartment until the herb is completely burned out. The last step is to ventilate the house or apartment.
Important:
- The ritual of cleansing the household with white sage incense should be treated with respect,
- White sage requires proper storage. It is best to allocate for this purpose a special decorated box with a special meaning for the household,
- Before showing white sage, it is necessary to clean the house thoroughly,
- Fumigation with white sage is carried out in each room in turn, moving counterclockwise,
- Fumigation begins with the basement and ends in the attic,
- After fumigation with white sage, it is necessary to ventilate the entire room,
- If the white sage dims, you need to blow the herb to keep the embers burning.
How to cleanse individuals using white sage?
White sage can also be used to purify people. The sage smoke decongestion should begin with the head, while it ends with the feet. The ritual is intended for people who feel overwhelmed by an excess of problems, sick, tired, or upset. It is performed to cleanse the aura and eliminate negative energy and life problems that go along with it. The circumambulation can be performed on both loved ones and oneself.
How to Occlude an Apartment with White Sage?
Decluttering with white sage is a traditional ritual used in many cultures to cleanse spaces, get rid of negative energy and bring peace. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to perform this process in your home:
- Sage preparation: Make sure you have good quality white sage, preferably in dried form and tied in a bundle. You can also use loose leaves, although bundles are easier to handle.
- Open windows and doors: Before starting the ritual, open windows and doors to allow air to flow freely. This will help the smoke to escape, and with it the negative energy.
- Sage inflammation: Light the tip of a sage bundle over the flame of a candle or lighter. When it begins to glow and produce smoke, blow out the flame for a soft, even smoke.
- Occultation ritual: Walk with sage throughout the apartment, starting at the entrance. Direct the smoke along the walls, in the corners, by the windows and doors - places where energy can get trapped. If you wish, you can say a cleansing intention, such as "I am cleansing this space of negative energy."
- Completion: After all rooms have been smoked, extinguish the sage by gently pressing it against a fireproof dish or sand to make sure it does not continue to smolder.
Remember to be careful with fire and always store sage in a safe place.
White sage tea to cleanse the body
To prepare a cleansing drink, simply pour water over the leaves of white sage. The water should be boiled, but not boiling. The brewing time of the tea is about 8 minutes. Consumed once a day, white sage tea will lower blood sugar levels, improve circulation, as well as support the functioning of sweat glands.
White sage infusion for inhalation
Brewing white sage and then inhaling its vapors has a positive effect on the immune system and respiratory system. Inhalation from white sage is recommended for allergy sufferers and people struggling with sinusitis problems.
Purifying white sage bath
To prepare a cleansing white sage bath, simply brew an infusion of dried sage leaves and add it to warm water. Such a bath will reduce tension, relax and clear the mind.
White sage is a plant that restores a healthy atmosphere, not only in apartments and homes, but also in life. It is worth taking advantage of the healing potential of this herb, especially since it is readily available, such as in the form of incense or dried leaves. A regular cleansing ritual will help relieve bad energy and all sorts of problems, not only in health, but also in personal life.
Sources:
- https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-burning-sage
- Afonso A. F. et al. The Health-Benefits and Phytochemical Profile of Salvia apiana and Salvia farinacea var. Victoria Blue Decoctions. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland), 8(8), 241 (2019).
- King A. et al. White sage (Salvia apiana), a ritual and medicinal plant from Chaparral: plant characteristics in comparison with other sage species. Planta Medica 6: 420-488 (2022).
- Hayes T. Terpenes and flavonoids from Salvia apiana and their affinities to cannabinoid and opioid receptors. Undergraduate thesis, under the direction of Samir A. Ross from Natural Products Center, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi (2016).