What is a White Sage Cleansing Stick?
Have you ever seen someone burn a rustic-looking bundle of dried herbs to cleanse their new home or work space? Well, that herb was most likely white sage. Though some people may find this practice a little odd, burning sacred herbs as a safeguard against evil or negative energy actually dates centuries back, to Ancient Babylonian practices. In most recent history, Native Americans continued this ritual throughout North and South America, and burnt this culturally-sacred herb to ward off negative energy and rid their homes and temples of bad spirits. The botanical word for sage, ‘Salvia’, actually comes from the Latin words, meaning “to heal”, and its medicinal properties as well as its natural ability to repel insects (like ladybugs), is probably at the root of its mystical history.
If you plan to use white sage as a cleansing stick or to smolder for cleansing, makes sure you harvest the leaves in the late summer through early fall . Spread them out to dry slightly, allowing them to wilt until the leaves become leathery feeling. Then, bind them together with string and hang in a moisture-free place to continue drying. This will ensure that your white sage cleansing stick lasts longer (up to two years) and will burn slower. Whether you are growing white sage to spice up your rack of lamb or to cleanse the energy of previous tenants from your home, this beautiful, silvery herb is a lovely attraction in the garden.
Commonly known as “man sage”, “prairie sage” or “Mexican sagebrush”, white sage is a versatile herb. Used to season meats, veggies and breads, much like its more common culinary relative, garden sage, white sage also lends a savory flavor to your favorite dish. Medicinally white sage is very valuable. An antibacterial and decongestant, it can be applied as a poultice, taken in tea form, or chewed for its healing essential oils. Throughout history white sage has been used to cure everything from the common cold to lessening the effects of a heavy menstrual cycle, and modern medicine has proven that it may help the body absorb and maintain insulin more easily, making it of great potential to diabetics. The USDA has also deemed white sage safe and approved as an effective eczema treatment and it has also shown strong signs of curing strep throat.
How to Make a Cleansing Stick with White Sage
White Sage Cleansing Stick,
The most important point: use White Sage (Salvia Apiana) or another appropriate herb when making a Cleansing Stick as there are many herbs that can be either 1) toxic or 2) set off an allergic reaction or simply 3) does not burn well. Harvest nice large, healthy leaves in the early AM on a clear and dry day. Pick enough leaves for a nice, fat bundle and try to harvest similarly sized leaves (the larger the better).
Bundle the leaves together, pressing tightly
Tie a sturdy knot around the stem end, leaving a long ‘tail’
- Remember to use a natural twine, a material that will burn easily (embroidery thread is a good choice)
- Wrap your bundle from top to bottom, and then from bottom to top so that you end up with a zig-zag pattern
- Wind the string around the top of the bundle and leave another ‘tail’ on the opposite end of your stick
- Tie the 2 ‘tails’ together to create a handle, and hang your White Sage Cleansing Stick in a dry, dark and moisture-free place until it is completely dried
Thank you for the quality plants, but when it comes to such things as this: when I see the objective facts on this & how it’s antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal etc…..then we’ll consider some of the practices cut off from false interpretive myths bringing bondage. Since we follow after Christ who is the way, the truth & the life, the Gospel according to the unchanged & unevolved scriptures we know that things are either for or against Christ. Negative to antichrist, means positive to Christ. Negative to Christ, means positive to antichrist. Antichrist things of the Father of Lies, the god of this perishing world, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience are creaturely & will perish with the perishing. Christ is almighty God & eternal, above & beyond the creature & all creation, the express image of God, the Creator, as well as Saviour. This witchcraft stuff having the appearance of spirituality & a form of godliness while denying the power thereof, usurping God’s characteristics & applying them to the creature in idolatry: why on earth should we go back to bondages based on the traditions & philosophies of fallible men, doctrines of devils? To things bringing God’s judgment on this world & universe? Back to vomit & wallows so that our last end would be worse than the first? Turned from truth & twice blind? Subject not only to the first death of flesh, but also to the second, eternal one of body, soul & spirit?
Ken and Denise –
I think you must be on the wrong web site. There are numerous plants that science is only beginning to discover and learn their value. If you want to preach about Jesus and the Bible, find a religious site that will appreciate your views. I am interested in learning all about plants and their uses. I go to church for my religious teachings.
Thank you Linda, Well said! wow! crazy is as crazy rambles.
I actually started burning sage this year to repel Mosquitos on the patio. I purchased a variety bundle and did a little research. I used the black sage for mosquitos – I just let it smolder in a dish on the patio table (it worked). The cat seemed to be obsessed with it so I had to move it out of his reach. I personally don’t believe in evil spirits , etc. but we had recently adopted a very scared and timid dog that has PTSD and I thought- I will try anything (within reason) if it might help her. so I used the white sage to smudge around our home. Did it help her ? not at all but our home seemed a little fresher once the smoke settled.
Do you sell thos product
I have 4 sage plants growing beautifully that I purchased here. I have made several smudge sticks to clear energy from these 4 plants. I just planted 4 more sage plants today. I’m going to keep making sage sticks. I give them to friends. We all use them for clearing energy and cleaning out our spaces. Energy is a real thing it’s not magic . We are all made of energy. Plants help all of us live better.
I love that Brenda saged her dog. That’s so sweet.
As someone else said. If God created the Heavens and the Earth that means God created Sage. If so how is it ungodly or against Christ. How someone uses something is up to the individual and does not make what they use good or bad. What a rant.
I consider myself somewhat of a Bible scholar. It appears you’ve stumbled on the wrong to write such a strange and awkward post.
No edit button .. “stumbled on the wrong *site “
Mr. & Mrs. Porter,
Please be tolerant, and if you can’t be, stay out of a peaceful blog.
May you be filled with loving kindness, may you be well, may you be peaceful and at rest, may you be happy.
Live and let live.
Whay can i substitute for white sage till i can order a plant?
LMAO you guys are on some pretty heavy drugs. Seriously???
My comment was intended for the Porters, obviously. I think white sage is amazing, and just ordered more plants.
The burning of incense has been used in Catholic religious settings as preparation for prayer ( purification) and is a kind of prayer itself- the use of white sage is no different. I believe the intent when it is used is what is sacred.
I myself love Jesus and I personally use herbs. God placed them on this earth for us to use for a reason . I dont fallow modern man! I pray about and try to find natural way to heal and help our bodies. You may wanna try something that isn’t chemical or man made.
Ken and Denise,
if your god created all natural things, including sage, it must therefore be godly.
Your rant however, is not. Find peace.
I always sage my house – people and pets! Where do you live , Charlie. I can grow South Dakota prairie sage but haven’t tried the white sage. I’m in Kansas.
I’m having trouble keeping my sage growing…drained soil, part sun, what else can I do?