Do you know what smudging is? It’s a practice that involves burning of sacred herbs to provide spiritual cleansing and purification. Native Americans have been practicing it for centuries.

White sage or cedar are bundled with cotton string. You can also use hemp string. The next step involves drying the bundle.

Once fully dried, the bundle is lit after which you should let it smoulder. Fan the smoke around the room to “clean” it.

8 reasons to smudge

Smudging provides a lot of benefits, and we have covered the most important:

• Improves sense of well-being and mental focus
• Clears negative energy
• It’s a natural anti-depressant
• Clears air
• Cleans objects
• Keeps you calm and relaxed
• Boosts energy
• Improves your good night’s sleep

The best herbs

There are so many options and combinations. Everything you grow in your garden works for these bundles. Here are some great combinations:

-- Sage clears negative energy.

-- Pine needles clean and purify

-- Balsam fir has the same effect as pine needles.

-- Mugwort provides lucid dreaming, purification and calmness.

-- Juniper cleanses and purifies.

-- Holy basil has a purifying and calming effect.

-- Rosemary offers protection.

-- Lavender has a calming effect.

-- Rose petals work for meditation, and help you reach calmness and attract love.

-- Peppermint should be used for healing and protection.

-- Yarrow removes toxins from the body.

-- Lemon balm cleanses and calms the spirit.

-- Calendula is great for love and constancy.

-- Dill offers protection, luck, money and lust.

-- Chamomile purifies and protects.

The good news is that these herbs will keep bugs away. Try rosemary and sage. This duo offers protection and clears negative energy.

How to make smudge sticks?

You will need rosemary, sage, cotton (hemp) string and snips.

Pile up several leaves and springs. Don’t worry if it’s too thick. The bundle will lose volume once dried.

Secure the bundle with a double knot at the base, and go all the way up with the string. Do another double knot at the top.

Let the bundle dry on a rack for a few days.

How to use smudge sticks?

Light the end of the smudge stick. Wait until it develops a steady flame, and blow it out. You will need to put a dish under the smudge stick.

You can try different combinations, depending on what you need in your home. Don’t forget – positive thinking is really important!

Sources:
www.naturallivingideas.com
helloglow.co