What is smoke cleansing?

Smoke cleansing is an ancient practice used by many cultures and faith around the world. The indigenous practice ‘smudging’ which is a scared ritual performed by using sage, and/or other herbals to cleanse with smoke. Some cultures use resins as well as natural incense. This ritual was performed as a way to connect to spirit and give acknowledgement and appreciation to God/the universe and to nature.

The indigenous use white sage as it is a sacred herb and used to cleanse a person, or space of unwanted or negative spirits. When they gather white sage, they leave the root and say a prayer of gratitude for the harvest.

White sage has become very popular in the west which has created concern within indigenous communities for being over harvested and has contributed to the loss of respect for the sacred religion and rituals.

Smoke cleansing offering at Devine Beauty? 

At Devine Beauty we offer another alternative to white sage, that is Palo Santo. Palo Santo is also a scared tree, known as ‘holy wood’ and has been used as a natural wood incense for centuries by the Incas and Amazonian people. It is used as gentle way to cleanse, purify, and uplift energy. Our Palo Santo sticks are ethically sourced from fallen branches in Peru. 

Knowing the ancient value of both palo santo and white sage it is imperative to know where you are sourcing these sacred herbs. Smoke cleansing is a practice that can be a benefit for everyone but it is also important that we buy high quality ethically sourced herbs and resins. Local herb and shaman shops are a great place to start in sourcing from a reputable source.

Smoke cleansing alternatives: 

 There’s a variety of different sustainable herbs that can be used in place of white sage or palo santo for the purpose of smoke cleansing that includes:

Bay Leaves

Cinnamon Sticks

Lavender

Rosemary

Juniper

 Lemongrass

Pine

Mugwort

Chamomile

Rose

Each herb has its own meaning and benefits when it comes to smoke cleansing. Use this list to get started on your daily ritual of cleansing and grounding 

cleanse with intention

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