Omari Gates
Smudging is a term used to describe the burning of herbs, resins, and incense for purification, energy cleansing, or to focus before a ritual. In Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities collect and burn native Australian plants to clear away unwanted energies and make way for positive, new energies. Smudge sticks are bundles of herbs, commonly white sage, that can be made at home. To make your own smudge stick, you will need fresh herbs, string or twine, and a pair of scissors. Pick the tips of the herbs, as they have more fragrant oils, and cut the stalks to your desired length. Arrange the stalks into a bundle and use twine to tie the bundle tightly together. Leave the bundle to dry for around 3-4 weeks, and then it is ready to be burned.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Fresh herbs, string or twine, scissors |
| Herbs | White sage, rosemary, thyme, basil, bay leaves, chamomile, eucalyptus, lavender, lemongrass, peppermint, mugwort, juniper, laurel, rosemary, rose petals |
| Length | 6-10 inches |
| Storage | Cool, dry, dark area |
| Drying time | 2-4 weeks |
| Burning time | Until it burns out on its own |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right plants
When choosing plants for your smudge stick, it's important to select the right herbs for your purposes. Traditionally, white sage is the most common herb used for smudging, but it is not the only option. You can use any herb that grows in stalks, such as rosemary, thyme, basil, bay leaves, chamomile, eucalyptus, lavender, lemongrass, or peppermint.
In Australia, you can follow the Locavore philosophy by using native plants such as Eremophilia longifolia, which is renowned for its antimicrobial properties. You can also use plants that grow locally in your region, such as sage, lavender, mugwort, laurel, or rosemary. It is important to collect plants that are abundant and have not been sprayed with any chemicals. Additionally, only take a small amount from each plant and then move on to the next one. This ensures that you are practising sustainable harvesting methods.
When harvesting the herbs, pick the greenest tips from the plant to avoid damaging it and to obtain the most fragrant oils. Clip the stalks about 5 to 10 inches long. You can use fresh herbs or dried herbs, but keep in mind that dried herbs are more difficult to wrap and tend to break off during the bundling process. Therefore, it is recommended to use dried herbs only in the middle of a bundle of fresh herbs.
Before using any plant for your smudge stick, it is crucial to correctly identify it and ensure that it is safe for burning. Some plants may be toxic to handle or burn, so always exercise caution and do your research beforehand.
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Preparing the herbs
Smudge sticks are bundles of herbs that are burned to heal and cleanse the mind, body, and spirit. They are used in various cultures worldwide, including Native American communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Australia.
When preparing the herbs for your smudge stick, follow these steps:
Step 1: Harvesting
First, locate your desired herb or blend of herbs. Traditionally, white sage is used, but you can also use other herbs such as lavender, rosemary, mugwort, juniper, or a blend of these. It is recommended to collect local and seasonal plants from your area. Pick the greenest tips from the plant to avoid damaging it and ensure more fragrant oils. Clip the stalks about 5 to 10 inches long.
Step 2: Arranging the Herbs
Arrange the herb stalks into a bundle, pressing them tightly together. You can prepare a single type of plant or create mixed bundles with different plants, herbs, and flowers. Remember that your bundle will shrink as it dries, so make it plumper than your desired final size.
Step 3: Tying the Bundle
Use natural twine or thread, such as cotton or embroidery thread, to tie the bundle securely. Cut a piece of twine that is about four times the length of the stick. Start by tying the end of the thread tightly around the base of the bundle, ensuring the leaves are pointing in the same direction and are flattened.
Step 4: Wrapping the Bundle
Gradually work your way up the length of the bundle, wrapping the twine and pulling it tighter as you go. Cross the twine in a crisscross pattern to secure the bundle and any loose leaves. When you reach the top, turn the bundle around and wrap the twine back down toward the stem end in the opposite direction.
Step 5: Drying the Bundle
Leave your finished bundle in a dark, warm, dry place with good air circulation for about 2 to 4 weeks to dry completely. You'll know it's ready when a leaf or sprig breaks when bent. During this time, you can say a prayer or express gratitude for the plant's sacrifice, acknowledging its role in your smudge stick creation.
Once your bundle is dry, you can store it in glass jars to preserve its freshness and aroma until you are ready to burn it.
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Bundling the herbs
When bundling the herbs, it's important to ensure you have the right materials and are bundling them correctly. You can use a variety of herbs, but make sure they are fresh and suitable for burning. Some common herbs used in smudge sticks include white sage, lavender, rosemary, mugwort, juniper, and other aromatic herbs such as thyme, basil, bay leaves, chamomile, eucalyptus, lemongrass, or peppermint.
After selecting your herbs, cut them to a length of about 5-10 inches. It's okay if they are not all the same size, but ensure the leaves are facing in the same direction and are tightly packed together. You can create a single type of plant bundle or mix different plants, herbs, and flowers. Just remember that your bundle will shrink as it dries, so make it plumper than your desired final size.
Once you have your herbs ready, it's time to start bundling. Using natural twine, such as raffia or cotton, cut a piece that is four times the length of your stick. Tie the end of the twine tightly around the base of the bundle, securing the herbs in place. Then, start wrapping the twine upwards, making sure the leaves are flattened and pointing in the same direction as you move along. Work your way up the bundle, gradually tightening the twine and creating a crisscross pattern with the string.
When you reach the top of the bundle, turn it around and wrap the string back down toward the stem end, crossing over the first length of string. This second pass will help secure any loose leaves. Finally, cut the string, leaving about 10 cm, and knot it firmly with the original length.
Now, you need to leave your bundle to dry. Place it in a dark, warm, dry location with good air circulation for around two to four weeks. You'll know it's ready when a leaf or sprig breaks when bent. Once dried, you can store your smudge sticks in glass jars to preserve their freshness and aroma.
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Drying the bundle
When preparing the bundle for drying, it is important to ensure that the leaves are tightly arranged and secured with natural twine. This helps maintain the shape and structure of the bundle as it dries. The twine should be wrapped around the bundle in a crisscross pattern, providing support and security to the herbs. It is also suggested to make the bundle plumper than the desired final size, as the herbs will shrink during the drying process.
The chosen location for drying should be free from direct sunlight, as sunlight can bleach the leaves and affect their aroma. A cool, dark, and dry place, such as a cupboard or pantry, can be ideal for this purpose. Alternatively, a dry and enclosed container, like a paper bag or a cardboard box, can also be used to hang the bundle for drying. It is important to ensure good airflow in the chosen location to prevent the bundle from moulding or developing an unpleasant odour.
During the drying process, it is normal for some leaves to become loose or detached from the bundle. This can be minimised by ensuring that the bundle is tightly secured and that the leaves are flattened during the wrapping process. However, it is not uncommon for some leaves to fall off, especially if the bundle is handled or moved during the drying period.
Once the bundle is completely dry, it can be stored in glass jars or containers to preserve its freshness, aroma, and essential oils. Proper storage helps maintain the quality of the smudge stick and ensures that it is ready for use whenever needed. At this stage, the smudge stick is ready for burning and can be lit to release its fragrant smoke, which is used for cleansing rituals and ceremonies.
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Burning the stick
When you're ready to burn your smudge stick, light one end of the bundle with a candle. Allow the flame to remain for a few seconds, then gently wave the stick to extinguish the flame. Always hold the burning end over a ceramic bowl to catch any falling ash.
Walk around your home, gently waving the stick to fill each room with smoke. You can also use a feather or a fan-shaped object to direct the smoke over yourself and into various areas of the room. This is a good time to picture yourself releasing negative thoughts and energies and welcoming positive, new energies.
When you're finished, you can snuff out the stick by pressing it into the ceramic bowl. Alternatively, you can leave the stick in the bowl and allow it to smoulder until it extinguishes naturally. You may relight and repeat this process until the stick has completely burned.
Remember to ensure proper ventilation during and after the burning process, and always exercise caution when working with fire.
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Frequently asked questions
Smudge sticks are used for cleansing rituals to clear away negative energies and make way for positive, new energies.
Traditionally, white sage is used to make smudge sticks. However, you can also use other herbs such as rosemary, thyme, basil, bay leaves, chamomile, eucalyptus, lavender, lemongrass, peppermint, mugwort, juniper, laurel, or rose petals. It is important to only use plants that are safe to burn.
First, pick a few bunches of herbs about 6-10 inches long. Gather the herbs so that the cut ends are together and the leaves are facing in the same direction. Tie the bottom to secure them in place. Next, wrap string around the herbs, ensuring the leaves are flattened and pointing in the same direction. Work your way up the bunch, pulling the string tighter and crossing it to secure the herbs. Leave your bundle in a dark, dry place for around 3-4 weeks to dry.
Light one end of the smudge stick and allow it to burn for a few seconds before gently waving to extinguish the flame. Hold the burning end over a ceramic bowl to catch any falling ash and walk around your home, gently waving the stick to fill each room with smoke.
Smudge sticks can be purchased at many health and metaphysical stores. Alternatively, you can make your own smudge stick at home.
