Have you ever walked into a room and just get a bad feeling? Live in home that seemed to be riddled with bad luck? Or have you lived somewhere and experienced some unhappy circumstances or traumatic life events? Well, is it possible to rid a room of this icky feeling? And I say it can be done quite simply with sage.
Burning sage also known as smudging is an ancient spiritual ritual. Smudging has been well established as a Native American cultural or tribal practice, although it is not practiced by all groups.
With Muslims or anyone, I recommend that before you move into a new home, cleanse that home by burning frankinsence rocks in every room and all entrances of the home whilst reciting Aytal Kursi. People will often say they will get or pay a third party such as a sheikh to do it. My response is usually do not make that big mistake. This is because I do have trust issues with what I see. How can you guarantee that sheikh is your friend? How do you know that sheikh is not up to any funny business? If as Muslim you do not know Aytal Kursi, Al-Fatiha is just as powerful in my opinion.
So before you light up, what’s the deal with saging your space? Clear the air: the most-used types of sage have antimicrobial properties. This means they keep infectious bacteria, viruses, and fungi at bay. White prairie sage is both antimicrobial and antibacterial. White sage is also antimicrobial. Both variations have been shown to repel insects.
Breathe easy: burning sage may be a blessing for those with asthma, allergies, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions. Though scientifically unproven, burning sage is thought to release negative ions, which is said to help neutralize positive ions. Common positive ions are allergens like pet dander, pollution, dust, and mold. However, inhaling the smoke during the smudging can aggravate any respiratory condition. Wait until the smoke clears before going into the room.
Increase intuition: this may have some scientific basis, believe it or not. Certain types of sage, including salvia sages and white prairie sage, contain thujone. Research shows that thujone is mildly psychoactive. It’s actually found in many plants used in cultural spiritual rituals to enhance intuition.
Magnify your mood: tradition suggests that smudging can literally lift one’s spirits to banish negativity. Some research supports this. Studies have documented white prairie sage also known as estafiate as an important traditional remedy for treating anxiety, depression, and mood disorders in certain cultures.
Goodbye, bad vibes: smudging may also be used as a ritual tool to rid yourself or your space of negativity. This includes past traumas, bad experiences, or negative energies from others. This may help you establish a positive environment for meditation or another ritual. Choosing to sit and let go of negative thoughts in a ritual like this sets your intention and dedication to self-improvement.
Stay stress free: if burning sage can lift one’s mood, it could also be a great ally against stress. A research study established that white sage is rich in compounds that activate certain receptors in the brain. These receptors are responsible for elevating mood levels, reducing stress, and even alleviating pain.
Sleep soundly: smudging has been traditionally used to safeguard against negativity that could interfere with sleep. Some research shows that sage contains compounds that could help ease insomnia. Classic garden sage is sometimes burned like white sage and has been used to improve sleep and soothe anxiety.
Boost brain power: in addition to improving mood and strengthening your intuition, smudging with sage might improve your memory and focus. Some studies have seen evidence for Salvia’s cognitive-enhancing benefits are promising, perhaps to treat dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Increase energy: ridding the body, objects, and spaces of bad energy can help welcome in newer, fresher, and more positive energies. In a way, this could have an energizing effect and help with fatigue.
I tend to buy bunches of fresh sage from the green grocers (as it is cheapest option), allow few days to dry, bunch and tie up with string and then burn. The fresh smell is much nicer and more potent than than ready made from retailers.
As for frankinsence, I know Somalia produce some potent rocks, but personally I use Sudanese rock as I have a special bond with it as I have always used theirs. Only reason I mention this as people ask what I personally use. Sudanese rocks are also what I use for patients when I prescribe raw Chinese herbs.
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