Proven health benefits of smudging

Smudging: The Many Scientifically Proven Health Benefits Of Smudging

Smudging is an ancient ritual that is still used today. This age-old spiritual practice has a long history of being used for healing and spiritual purposes. Smudging is even used in hospitals, churches, and other public places to help people feel more at peace. Smudging is thought to help people feel more in control of their environment and their lives. In this blog, I will be discussing the many scientific benefits of this ritual and how you can incorporate it into your everyday life.

This simple ritual has many scientifically proven health benefits. These benefits include reducing stress, improving physical and mental health, and enhancing energy and vitality. It is a traditional way of cleansing and healing the body, mind, and spirit. The practice is also used to help purify and protect the home, as well as to cleanse the environment. It is believed that smudging helps to alleviate the symptoms of asthma and allergies, as well as improve the health of the respiratory system and the nervous system. Additionally, smudging helps to relieve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and anger. There are many different ways to perform this ritual. You can use sage, cedar, sweetgrass and many others.
The plant/wood is then burned and the smoke is used to cleanse the air. This is a great way to purify the air and get rid of unwanted toxins and positive ions.

You can implement smudging into your life in many ways. The most popular is through burning sage or white sage, but you can also use resin or even just simple incense sticks. I have put a list of the most common herbs and woods to use to smudge and the various benefits of each below.

In order to reap the benefits of smudging, you have to have sincere intentions.

It is a common misconception that smudging is a Native American ritual. This is not true. In fact, it is a ritual that has been used by many different cultures to help with a variety of different ailments. 

A quick guide on how to smudge.
Gather your supplies: a smudge stick (such as dried sage), a fireproof container, and a lighter or matches. Set a clear intention for your cleansing. Light the smudge stick, allow it to smolder, and gently waft the smoke using your hand or a feather, visualising the smoke carrying away negativity. An abalone shell is often used as a fireproof container, representing the water element. Remember to open a window to allow the smoke and negative energy to escape. When finished, extinguish the smudge stick in your container, never with water. I personally prefer to let it rest in the abalone shell and go out on its own. 

Common Herbs and Woods:

 * White Sage:

   * Known for its strong cleansing and purifying properties.

   * Often used to clear negative energy from spaces, objects, or people.

  

 * Cedar:

   * Used for purification, protection, and grounding.

   * Believed to carry strong protective energies and promote positive energy flow.

   * Often associated with renewal and strength.

 

 * Sweetgrass:

   * Known for attracting positive energies, peace, and healing.

   * Often used after sage or cedar to bring in good spirits and positive vibrations.

   * Often braided, and burned.

 

 * Palo Santo:

   * "Holy wood" from South America.

   * Used for cleansing, purification, and spiritual healing.

   * Believed to have a calming and grounding effect.

   * It is often used to bring in creativity.

 

 * Lavender:

   * Known for its calming and relaxing properties.

   * Used to promote peace, tranquility, and restful sleep.

   * Also associated with purification and love.

 

 * Rosemary:

   * Used for purification, cleansing, and mental clarity.

   * Believed to enhance memory, concentration, and focus.

   * Also used for protection.

 

 * Mugwort:

   * Used for protection, divination, and enhancing dreams.

   * Historically used for warding off negative spirits.

 

 * Juniper:

   * Used for purification, protection, and creating a sacred space.

   * Believed to ward off negative energies and promote healing.