in | 14 Jun 2018

THE REALNESS OF BURNING SAGE

 

Have you ever seen those neat little packages of dried sage bound tightly together and thought, ‘what kind of witchcraft is this?’ You’re probably not alone. It may seem a bit airy-fairy, but the practice of burning sage, known as smudging, is an ancient practice that actually works to clear negative energy, promote mindfulness and combat the immense stress we all feel in our day-to-day lives.

 

You may know it for its culinary properties, but sage has been used for medicinal purposes just as long. Used in ancient Greek, Egyptian and Roman medicines for its healing properties – and even referred to as salvare, or cure or salvation, by the Romans – this plant is still relevant and useful in modern medicine and healing. Even now, researchers are exploring its uses to treat everything from obesity to lupus to depression, as well as heart disease and cancer.

 

So, what’s the deal with smudging? This cleansing ritual involves the burning of dried plants over hot coals and then the spreading of the smoke to cleanse ourselves, objects or even places. This ancient practice has come fully into the 21st century, entering the mainstream vernacular in the wellness world. And while there isn’t much scientific research on the subject, we’re going to break down some of the top benefits of burning sage for you.

 

Aromatherapy. We’re guessing you might still be a bit skeptical about the healing powers of burning sage, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still reap the benefits. It doesn’t matter whether or not you believe in its energy-clearing properties; its scent can still help to ground you. Burning it can act as aromatherapy, helping to reduce anxiety and create a sense of calm in our 24/7 world.

 

Rituals. Though the scientific evidence to prove sage’s energy-clearing abilities is limited, there is tons of research that speaks to the power of rituals to create calm and reduce stress. A once-a-week smudging session can help bring order and predictability to your life, which will help reduce tension and help you feel connected to your life and the world around you.

 

Presence. With so many distractions, it is important to be mindful and present in our lives. By bringing awareness to what you are doing, you can greatly reduce the stress you feel. Smudging, which is a multi-sensory movement practice, can help bring our full sensory attention to what we are doing. Look at sage burning as your own mindful meditation. You will be relaxed in no time and achieve a more focused brain space.

 

Where to get it? Now that you know about the whole host of benefits of this wonderful plant, hop online and order a Smudge Variety Pack.  We also love the shop of De Roos , around the corner of our store at Willemsparkweg, at the P.C. Hooftstraat entrance of the Vondelpark. They offer a rich range of smudging sticks, incense, and other tools that will make you be at peace in no time.