Have you ever wondered what a Native American Smudging Ceremony is?

It is an ancient spiritual blessing ceremony used to purify the body, personal articles or space of negative energy and restore balance.  Dried plants such as Cedar, Sweetgrass, Sage, Juniper, Lavender or Tobacco were tied in bundles and burnt on one end and usually placed in a shell such as an abalone shell or other container.  A feather or feathers were used to direct the smoke over the person, or space.  In theory, as the sacred herbs burn, the smoke attaches itself to negative energy and as the smoke clears it takes the negative energy with it, releasing it into another space where it will be regenerated into positive, healing energy and a stronger connection made to the spiritual world. This ancient ceremony is still carried out today in many forms.

While there are dried Sweetgrass and Sage bundles available for smudging, there is no essential oil of Sweetgrass being distilled.  A lovely Sweetgrass hydrosol (Hierochloe odorata) is available and is nice just misted into the air.  It’s soft aroma is reminiscent of a fresh spring rain on the prairie or new mown hay.  Dried Sweetgrass is used to scent pillows, clothing, and for weaving baskets.  The fragrance is due to the presence of coumarins, a compound which is also present in a number of other species.  The burning of Sweetgrass braids for ceremonial purposes has long been part of the Native American culture in North America.  This is often what comes to mind when the species is mentioned.  Sweetgrass hydrosol can be misted into the air as a liquid smudge for families whose loved ones are in hospitals or public places where smoke is not permitted.

White Sage is also considered a sacred herb by many Native Americans.  It has a fresh, strong, warm-herbaceous and camphoraceous aroma.  White Sage herb is often carried in bundles as it is thought to promote strength, wisdom and clarity to the mind, as well as ensure immortality.  Unlike Sweetgrass, there is a White Sage Essential oil (Salvia apiana) available.  Safety:  Avoid during pregnancy.  It is also used for spiritual and purification ceremonies to purify people and places such as a home purification, sacred spaces and sweat lodge ceremonies.  The misting of the White Sage essential oil in distilled water is beneficial where smudging is not permitted.

Consider your home and office to also be a sacred space?
Smudge or mist it often, especially after any conflict whether it be physical, emotional, or mental.

(An uplifting diffuser blend for home or office)

10 drops Bergamot Mint  ●  5 drops Lime   ●  3 drops White Sage  ●   2 drops Lemon.
Mix essential oils together and add to diffuser.

(A ceremonial Protection Mist)

We have adapted the use of essential oils from the herbs traditionally carried by
Native Americans for spiritual and purification ceremonies where smoke isn’t permitted.

5 drops White Sage  ●   3 drops Cedarwood    ●  3 drops Juniper  ●   4 drops Lavender  ●  1 oz. Sweetgrass Hydrosol.

Mix essential oils together and add to 1 oz. Sweetgrass Hydrosol.
Shake well before misting for home purification, harmony, and sacred spaces.

‘til next time,