Smudging 101: Sage Types & Benefits

March 15, 2023 2 min read

With spring just around the corner, there’s no better time to invite positive energy into your home. One ancient and popular practice to cleanse a space is smudging. You may have heard of it or you may do this sacred ritual frequently. However, do you know how many types of sage you can choose from?

Types of Sage for Smudging

The plants available will greatly depend on where you live, so I’ll focus on those that are popular and easy to find. Before purchasing a bundle, make sure that the plants are ethically sourced to avoid overharvesting. The way the plants are collected also matters – look for vendors who treat the plants and the land with respect.

White sage: It’s the most common type of sage for smudging. This plant is sacred and has been proven to have antimicrobial properties. Use it to remove negative energy, and cleanse spaces and sacred items.
Blue sage: The second most popular sage type for smudging, blue sage is thought to attract positive energy and general abundance. An excellent support for meditation practitioners and for those looking for creative inspiration. Can also be used to repel insects.
Desert sage: This sacred plant is used when you need to purify and protect your home. It eliminates negative influences and may inspire inner strength.
Black sage: It removes unwanted energy and brings clarity of mind and introspection. It’s also used for inner healing or to induce vivid and lucid dreams. Be sure to buy Black Sage from trusted sellers because the plants used for the actual bundles may vary from seller to seller.
Lavender sage: Don’t confuse it with the actual lavender plant! They may look alike but they are different. Burning lavender sage will bring a sense of calm and peace to your home. It may help lower anxiety levels and bring feelings of love and happiness.

Don’t like sage? No problem! Look for bundles of palo santo, juniper, rosemary or cedar to cleanse your space. Each plant has its own chemical and energetic properties, but you can also combine them with sage. Shop our Smudge Sticks & Incense.

Never forget that smudging is a sacred practice in the Native American culture, as well as other indigenous cultures around the world. Do it with reverence, respect and gratitude to the ancient cultures that gifted us this ritual.