The Benefits of Burning Sage

Sage (Salvia) is an evergreen shrub used for culinary, medicinal, and ornamental purposes. It has a long history of use in traditional medicine, including Egyptian, Roman, and Greek medicine, as well as in Native American healing traditions. Dried sage is burned to heal, protect, increase wisdom, and boost defense against disease.

Dried sage leaves can be used in cooking as a spice or taken internally as a liquid, spray, lozenge, capsule, or tablet. The phenolic compounds in sage may have an antioxidant effect and reduce free radicals. Rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid are two compounds in sage that are particularly associated with an antioxidant effect.

Some of the purported benefits of using sage internally include:

• Relieving headache and sore throat pain
• Reducing oxidative stress in the body
• Protecting against free radical damage
• Reducing inflammation
• Protecting against bacterial and viral infections
• Supporting digestion
• Protecting against memory loss
• Reducing depression or improving mood

Burning sage involves burning sage leaves and letting the smoke purify the air in your home. The purpose of burning sage differs slightly from the reasons for taking it internally. Poor air quality may be linked to various health conditions. In this way, burning sage is seen as a cost-effective way to help purify the air. This is because sage is thought to have antimicrobial properties that help kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Keep in mind that burning sage creates smoke, which can cause health problems for individuals who are prone to asthma and other respiratory conditions. Some alternative medicine practitioners believe that burning sage, or taking it internally, can help release negative energy. In addition to burning sage, some people use sage cleansing sprays in their homes. Practitioners of complementary and alternative medication suggest that burning sage is believed to:

• Remove bacteria from the air
• Repel insects
• Improve intuition
• Purify specific objects
• Improve mood and reducing stress and anxiety

Sage has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use as a spice or seasoning. In general, the use of sage for health purposes is recognized as safe. However, if you plan on using sage internally, it is important to let your doctor know (just as you should with any complementary medicines you take).

There are some potential side effects of extended use of sage, including restlessness, rapid heart rate, vertigo, vomiting, kidney damage, seizures, and tremors. As far as burning sage is concerned, it is generally safe to do so, even around children and pets. Just be aware of any possible respiratory conditions they might have.

While there is a relative lack of evidence supporting this practice, a few drawbacks are associated with burning sage in your home. Burning sage is relatively cost-effective as far as mental health practices go. It may be a helpful practice to help create a relaxing, pleasant atmosphere that can be used alongside other helpful practices such as meditation or mindfulness.

To burn sage, you will need a source of sage, which can be purchased online, in a health store, or from a traditional healer or shaman. You can also grow your own sage and dry it for burning.

To burn sage, put it in a burning container and light it. Let it burn for several seconds and then blow it out so that it keeps smoking. Walk to each room you wish to purify and let the smoke enter it. Do not allow any space to fill with too much smoke. Avoid inhaling the smoke directly.

It is important to note that using Palo Santo, white sage, and other sacred herbs in smudging practices is often considered a form of cultural appropriation when performed by non-Indigenous people. It is essential to consider the cultural history and understand the effects of such practices on the oppression and erasure of Indigenous people and cultures.

Burning sage has a long history and may help start a spiritual practice or make another life change. It may be helpful if you are struggling with a transition or kicking off some positive changes for your home or physical health. However, if you are living with symptoms of severe mood problems or clinical anxiety, it is unlikely that burning sage will help. It is important to consult your doctor in addition to engaging in a complementary health practice such as burning or consuming sage.