Smudging is a practice that has been part of different cultures for centuries. It is a very easy way of cleansing your space, property, or body with burning sage. What people do not know is that there are different types of sage for smudging.
All varieties of smudge sticks have different herbs and aromas. More than that, they have different scents, energies, and purposes, in homes. The fact is, there are different types of sage plants. However, those with a distinct scent get the most attention and are used most.
There are different types of sage for smudging, the most popular being white sage. In this post, we will discuss different types of sage to burn. We will also discuss what these different types are used for.
Types of Sage for Smudging
What type of sage is used for smudging? Even though there are several types of sage to burn, there is one that you will prefer more than others. Let’s check some of the most common varieties out there.
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White Sage
We will start with the most popular sages to burn. Even when you have a smudge stick that features several herbs, chances are that it has white sage. But there is a good reason for its popularity. White sage has long been known to be versatile.
This is a sage that is used for protection, meditation, healing, and cleansing. If you would like to mix some herbs together, it is recommended that you include white sage.
When it comes to the scent, white sage is strong. Most people agree that it is similar to eucalyptus. When burned, it produces a fragrance similar to marijuana. To identify it, simply rub your fingers on the leaves and the scent will be easily produced.
White sage is mainly found in California, after which the smudge sticks are made by hand. You can choose to use this sage as a base for a collection of herbs, or by itself.
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Blue Sage
Another popular type of sage is blue sage. It has several names from different parts of the world. You can identify it because it is a hardy bush that is mostly found in Southwest America deserts. It is also easy to identify it because it has a lot of blue flowers. That is one of the main white sage vs. blue sage smudging differences.
Its leaves and flowers produce a fragrance that is mainly assimilated to lavender. That means that it has a floral and herbal fragrance.
Some of the main uses of blue sage include healing, cleansing as well as attracting wealth and success. It is quite similar to white sage in many ways. These are the two common types of sage for cleansing. If you want to cleanse your atmosphere and get rid of all the bad odors, you can choose to use blue sage. In fact, if you do not think that white sage has an agreeable scent, you can choose to use blue sage. It might be more suited to your taste.
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Black Sage
Even though black sage is among the popular types of sage, it is used when someone has a specific reason. This type of sage is very strong and is used for a specific reason.
You can identify black sage with ease because its leaves are long and dark green with a silver bottom.
First, the sage helps in encouraging and bringing around visions and dreams. The sage purpose is mostly concerning the connection with the inner self. It is a sage that is mainly used when you try to reconnect with yourself for one reason or the other.
The second reason, which is associated with the first, has to do with a good night. You will have a peaceful, restful, and satisfying sleep when you burn black sage. It is also connected to astral travel by those who have more knowledge about its uses. (For more info about black sage read this article).
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Lavender Sage
This is one of the types of sage that has a beautiful scent. Even though the name might make it seem like this sage is related to lavender, it is not the case. The similarity in the names is mainly because of their appearance. They are quite similar when you consider the flowers and the leaves.
You will mostly find Lavender sage in California along the coast since it flourishes in the sun. It features green and round leaves that are almost like the common sage. You will also notice that it grows purple flowers that are similar to lavender flowers.
You can burn lavender sage by itself or combine it with other herbs. Its main purpose is to provide tranquility, peace, and calmness in your space. Most people believe that it reduces anxiety and anger because it has a certain sedating property. If you need a more effective balance, we recommend that you combine it with other herbs, including white sage.
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Dakota Sage
When it comes to popularity, Dakota sage is not the most popular type of sage and you will not find it in most sage sticks. It is not commonly used as much as other variants of sage. Even so, it grows over a large area of land; from Dakota to Louisiana.
You will have a very easy time gathering this herb without help, especially if you are looking for a legitimate collection of smudge herbs.
This herb has such a good fragrance that it is a great choice if you want to eradicate any bad odors in your house.
It is not easy to identify Dakota sage since it features an appearance almost like Desert sage. The only difference is that it does not have an obvious appearance.
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Desert Sage
The fragrance produced by the desert sage is quite different from other sage types. You will not some pepper hints in the aroma, coupled with the standard herbal aroma.
Imagine a desert plant. Desert sage has a similar appearance. Its leaves are not only thin but also branched. They are also a brown color on top of green color.
What can you use desert sage for? Desert sage has properties that make it best for purification, protection, as well as cleansing spaces. What’s more, it is a good choice if you want to increase your inner positivity and strength.
When you use desert sage, you will notice that it calms down your headaches and reduces anxiety greatly. It is a great option for relief and can be used together with other herbs. It particularly works best when combined with a white sage base. When burnt alone, the scent it produces can be stronger than you would expect.
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Floral Sage
If you are looking for types of sage for cleansing, you should consider floral sage. This is sage combined with different herbs and flowers so that it gets more benefits and properties. You can customize the sage you are burning by combining it with flowers such as lavender or rose.
On most occasions, white sage is used for such a combination. With white sage as the base, you will be able to cleanse and purify your space or your home and get the benefits of the additional herbs.
When you add lavender incense, for instance, you will get good rest and a great peaceful night. If you choose to include rose, you enjoy self-appreciation, as well as positivity on top of the cleansed energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What type of sage is best for smudging?
The best sage for smudging should have a lot to do with purity. White sage is the popular type of sage commonly used for smudging. It features a heavy and strong presence that will easily eradicate all negative energy around you.
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Is purple sage good for smudging?
There are several types of sages associated with smudging and cleansing spaces. Purple sage is among the common types preferred for smudging. It is associated with clearing out negative energy and attracting positivity.
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Is cooking sage and burning sage the same? Can I use culinary sage for smudging?
There is a huge difference between cooking and burning sage. Types of sage for cleansing have dry leaves, which are burnt to produce smoke, which is essential in smudging practices. This is mainly for cleansing rituals.
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Can you use Mexican sage to smudge?
Several types of herbs are used in smudge sticks, including sweet grass and Mexican sage. In fact, it is among the most popular types of sage used in traditional rituals. If you have not tried it before, we recommend that you give it a try.
Also, read:
- Is it Okay to Burn Sage Every Day?
- How Do You Smudge With Incense Sticks?
- Can You Smudge In An Abalone Shell?
In Conclusion…
Burning sage is a practice that has been around for many years. Over the years, people have forgotten some of the different types of sage for smudging used in traditional rituals. So, what are the different types of sage?
We have covered the most popular types of sage to burn. Now, you will identify the best smudge for you; one that provides specific benefits. You will also be able to identify the smudge herbs you should put together for a smudging ritual. Have fun trying the new combinations.
