Japanese incense is very ancient and dates back to about 538CE. It has a long history and came to Japan from China, along with Buddhism. From that time incense has become an important facet in the Japanese culture. At the beginning it was only imported from china but after some years Japan started to make its own Incense. There are many current incense companies in Japan who exist since more than 300 years.

The following are the main ingredients in Japanese incense Agarwood, Sandalwood, Borneo Camphor, Benzoin, Frankincense, Clove, Star Anise, Rhubarb, Cinnamon, Licorice, Patchouli Many other ingredients are also used in Japanese incense. They are chosen either for their scent or properties in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Most ingredients for Japanese incense come from India and South-East Asia.

Agarwood and sandalwood are some of the two most important ingredients. Agarwood is called jinkō in Japan, which translates as “incense that sinks in water,” due to the weight of the resin in the wood. It is currently on the list of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

Sandalwood is one of the most calming incense ingredients and lends itself well to meditation. The most valued sandalwood comes from Mysore in the state of Karnatakain India, where it is endangered.

Another important ingredient in Japanese incense is kyara. Kyara is one kind of agarwood Japanese incense companies divide agarwood into six categories depending on the region obtained and properties of the agarwood. Kyara is currently worth more than its weight in gold.

Makkō is another ingredient used in Japanese incense. Makkō actually just translates as “incense powder.” The incense powder that is normally being referred to is called tabu no ki . Makko is used to bind the ingredients together. It is remarkable for being able to bind ingredients while having little scent of its own.

Baieidō was established in 1657 in Sakai City and is the oldest company in Japan. Shōeidō was established in 1705 in Kyoto Japan. Both Baieido and Shoyeido are used extensively by Zen Buddhist temples, both in Japan and worldwide. Nippon Kōdō was established by incoporation in New York City in August 1965 and is the largest seller of Japanese incense worldwide. Most of their incense is “Everyday” quality. They do make some “Traditional” incense as well. These three are the major exporters of Japanese incense.

Currently, 70% of all of Japan’s incense is manufactured on a small island south of Osaka called Awaji Island. The history extends back to 1850 in Ei of the city of Awaji in 1850 when Senshuu Sakai manufacturing technology was introduced. At the time, Ei was a military run trade port for the Tokushima Clan, which opened the door to the import and sale of raw materials used in making incense. Over time, the incense made in Awaji Island became renowned throughout Japan. The main reason incense manufacturing took root in Awaji Island is because of its nishi-kaze (west wind). This strong seasonal wind hampers the fishing industry, giving rise to the necessity for cottage industries such as incense making. This wind is also great for drying incense.

Kyūkyodō, Kunmeidō, and Kōkandō also sell some incense overseas. It may be difficult to find the other brands outside of Japan. There are numerous other incense makers in Japan, of course. These are the either the major sellers or the oldest companies in Japan.

Kōdō is the Japanese art of appreciating incense, and involves using incense within a structure of codified conduct. Though it is counted as one of the three classical arts of refinement, it is relatively unknown amongst modern Japanese people. Kōdō includes all aspects of the incense process – from the tools, which, much like tools of the tea ceremony, are valued as high art, to activities such the incense-comparing games kumikō and genjikō.

There have been many instances when people feel uneasy about a place and or a new home. There are many negative energies and unclean atmosphere in some areas. Native Americans have been using locally found herbs to cleanse the place and cleanse themselves. A bad start of the day or a week can be converted into our favour with the help of smudging. With the proper respect and a sincere attitude, you too can enjoy the benefits and general self-improvement associated with a smudging ceremony.

Sage, cedar, sweetgrass and tobacco are considered as the Four Sacred Herbs by the Native Americans. Sage is found across North America, with white sage being the most potent and gray sage found in many northern areas where the gray will not over-winter. Cedar and sweet grass also are indigenous to this continent. Tobacco can be found in many forms; however for this ceremony Nicotiana Rustica, or a similar dried tobacco leaf, native to America is preferred.

It’s important to set a proper attitude and stage for the ceremony. A recording of Native American flute music may help to focus the thoughts. Set a time where one won’t be interrupted by people, telephones, or other distractions. The early part of the morning can be best to establish good feelings for the rest of the day. If one has had something troubling him throughout the day, perhaps a time late in the evening could help facilitate a relaxed night’s sleep. Some individuals use an elaborately carved smudge bowl, but a simple abalone shell or even a flat rock with a small centre indentation works as well. One may also select a feather to fan the smudge as the herbs are burned.

Sage, is burned to take away any negative lingering surrounding the home or a person. The sage has a strong, spicy aroma and “white sage” is the most concentrated and often used by shaman or a medicine man. It can remove negative thoughts, feelings, or a bad spirit associated with a person or place. Sage is associated with the western direction, and is believed to purify.

Cedar the fresh, piney smell of cedar is familiar to all who live in the North Woods or at higher elevations. The cedar is often gathered by the women of the tribe and is also burned to purify an individual and the area. Cedar refreshes and cleanses your home, your thoughts, and your purpose. It represents the southern direction and the soul. The scent, whether fresh or burned, is refreshing and clean – similar to the purpose of the plant.

Sweetgrass is often described as “the hair of Mother Earth.” The three parts of a sweetgrass braid represent the body, mind and spirit. North America is home to several varieties of sweetgrass, whose Latin name is “Hierochlöe odorata.” It may be presented as a gift, woven into baskets, and used to trim quill baskets and mats of birch bark. Sweetgrass, whether burned or fresh, has a wonderful vanilla scent and is thought to bring a positive influence to the area, your thoughts and feelings, and people. It’s said to bring “good spirits” and a happy atmosphere; indeed, sweetgrass’s pleasing scent puts everyone in an upbeat mood. Sweetgrass is associated with the North. As you complete your ceremony, each person should fan the sweet grass smoke, first to the heart, to the mind, around the body and finally, again return the smoke to your heart.

Finally, Native American tobacco (Say-ma) is burned. The tobacco we use was grown by Native Americans in Canada, and is the type found in America when western Europeans first arrived. It has a stronger scent, but is uncontaminated by the chemicals and additives found in cigarettes. If smoked, it is harsher than regular tobacco. Tobacco is associated with the east, and the rising sun. Native Americans believe the scent of this tobacco is pleasing to the Creator, and so will help fulfill the purpose of your smudging ceremony. The tobacco also helps lift your prayers to the Creator.

It’s also customary to lift your smudge bowl, shell, or rock (be sure to use a natural material) to each of the four directions in turn. Focus and concentrate on the meaning of each sacred herb. The order and the routine help to reinforce the venting out of the negative, purification/cleansing, and the bringing in of good thoughts and feelings. Over time and with repetition, you will find this ceremony can help dispel lingering doubts and negativity, and can give you a fresh perspective to begin (or end) your day. It is very peaceful and calming, and you may also find your friends are interested and appreciative of the ritual.

The herbs used in the ceremony may be purchased locally or through on-line sources. Two companies we’ve used with great success are Moscow Hide and Fur out of Idaha, and Redwood City Seed Company of California.

Many people find the Native American spirituality to be positive and uplifting. Their closeness with their environment and belief system was established for thousands of years, before the coming of the modern age and associated problems. This simple smudging ceremony, using natural herbs, is available to all. It is important to approach smudging with respect for the beliefs and customs of Native American people. If available, a tribal elder in the area can be approached for guidance and further information on the smudging ritual.

Sage is a powerful herb and acts as the best medicine for the body. There are number of advantages of using sage and numerous health benefits. Sage Tea is known to have huge relief on the body and help in the process of better functioning of the body. It provides numerous reliefs ranging from psychological to medical conditions. Sage Tea is said to have a powerful impact on people suffering from some specific disease and help in healing them. Some of the problems which can be healed completely with the help of Sage Tea are:

Antiseptic

As Sage has various antiseptic and acerbic qualities, it is considered to be the best for helping in healing and acting as a protective balm. The most common aides for which the Sage Tea is used are for sore throat, other mouth problems, like ulcers, and other gum problems. It is also helpful in treating other diseases like flu and cold. It helps in soothing all the symptoms and therefore aids in the recovery of the problems in the best manner.

Body Fluids and Secretions

Sage tea can either be used as a hot drink or a cold drink. It has a great impact on the body fluids and other secretions. This includes excessive sweating, night sweating conditions which is found in many people.  If one takes cold sage tea then it will help them in increasing the flow of body fluids and can also be helpful in treating delayed periods. These were some of the impacts mainly related to body fluids.

Digestion

People suffering from digestion problems are mostly recommended sage tea as it is the best in helping in proper flow in the body. It stimulates the digestive juices, helps in controlling flatulence, and with the help of all these it has a settling and positive effect on the appetite of a person. Additionally it has many beneficial remedies for people suffering from diarrhoea.

Circulation

There have been many researches on Sage Tea and recently the researchers have discovered that this particular herb can assist those people who suffer from blood disorders mainly in respect of blood circulation. So the consumption of Sage Tea can be really beneficial for the people who suffer from any kind of heart related problems. It helps to reduce the heart disorders to a great extent.

Menopause

Sage Tea is considered to be beneficial for women suffering from menopause. Sage tea helps in reducing the hot flushes that occur during this period of a women’s life. It also helps in reducing the stress level and the feeling of depression which occurs during the change cycle.

Psychological and Mental Relief

Sage has many stimulating properties which help in maintaining a good balance in the body. The stimulating properties of sage in the form of tea act as a tonic and help in fighting many different kinds of psychological and mental problems. The tea stimulates the nervous system and as a result of this it becomes very useful in reducing the stress level depression, and tiredness. It aides proper sleep and helps the person to relax properly.

These qualities of Sage Tea help in improving the brain functions to a great extent and the scientists believe that it may act as the best tonic for later age diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Despite having many benefits and helping in stimulating the metabolism of the body, there are some precautions needed to be taken care off before consuming sage tea. It should never be taken by people who suffer form any kind of allergy or some other conditions. It should be avoided by women who are pregnant or are breast feeding their child. People who suffer from seizures or epilepsy and those who have allergic reactions to these herbs should always avoid these herbs.

Like all the other herbs sage has proved to be beneficial for health and it is a natural remedy for many diseases. It can act as a medicine for many ailments and nervous condition. Just one thing should be kept in mind that one is not in the category of people who are not allergic and don’t fall in the category of people who find it harmful. It is considered as a health drink in many researches. But it is always advised to consult the medical practitioner before consuming them as it could sometimes have adverse medical reactions.

Modern medicines have come in and have their own healing qualities but sage is something which has been around for thousands of years for both medicinal and culinary purposes. The chemicals that are includes in a sage tea are alpha and beta-thujone, cineole, camphor and rosmarinic acid. It also constitutes of flavonoids and tannins. The presence of oils in the sage has its own anticepetic and irritant propoety besides being astringent in nature.

Process to make sage tea

Making a Sage tea is a very easy process which can be done in the following way. Take a 2-3 Tbdsp of crumbled dried sage leaf and put about 2/3 cup of boiling water. After this the bowl needs to be covered and kept in that manner over the stove in a slow flame for 10 minutes. After this keep it aside for at least 5 minutes to simmer and then pour it onto a cup. Addition of honey along with a tbsp of fresh lemon juice can further add to the healing properties of your preparation. This tea preparation can be taken both hot and cold depending on the preference of the individual. But it is important that the usage of tea is done as per required in order to gain the benefits in the right manner.

Applying sage for tension relief

Besides consuming the sage tea soaking a face cloth in the hot sage and applying on a forehead for relieving tension is also another of its use. Also it can be used to be kept over the abdomen for relieving stomach cramps easily. It can also be applied over the soaring and aching joints.

Consumption of Sage tea either hot or cold for twice or thrice a day can gain full benefits to an individual relieving from some diseases and tensions.

Elimination of excess fluids

Sage is also known as a diaphoretic herb that stands for a thing which promotes perspiration and elimination of fluids. This type of quality is good when used during colds or flu. The best thing about this is that it helps in expectorating and sweating out toxins when it is consumed as a hot tea. Consumption of Cold sage often helps in stopping diarrhea. As it contains the property of drying up the excessive fluids cold sage is very good night sweats and as an aid for drying up the milk up when one is wearing a child on breast feeding.

Healing Cuts

Another very great use of Sage is taking facecloth and soaking it in a cold sage tea in order to apply to cuts for speeding up the healing process. In order to treat nasal and lung or sinus congestion a steep sage tea in a bowl can work wonders. One can even use the strained tea as a vaporizer by adding it to the bath for giving the same effect.

Gums or Mouth Problems

If an individual is having problems with a sore gum or problem within their mouths the use of Sage tea and rinsing with it about twice or thrice daily can conclude great results. For the people having soar throats or tonsillitis doing gargle with a hot sage for more than twice a day can also help them get relieve from their throat problems.

Sage tea for you hair

People who have been irritated with the presence of dandruff in their heads usage of sage tea over the hair after using a shampoo can also result in great results. Drinking hog sage is also regarded as very good for indigestion and helps for relaxing the muscle spasms in the digestive tract.

For Diabetics

As per a German study a sage tea when taken in an empty stomach reduces blood sugar levels in cases of diabetics. Consuming hot sage tea for delirium which comes with fevers is also regarded as a useful remedy for liver and the kidney problems.

As seen above sage tea has many beneficial properties and can be a very handy product to be stocked in the house. It has its herbal and medicinal benefits and can be great substitutes for medicines which have some side effects.

Precautions for storage:

There are some precautions to be taken for storage of these herbs. It is necessary to store them in a dark place as heat and light could destroy the essential oils present in it. This reduces the healing properties and benefits of the sage.

In case you havn’t tried a sage and are not aware of the benefits associated with it highly recommended that it should be tried. Once used it would always be used by people given the advantage associated with it.

Smudging is a way of using the smoke from burning herbs as a way to cleanse the body, an object, or a given area of negative influences. It is the use of herbal sage herbs and taking the help of smoke produced by them to remove negative energies.

Smudging is a way of using the smoke from burning herbs as a way to cleanse the body, an object, or a given area of negative influences. One can himself use smudging to “cleanse” crystals before using them in jewellery projects one may do, and for protecting his home from some recent “bad vibe”-producing events. One can imagine that the skilful use of the proper herbs could help in warding and banishing ceremonies as well, if used properly and with reverence. The three most common plant materials used for smudging are sage of all types, cedar, and sweetgrass.

Sage

There are two major genii and several varieties of each genus of Sage that are used for smudging. Salvia, or the herb sage used for cooking, comes in two major varieties: S. Officinalis, commonly known as Garden Sage, and S. Apiana, commonly known as White Sage. Salvia varieties have long been acknowledged as healing herbs, reflected in the fact that its genus name comes from the Latin root word salvare, which is the verb “to heal” or “to save.” Artemisia is the genus commonly considered “Sagebrush,” and is more common in the wilds out here in California. There are two major varieties to the Artemisia genus: A. Californica, or Common Sagebrush, and A. Vulgaris, or Mugwort. There are many other varieties of both Salvia and Artemisia, and all are effective in smudging. Sage is burned in smudging ceremonies to drive out evil spirits, negative thoughts and feelings, and to keep Gan’n (negative entities) away from areas where ceremonials take place. In the Plains Sweatlodge, the floor of the structure is strewn with sage leaves for the participants to rub on their bodies during the sweat. Sage is also used in keeping sacred objects like pipes or Peyote wands safe from negative influence. In the Sioux nation, the Sacred Pipe is kept in a bundle with sage boughs. I would think special crystals could be so protected this way as well.

Cedar

True cedar is of the Thuja and Libocedrus genii. Some Junipers are also called “cedar”, thus complicating things some. Some Juniper varieties ARE cleansing herbs, especially J. Monosperma, or Desert White Cedar. But for smudging, the best is Western Red Cedar and California Incense Cedar. Cedar is burnt while praying to the Great Spirit in meditation, and also to bless a house before moving in as is the tradition in the Northwest and Western Canada. It works both as a purifier and as a way to attract good energy in your direction. It is usually available in herb stores in chipped form, which must be sprinkled over a charcoal in a brazier. I like a piece of charcoaled mesquite for this purpose, rather than the commercial charcoal cake.

Sweetgrass

Very important to the Sioux and Cherokee nations, its botanical name is Hierochloe Oderata. In these tribes, the sweetgrass is braided like hair braids. It could be burnt by lighting the end of it, or by shaving little bits of it onto charcoal in a brazier. Again, use charcoaled Mesquite to burn it, not pressed charcoal tablets. Sweetgrass is burnt after smudging with sage, to welcome in good influences after the bad had been driven out. Sweetgrass is very rare today, and traditional Plains people have been attempting to protect the last of it. Also Pinon pine needles and Copal have similar effect. The three mentioned here are readily available either through gathering yourself or, in the case of copal resin, from any good herb shop.

Using Smudging

Burn clippings of the herb in a brazier…not a shell as some “new age” shamanic circles do…it is an insult to White Painted Woman to do this, especially with the abalone shell which is especially sacred to Her. If the herb is bundled in a “wand”, you can also light the end of the wand that isn’t woody and use that. I like the latter way. Direct the smoke with your hands or with a Peyote wand over the person or thing you wish to smudge. If you can see auras, look for discolored places in the aura and direct the healing smoke towards those places on the patient’s body. For cleansing a house, first offer cedar smoke to the four directions outside the house. Then, take a sage bough and go throughout the inside of the house, making sure the smoke penetrates every nook and cranny of the house. It might help also, if one has a power animal, to visualize his animal doing these things, to also dance your animal, and if one has a power song, to sing that too. Then finally, run through the house with a white candle that is well protected, to “light up” the house. Careful not to burn it down when one does it!!!

Smudging should be done with care, with reverence, and in an attitude of love. Show respect and honor to the plants that Use has given us for our healing, and they will return the favor by keeping us well and free from disease and negative energy. Aloe Vera plants, though not to be burnt, are good for the cleansing angle as well. Keep one or more potted Aloe Veras in the house in organic pots. To honor the plant when you transplant it, sprinkle the roots with corn meal and smudge it with cedar once it is transplanted. The spirit of Aloe Vera is a good protective spirit, and if you burn yourself, can also be used to heal your skin. Be sure to ask the plant’s permission before cutting part of the leaf off for the healing juice. If you don’t, the protective power of the plant will cease, and you will be left with but an inert house plant…and perhaps some bad karma to boot.

People have been using the smoke coming out of herbal incense since ancient times. They use the smoke to cleanse people, places, and objects. It is said that these herbal smokes help in removing negative energy and fill the place with positive energy.

The term Smudging has come into use within contemporary Shamanism and is mainly used by the Native Americans. Native Americans believe that these practises are mostly related to earth and hold huge spiritual appeal. Hence various herbal incenses have come into effect and are commonly termed as smudging. However herbal incense has been used by many different cultures and traditions. It is known as a sacred way to cleanse people and objects with the help of the herbs. This is a very ancient and old practice which is gaining popularity in today’s world.

For example Neolithic, Celtic, Scythian, Norse, Anglo-Saxon and other Germanic peoples are known to have used herbal mixtures which they would throw onto a fire or onto hot rocks within a Sweat Lodge so that they could bathe and purify themselves in the resultant fragrant smoke.

Smudge can be used in two ways either as a bundle of dried herbs which can be held together as twine and blown out to smoulder or else they can be left loose and semi-powdered and burnt on charcoal blocks. Native peoples sometimes take coals from a wood fire, put that into a dish and sprinkle ‘Smudge’ onto those so that it smoulders and smokes. ‘Smudge’ sticks are also sometimes known as ‘Smudge Wands’. The bundles and wands are good, there is a danger of small, smouldering bits falling off onto people, furniture or carpets- most distracting. Whichever way one smudges, do be careful.

The main purpose is to purify one’s self and cleanse the place one is smudging. This makes it clear that smudging helps us to remain connected with the spiritual world and remove the negative energy. Smudging is the best way to drive the negative spirits away and get what one wants in his life. There is a principle that one should only ask for ‘Help & healing’ through ceremony of this kind, and so if you need help with problems, need guidance or direction, or ask for healing for yourself or others, then it is fine to ask the spirits for their help in these ways.

Some of the herbs used in sage mix while smudging are Plains Sage, Cedar, Sweet Grass, or even Lavender. These can be bought commercially, or grown and dried for yourself. Most suppliers of Native American crafts sell Smudge mixtures, and they are easily obtainable. If you as I seek to set such wisdom within the spirit of my own land, you can also use other herbs such as Rosemary, Mugwort and true Sage as they have strong healing and purifying associations, or you can research herbs to use that have been traditionally used in this way in Britain so as to connect with this in good ways.

Smudging is simple and one just needs smudge mix, charcoal discs, some means to ignite charcoal disks that lasts long, a dish on which the burning charcoal can be placed and the most important thing is to have a very good intention of performing the process of smudging. Having gathered all of these things, one simply needs to make himself comfortable, light the charcoal disc and ‘Smudge’.

The best way to start the process of smudging is to offer smoke in all four direction at first. Then offer the smoke to the heaven above and then to the earth below. Then the main process starts as one will need to fan the smoke towards the person who is being smudged. Fan the smoke around the room so that the place where one is performing the process of smudging is also purified. In what order you do this is really a matter of personal predilection- some people smudge the place, then the people, and then make directional offerings, and some prefer to smudge to the directions first. Perhaps if you are new to smudging you might like to try different ways and see what feels right for you. Many people use a special Fan or feather for moving Smudge smoke around as it helps to be able to direct it by fanning.

The smoke produced while smudging is purifying, cleansing as well as healing. Smudging is known to be the best solution for many spiritual and negative disturbances in one’s life. Smudging ceremonies have proved to be helpful and effective in many people’s life. Many people smudge troublesome machinery and suchlike, and indeed once used smudge on someone’s recommendation with a sporadically faulty photocopier- and it worked fine after that! It is a simple ritual itself, its quietness and connectedness helps one, but the fragrant smoke magnifies and focuses that, as well as bringing in spiritual power to help even more.

People who are bereaved and face trouble in relationships or family should try smudging as it brings calmness and balance in life. Many Shamans use smudging as an integral part of more lengthy and complex healing rituals, and indeed it is used in this way by native cultures all around the world.

Smudging can be used to purify some of the simplest objects like shamanic tools, crystals, and many other magical items. If one is really involved in the process of healing then they can simply try to cleanse themselves as well as their tools and places.

Attractiveness is always one factor but we can consider a deal the best one when we get quality product which is unique as well as good looking. At become.com they provide some of the best Asian drawer pulls, hand painted porcelain lamps and padded kitchen mats. The hand painted porcelain lamps has wide variety of stocks and all are unique in their own way. These porcelain lamps help you decorate your homes in the best possible manner and increase the look of your home.

It becomes even better when one can get their desired products online. It helps them to browse all the products which are available online. Finding the perfect gift sometimes becomes difficult but when one gets to search the best available products that too with the user ratings. The padded kitchen mats make the kitchen look attractive and unique and with the huge variety of become.com one can get some of the best rated kitchen mats.

I would  strongly recommend buying your music player at an ipod sale.  Ipod’s are still the best music player on the market, with a sleek design, and an easy user interface that will help your mind stay peaceful while meditating.  I have also used samsung’s music player and found it clunky in comparison.

Enjoy your meditations!

Across cultures the way to use are different along with the benefits and procedures adopted by them. The mixtures and variants and the constituents used also varies with the cultures and regions around the globe.  However all of them have the simple yet great motive of purifying everything which they feel is impure. As per believes it brings a balance in emotional as well as physical surroundings of an individual or a place.

It has been said to have originated from the Native American cultures which is still prevalent from centuries and generations today. In old times the end of the smudge stick or the braid was lit for cooking fire. But as cultures and people have a strict believe of the effects and results of smudging many people still view it from different angles and have their own views regarding them.

Cultural and Rituals being different also involves the usage of herbs being different. There are some common as well as different types of herbs which people use as per their traditions and rituality. The common is the sage, juniper and cedar. Some of the other forms of smudging items are sweet grass and lavender. Some tribes living in the plains today also use pure tobacco in the Southern and Central American regions. All these herbs are used and burnt as per their specified mixtures according to varying traditions across the cultures. All these have different aspects and impacts which people believe in.

Sage which is also known as Artemisia tridentia used in America is actually not the same as the ones which the Europeans use. People at both the places use this as a sacred object which is kept as pipes or peyote wands in order to safeguard against any possible negative influence. At Sioux nation the sacred pipes are kept in a bundle along with the sage boughs.

Smudging a Western Red Cedar also called Thuja occidentalis and the Californian Incense Cedar known as Libocedrus descurrens is regarded as the best across any cultures. At the time of offering prayers to the Great Spirit Cedar is burnt. It is also burnt while meditating by the people in the plains. People in many cultures use to burn this as a traditional approach before they move in to a new house or a place. This sort of a belief is prevalent across Western and Northwest Canada. It is believed that it works as a purifier and an attraction of good energy towards the person carrying out the ritual. Cedar is available in most of the herbs stores in the chipped form which is to be sprinkled over a charcoal in a brazier. People prefer a piece of charcoaled mesquite rather than the use of commercial charcoal cake.

For the Sioux and the Cherokee nation’s sweetgrass is regarded as one of the most important herb. The botanical name of Sweetgrass is Hierochloë odorata. Used by these tribes sweetgrass is braided as a hair braid. It is burnt by lighting the end of it over the charcoal with is shaved little bits. As a ritual sweetgrass is generally burnt after smudging with sage in order to welcome the good influences after all the bad influences gets driven off. However it is very uncommon today and not used by many tribes as a part of smudging.

Some popular elements of the smudging process used by many cultures are:

Bay leaf: It is a traditionally used item for protecting against cold and flu.

Mugwort: It is used for healing, stimulating dreams, divination, etc. It can be burned during the normal course of the rituals being carried forward. Some people also use it before the go off to sleep and on occasions before they start driving.

Funnel: An effective and repelling item used for negative energies and calming of nerves.

Mullien: This is another popular yet effective herb used by tribes for healing emotional trauma which originates from relationships with other people. It also provides protection when one is starting off with a new project. To many people the smoke is a calming and grounding feeling. Some people use it after the process of Mugwort.

Orris Root: It is used by people for burning in combination to Celery seeds and increases psychic concentration and gifts.

Copal: An item used by the Yaqui and has been used since ancient times of the Mayans and Azteca.

Besides the above there are several items which are also used as a part of smudging

process.

As per the tribes and their belief there are several spiritual connections which is associated while the smudging process is carried forward. They create a form of electromagnetic energy or aura which can merge for bringing a balance when carried in the right manner. However if the process is not carried in the right manner there might be an imbalance created.

A smudge as we all know by now is a bundle of magical herbs which is burnt and smoke of which is used to purify places, souls, as well as people. It also develops a energy field around a territory and an individual. The process of smudging can be done for both oneself and others.

Smudging is very popular among the Wiccans in the North American territory. It is a crossover practice in the territory which has been a tradition adopted from the Native American Spirituality. Although Smudging is basically burning of special herbs as a part of ritual processes its a purifying process in nature. The purifying nature has hardly any side effect on the people around it. It therefore is non allergic in nature. However many chemical scents have come up in the markets today and the use of which needs to be avoided. Some of the artificial fragrances available in the market is known to cause serious diseases such as cancer or nerve disorders.

So what’s the procedure for making a smudge stick?

One can buy any premade smudge sticks which includes numerous plants in it. The popular smudges available are sage smudges, and some combinations of things such as sage, lavender, and cedar.

Not in case you want to make it by yourself following the steps below might help you:

Use of harvesting plants

The process needs to be conducted with the right set of knowledge and awareness. One should be sure about their intent and what is the reason they want to smudge for?

One should work along the cycles as each harvesting plant has its own harvesting time. It may be dawn or the night time, Dark Moon or the Full Moon. Thus it is necessary to plant the appropriate plants at their specified time.

The best practice to find the best plant to harvest would be leaving the first plant one sees. The time when a person is harvesting a plant for the purpose of smudging or spirituality or ritual purposes the best way would be ask the plant’s willingness and leave that thanks with an offering.

Moreover this is important for each item that is found in nature that one wishes to use for the purpose of ritual practices. In case one uses an item and does not show respect to it the spirit of the plant gets harmed and resentful. Therefore bringing any such energy for your surroundings is detrimental for ones purpose.

Hence while choosing a herb it should be based in the qualities they have or invoke. For example a sage smudge can clear out negative energies.

Binding of Herbs

Creation of a smudge stick is sorted as a ritual in its own. After harvesting the herbs in a sacred manner then next step is proceeding with the wrapping process.

In order to do so one needs to gather all the materials required for the purpose of sage in a sacred place. Besides the herbs one needs to have scissors and a few threads for wrapping. For many it may seem to be a messy process so one would like to have a sheet or something beneath them while sitting for making the process of cleaning up much easier.

Highly recommended for the thread selection is the natural embroidery or quilting threads as they are thicker. If one takes a thin thread like the sewing threads then they can cut into the herbs rather than binding them to burn easily.

One should also have a sheet made out of cotton, hemp, linen or any other similar material. They should also be uncoloured by the use of dyes. The reason behind this is that people would be burning this and inhaling it so it should be such that it does not pollute the environment. Also it would pollute the energy and your sacred body with polyester or chemical constituents.

In case you get a dyed and natural plant colouring they go for a thread based depending on which colour would be best for the task. For example wrap the herbs with a green grass thread when carrying out the process for health benefits. The moment one wraps the smudge stick one needs to be aware of what energy they are collecting into that. After all it’s a thread that is binding the magic inside the whole bundle. With all respect one should feel the gratitude of the gift which the plant and the Mother Nature have given us. After the bundling task is done its the time to offer prayers and say a blessing as a dedication for the cause the smudging process has been carried out for.

Many people also use the seashells in order to smudge but it is highly recommended of not using it for the said process of smudging. Especially the Abalone shells should never be used. In the markets smudge sticks are often sold along with these Abalone shells for some bizarre reasons. However it is absolutely inappropriate for using that for smudging purposes.

The primary reason for this is that shells are not fire-safe. Moreover another important reason is that Abalone is a sacred item for the Gods and Goddesses. Also these shells are affiliated to water so it’s highly preferred not to disrespect them by putting into fire. And this applies for each and every shell and not only Abalone.