When people think of aromatherapy, essential oils like lavender and patchouli usually come to mind. However, indigenous Native American Indians and many other traditional cultures around the world have used another type of aromatherapy for hundreds of years. Smudge stick sounds like something you would use to apply eye makeup with, but “smudging” is actually a method of aromatherapy employed by burning herbs, like dried sage or lavender, throughout a dwelling.
Some Native Americans believe the smoke created by burning some herbs has a cleansing affect, as well as cognitive, emotional and physical benefits. Some even believe “smudging” can act as a messenger to energies and realities beyond conscious comprehension and understanding. Just as many take a hot bath to refresh and relax their bodies, dedicated smudgers burn sage or sweetgrass to treat depression, anger, fear, grief and anxiety.
Smudge sticks can be found at many specialty health stores. To begin smudging use matches or a candle to light the stick, and blow on the flame to put out the fire. Let the smudge stick smolder. Once the smoke begins to fill the air, fan it towards the body. If you are allergic to smoke and feel you can not get the benefits of smudging, you can use a diffuser to achieve the same results without the smoke. You can use any essential oil to achieve the benefit you want.