Can Burning Sage Actually Clean The Air And Improve Your Health?
Whether the season is summer, spring, fall or winter, it is a good idea to clean the air in your home regularly to get rid of germs and all the other unhealthy things you don’t want your family and pets to inhale. I personally despise those “odor eliminating” sprays and perfumes. To me, they:
1) leave your room smelling like a cross between bad perfume and dirty trash
2) are full of chemicals
3) don’t actually kill bacteria but just mask the sense of which you are not only breathing in the bacteria int eh air it didn’t kill, but also now the chemicals those prays give off.
One way of cleaning the air around you is by burning sage. This practice has been around for hundreds of years, but many people have discounted it in the past as an old wive’s tale. However, recent research has proven that you can actually clear bacteria from the air simply by burning sage (aka: smudging).
How Does It Work?
Unlike chemical air “purifiers” that only mask the smells in the air, sage is 100% natural and will not cause allergic reactions for people with scent sensitivities. It also smells great! The research found that the smoke needs about an hour to cleanse the air. So make sure you burn enough sage a couple to last that long.
Research has proven burning sage removes a whopping 94% of bacteria in the air! 24 hours later after the test, the researchers found the air was still clean. The practice of smudging is when you take a bunch of dried sage, twist it into a stick shape, then light one end of the “stick” on fire and then blow it out. Or you can get a deep ceramic bowl and place 1/4 cup of loose dried sage, light it then CAREFULLY blow it out – BE CAREFUL IF BLOWING OUT LOOSE SAGE THAT YOU DON’T BLOW AWAY THE SAGE LEAVES ALL OVER THE HOUSE. The resulting smoke “smudges” the air in the room and the properties in the smoke kill most of the existing bacteria in the air. White sage is preferred and it must be dried (not fresh like you buy in the grocery store in the refrigerated section).
Why Should I Care About Clean Air In My Home?
The primary concerns for clean air are health related. Poor air quality can cause:
• asthma
• coughing
• respiratory infections
• headaches
• dizziness
• fatigue
• lung cancer
• heart problems
The chronic health issues above happen as a result of long term exposure to polluted and bacteria infected air. However, some of the health issues you or your family are currently experiencing could be a result of the poor air quality in your home. Burning sage is a cost effective and natural way to clean the air without chemicals. And remember, you aren’t just masking the air smell, you are eliminating it as well as killing off bacteria! You may not even smell anything in your home, that doesn’t mean bacteria isn’t’ present.
Where can I find a sage stick?
You should be able to find them at your local natural food store or essential oils store. I got mine from a local middle eastern store in the spice section (jsut make sure it’s dried). I’ve also listed some resources below.
Amazon
Walmart
Shaman’s Market
Tao’s Herb Co.
Sprouts in the vitamin / personal health section
How much dried sage should I have to try this?
You will need about a fistful of sage to try the smudging method. Think of it as 2 servings of spaghetti and measure it the same way with your hand.
Is it safe for my kids and pets?
Burning sage herb is safe for both kids and pets. Your pet may not like being in the same room since their sense of smell is much more sensitive than ours, but it will not harm them.
