Smudging is a practice that has been used for centuries in many cultures around the world, especially by indigenous peoples in North America.
It involves burning sage and other herbs to purify the air, cleanse spaces, and remove negative energy. While it has long been considered a spiritual or ritualistic practice, modern science is beginning to uncover the tangible benefits of smudging when it comes to cleaning the air of harmful bacteria and other microbes.
But is there any scientific evidence to back up these ancient claims? In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating science behind smudging and find out exactly what sage does to bacteria in the air.
What is Smudging?
Smudging is the ritualistic burning of sage (usually white sage) and other herbs like cedar, sweetgrass, or lavender.
This practice is typically performed using a bundle of dried sage leaves, called a smudge stick, which is lit and allowed to produce smoke.
The smoke is then gently wafted through the air using a feather or hand, while intentions of cleansing or healing are set.
The aromatic smoke produced by burning sage has long been believed to have purifying properties, and practitioners of smudging often use it to cleanse homes, objects, or even people.
But beyond the spiritual and psychological benefits, does burning sage have any measurable impact on the physical environment?
The Science of Smudging: What Sage Does to Bacteria
Recent research suggests that there may indeed be scientific evidence to support the idea that smudging can help purify the air.
One study, published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2007, examined the effects of burning medicinal herbs, including sage, on airborne bacteria.
The Study: Air Purification with Medicinal Herbs
The research study, led by Dr. Narendra Singh and his team, investigated the antimicrobial potential of burning traditional medicinal herbs. The researchers wanted to determine whether the smoke from these herbs, including sage, could actually reduce the number of airborne bacteria and other pathogens.
