January 18, 2021
At Lotus Petals Therapy, we source our sage from vendors and producers that harvest the plant using sustainable methods. More recently, we decided to donate a portion of our profits to the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe, located in my ancestral hometown in North Carolina. Although we test and sample nearly all of the products we sell, this decision had a much deeper source.
Smoke cleansing with sage has become a popular wellness practices which involves purifying or cleansing the home or body of negative energy or harmful bacteria. However, the term smudging actually originates with the indigenous tribes of North America, whom until 1978, were subject to imprisonment for performing the sacred ceremony associated with the herb.
In 1892, the Rules for Indian Courts basically made it illegal for Native American tribes to smudge and perform other religious ceremonies in the United States. And, it wasn't until the American Indian Religious Freedom Act (AIRFA) was passed in 1978 that indigenous tribes were allowed to "exercise their traditional religions" and were granted "the freedom to worship through ceremonials and traditional rites."
Now the act of smoke cleansing -- itself -- is not inherently spiritual and many other cultures or non-natives have adopted the practice. However, the ceremonies associated with "smudging" are sacred to a group whose practice was previously oppressed, so we have updated our ads to include other ways for you to use the herb.
Research has reported the following benefits of using or burning sage:
- Cleansing the air of bacteria,
- Reducing inflammation,
- Improving your mood and
- Repelling insects.
Caution when burning sage: Unlike a candle, sage is partially extinguished and the smoke allowed to smolder. However, just like a candle, caution should also be exercised:
- Never leave burning sage unattended and always leave a window open.
- Adverse reactions can occur with people with asthma and other respiratory conditions.
- Inhaling directly smoke can be hazardous to your health.
Required legal disclaimer: The information provided here is be used for educational purposes only and should not be construed as or a substitute for the medical advice of your healthcare provider.
Personal donations: If you would like to donate directly to the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe, go to https://waccamaw-siouan.org/donate).
Sources: Mohsen Hamidpour, Rafie Hamidpour, Soheila Hamidpour, Mina Shahlari, Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Medicinal Property of Sage (Salvia) to Prevent and Cure Illnesses such as Obesity, Diabetes, Depression, Dementia, Lupus, Autism, Heart Disease, and Cancer, Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, Volume 4, Issue 2, 2014, Pages 82-88, ISSN 2225-4110, https://doi.org/10.4103/2225-4110.130373 (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2225411016302206)
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