Science of Smudging
Tina Gilson
October 02, 2025
Smudging is an ancient practice most often involving the burning of herbs or other plant matter to purify and cleanse negative energy that may be attached to a person or a place. Smudging can also be used to clear a person or space of negative thoughts, feelings, or past trauma, helping to restore balance. Some believe the smoke attaches to negative energy and dissipates as the smoke clears.
There are other benefits of smudging that go beyond clearing negative energy and entities, however. There are mental and physical health benefits as well.
There is strong evidence that some of the compounds in white sage activate certain brain receptors, which can elevate mood and reduce stress. For those struggling with sleep issues, burning sage has been effectively used by some people to ward off negative energy that interferes with sleep. There is some research that suggests some compounds in certain species of sage may help ease insomnia. Smudging can support mindfulness when used in a spiritual ritual, as it can help center the mind and create a sense of calm and clarity, especially when done with intention.
Smudging is often associated with spiritual practices, but did you know scientific research has identified potential health benefits associated with the smoke from certain plants, particularly sage? It has anti-microbial and antibacterial properties that may help fight infectious bacteria, viruses, and fungi. A 2007 study found that medicinal smoke, including sage, could reduce airborne bacteria by up to 94% within an hour. The air remained purified for up to 24 hours in a closed room, and seven strains of disease-causing bacteria that had previously been present in the room could no longer be detected as long as 30 days later.
The authors of the study from the National Botanical Research Institute in India wrote, We have demonstrated that using medicinal smoke it is possible to completely eliminate diverse plant and human pathogenic bacteria of the air within a confined space.
Sage has also been proven to be an effective insect repellent, as well as a powerful anti-septic and anti-inflammatory agent when taken internally in medicinal form.
Inhaling smoke of any kind can be harmful to the lungs. It is crucial to use smudging in a well-ventilated area, especially for people with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
Smudging with white sage in particular brings some concerns of cultural appropriation. While it is most commonly associated with Indigenous people of North America, there is evidence indicating many other cultures have engaged in this practice as well. It is important to be mindful and respectful of cultures in which this is a sacred practice. For those concerned about cultural appropriation or respiratory effects, many alternative practices for cleansing a space exist, such as using sound, other herbs, or cleansing sprays. Consumers are advised to purchase herbs from ethical and Indigenous-owned sources or to grow their own alternatives, in part due to ethical reasons, in part due to over-harvesting.
Explore how smudging and sage can improve your life.
Sacred Spirit Wellness is located at The Healing Hive, 21 Barton Street in Bradford, VT. They can be reached via email at sacredspiritwellness1@gmail.com, on their Facebook page or www.sacredspiritwellness.com
There are other benefits of smudging that go beyond clearing negative energy and entities, however. There are mental and physical health benefits as well.
There is strong evidence that some of the compounds in white sage activate certain brain receptors, which can elevate mood and reduce stress. For those struggling with sleep issues, burning sage has been effectively used by some people to ward off negative energy that interferes with sleep. There is some research that suggests some compounds in certain species of sage may help ease insomnia. Smudging can support mindfulness when used in a spiritual ritual, as it can help center the mind and create a sense of calm and clarity, especially when done with intention.
Smudging is often associated with spiritual practices, but did you know scientific research has identified potential health benefits associated with the smoke from certain plants, particularly sage? It has anti-microbial and antibacterial properties that may help fight infectious bacteria, viruses, and fungi. A 2007 study found that medicinal smoke, including sage, could reduce airborne bacteria by up to 94% within an hour. The air remained purified for up to 24 hours in a closed room, and seven strains of disease-causing bacteria that had previously been present in the room could no longer be detected as long as 30 days later.
The authors of the study from the National Botanical Research Institute in India wrote, We have demonstrated that using medicinal smoke it is possible to completely eliminate diverse plant and human pathogenic bacteria of the air within a confined space.
Sage has also been proven to be an effective insect repellent, as well as a powerful anti-septic and anti-inflammatory agent when taken internally in medicinal form.
Inhaling smoke of any kind can be harmful to the lungs. It is crucial to use smudging in a well-ventilated area, especially for people with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
Smudging with white sage in particular brings some concerns of cultural appropriation. While it is most commonly associated with Indigenous people of North America, there is evidence indicating many other cultures have engaged in this practice as well. It is important to be mindful and respectful of cultures in which this is a sacred practice. For those concerned about cultural appropriation or respiratory effects, many alternative practices for cleansing a space exist, such as using sound, other herbs, or cleansing sprays. Consumers are advised to purchase herbs from ethical and Indigenous-owned sources or to grow their own alternatives, in part due to ethical reasons, in part due to over-harvesting.
Explore how smudging and sage can improve your life.
Sacred Spirit Wellness is located at The Healing Hive, 21 Barton Street in Bradford, VT. They can be reached via email at sacredspiritwellness1@gmail.com, on their Facebook page or www.sacredspiritwellness.com
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