Smudging.

Date: Sun, 31 Dec 1995 09:29:33 -0500
Sender: HERB.TREARNPC.EGE.EDU.TR
From: Barbara Howser <howser.UTARLG.UTA.EDU>
Subject: smudging herbs

I have been reading with interest and curiosity the messages about smudging herbs. Pardon my ignorance, but what is smudging and how does one do this? What kind of equipment, etc. is needed.

I especially became interested after reading Howie Brounstein's exchange with others regarding Artemisia tridentata.

Can someone recommend a good reference source on smudging herbs?

From: Robert Seidel <RSYES.AOL.COM>

Smudging is used by Native Americans as a tool for purification. By burning the various herbs an allowing the smoke to permeate the room or surround you in a cloud.

Generally you'll find individual or combos of Sweetgrass (with characteristic coumarin-vanilla like aroma, Cedar leaf (green and looking like arborvitae and sage (tridentata) tiny leaf with three dentations at the tip as the name implies.

Aromatherapy at its best

From: Dale Kemery <DalePK.AOL.COM>

>I have been reading with interest and curiosity the messages about smudging herbs. Pardon my ignorance, but what is smudging and how does one do this? What kind of equipment, etc. is needed.

You'll probably get a number of replies on this, but since I think I started the subject some weeks ago, I'll try answering your questions. Smudging is a Native American practice (although other cultures may use it too) of using herbs--usually some form of sage--to purify an area as a sacred space. Some people have reported very positive effects using smudges to eliminate stubborn odors. Others say smudges are an aid to spiritual purification, i.e., driving out negative entities.

Smudge sticks are just bundles of herbs tied tightly with fine thread. The tying permits the stick to smoke without burning, and it's the smoke that's desirable. It's also possible to toss the herb onto smoldering charcoal plugs (not the kind you cook with) to achieve the same effect, although in this instance the herbs glow and release smoke.

> Can someone recommend a good reference source on smudging herbs?

No help here. Perhaps someone else--possibly Howie--will have some suggestions, although you might want to check out "Mother Earth Spirituality" by Ed McGaa, Eagle Man. The book contains details about many Indian ceremonies, the rituals and the tools. I haven't read it completely yet so I can't vouch for all the contents, but it does list sage as one of the items for use inside sweat lodges. I suspect it might contain other uses as well.