
Folklore and history
The Native Americans used White Sage as a flavoring in their food and as a medicinal plant, they also used it to make "smudge sticks," a kind of incense. Sage leaves were bundled together, then burned - the idea being that the resulting smoke drove away evil spirits and purified anyone who was present. Traditional Algonquian First Nations culture used smudge sticks when sending prayers to the Great Spirit..
Typical use
Sage can be bundled together and tied at the bottom around the stalks, creating a smudge stick, this is then lit and used in cleansing ritual, feathers are often used to direct the smoke appropriately. It can also be placed on charcoals traditionally in a shell and then allowed to burn, releasing the purifying smoke.
Precautions
None known.