Spring is usually thought of as cleaning season — and as we inch closer to it, I’ve got renewal and organization on my mind. One of my favorite ways to honor the shifting seasons and welcome in fresh energy is with smudge sticks.
Smudging is a simple yet powerful ritual that involves burning bundles of dried herbs and flowers, bound with twine. The smoke is said to purify the air, clear out stale energy, and bring a little harmony into your space. Plus, it’s a lovely way to use up leftover herbs from that viral recipe you tried last week — you know the one.
Smudge sticks have roots in Native American ceremonial practices, traditionally made with sage to bless people, homes, and sacred places. Today, while honoring those origins, you can craft your own blends with herbs and flowers that speak to you.
For this herb bundle, I’m using a mix of sage, lavender, rosemary, and rosebuds — a fragrant, grounding quartet that smells like spring itself. The sage gives it that earthy depth, lavender soothes, rosemary sharpens, and the rosebuds… well, they’re a touch of beauty and heart.
Just bundle, tie, let dry, and when you’re ready, light the tip, gently blow it out, and let the smoke wander.
What is Smudging?
Smudging is one of those simple rituals that feels like magic the moment you try it. You light a bundle of herbs—usually white sage, maybe rosemary or a little lavender—and let the smoke drift softly through the air. It curls around doorways, slips into corners, and somehow makes the whole space feel… lighter. Clearer. Quieter.
The practice comes from Native American traditions, where smudging was—and still is—used to cleanse, protect, and bless. But here’s the wild part: modern science is starting to catch up. A 2007 study found that burning medicinal herbs like sage can actually remove bacteria from the air. Like, 94% gone after just an hour. And that purified feeling? It can linger for up to 24 hours. Turns out grandma’s smoky old bundle knew a thing or two.
But for me, smudging isn’t just about science or ceremony—it’s about feeling grounded. It’s what I reach for when the house feels heavy, when my thoughts are tangled, or when I just need a moment to breathe and reset. Some days, the smoke feels like a deep sigh. Other days, it’s a fresh start.
Choose Your Herbs
Smudging isn’t just about smoke—it’s about what’s in the bundle. Different herbs bring different energy, so what you choose depends on what you need.
Some of my go-to herbs:
- White Sage – The classic. Clears heavy, stuck energy and creates space.
- Rosebuds, lavender tips, and rosemary sprigs – These pair beautifully with sage. Rose for heart healing, lavender for calm, and rosemary for clarity and protection.
- Cedar – Grounding and protective. Like a reset for your space.
- Frankincense – Resin with a sacred, focused energy. Great for setting intentions.
- Eucalyptus – Clean, bright, and invigorating.
- Sweetgrass – Burn after sage to invite in light, positive energy.
- Juniper – Woodsy, fresh, and protective.
You can also work in myrrh, palo santo, lemon balm, bay leaves, thyme, cinnamon, or spruce depending on the mood or season.
DIY Sage, Lavender + Rosemary Smudge Stick
There’s something really satisfying about making a smudge stick by hand — it’s simple, grounding, and kind of magical. And let’s be honest, it smells amazing. Whether you’re clearing out stale vibes, marking a new beginning, or just want your space to feel a little more you, this herbal bundle is a great way to do it.
What You’ll Need:
- Fresh (or semi-dried) sage
- A few sprigs of rosemary
- Lavender, ideally still on the stem
- Dried rosebuds or a handful of petals
- Cotton twine (go natural — no synthetic stuff)
- A pair of scissors or garden snips
If you can pick these from your own garden, even better. But if not, check out local farmers’ markets or herb shops. And when you gather your herbs, take a second to be present — offer a quick thanks. It’s a little thing, but it sets the tone.
How to Make It:
1. Prep your herbs.
Strip the lower leaves from your sage and rosemary, about an inch or two from the bottom. Trim all the stems to around 6–8 inches so they’re similar in length. Lay them out where you can see everything — it makes arranging easier.
2. Build your bundle.
Start layering your herbs like a small bouquet. A few sprigs of sage, some rosemary, a bit of lavender in the middle, and rosebuds near the top or sides for color. Try to face most stems in the same direction to make wrapping easier.
3. Wrap it with twine.
Cut about 3 feet of cotton twine. Tie a knot at the base of your bundle, leaving a little extra length for hanging if you like. Wrap the twine in a spiral up to the top, keeping it snug. Then wrap it back down in a crisscross pattern and tie it off securely at the bottom.
Tip: Wrap it tighter than you think you need — herbs shrink as they dry. Give the bundle a little trim if anything’s sticking out.
4. Dry it.
Hang your smudge stick upside down in a sunny, dry place with good airflow. You can also set them aside on a mesh tray, drying rack, or paper towel in a cool, dry, well-ventilated spot. After about two to three weeks, it should feel dry and crisp to the touch — that’s when it’s ready.
5: Use it.
When fully dry, light the tip, gently blow out the flame, and let the smoke drift. Fan it through your space, especially into corners and around doorways, as part of your cleansing ritual.
When to Smudge
Smudging isn’t something you have to do — it’s something you get to do when it feels right. A lot of people like to smudge before or after things like meditation, yoga, journaling, or any kind of healing work. It’s also a great reset button after a tense conversation, when you’re settling into a new space, before a big event, or anytime your home feels a little “off.”
You can do it daily, once a week, or just when your gut says it’s time. And if it’s not your thing, that’s totally fine too. Smudging is a personal ritual — no pressure, no rules.
How to Smudge
Start by setting an intention. Nothing fancy — just get clear on what you want to clear out and what kind of energy you want to bring in.
Light the tip of your smudge stick with a lighter or candle. Let it catch fire for a second, then gently fan it until it’s just smoking. You’re aiming for glowing embers, not an open flame.
Start with yourself. Wave the smoke around your body from head to toe — front, back, and sides. This helps clear your energy before you move on to your space.
If you’re smudging a room, begin in the farthest corner and work your way toward the nearest window or door. Hit the corners, around furniture, and inside closets — anywhere energy might collect. Think about what you’re letting go of, and what you’re inviting in.
Smudging another person? Start near their heart, move up to the head, then slowly sweep down the rest of the body. If you know about chakras, you can spend a moment at each one. When you’re done, clear the room again to move any leftover energy out.
When you’re finished, set the smudge stick on a fireproof surface like a ceramic plate or bowl of sand. Let it burn out on its own or gently press the tip down to stop the smoke. Don’t use water — it can ruin the bundle.
Store it somewhere dry, clean, and out of reach of pets or little hands — a shelf with your favorite keepsakes works great.
DIY Sage, Rosemary & Lavender Smudge Sticks
Ingredients
- 10 rosebuds or lavender sprigs (or a mix) 8
- About 30 sprigs of fresh herbs (sage, rosemary, thyme recommended)
- Cotton twine (natural only)
Instructions
- Trim herbs and flowers to 6–8 inches. Keep lengths consistent for a neat wrap.
- Create two bundles by dividing herbs evenly, placing sturdier stems in the center.
- Cut twine about 3–4 times the bundle length. Tie firmly at the base of each bundle.
- Wrap tightly, spiraling up the bundle, tucking in any loose sprigs. Wrap back down in a crisscross and secure at the base.
- Tidy the ends, trimming excess twine and any wild edges for a clean look.
- Dry flat or hang in a ventilated, shaded spot for at least 2 weeks or until fully crisp.
- To use, light the tip, blow out the flame, and let the smoke drift gently.
- Cleanse your space room by room, moving clockwise and fanning smoke into corners, doorways, and windows.
- Extinguish safely in sand or on a ceramic dish. Let dry before storing or reusing.
