White California Sage

Price is for one stick.

A hand-tied bundle of white sage (Salvia apiana), the silver-leaved sage of the California coast. Its dried leaves are bound tightly with cotton thread, so the bundle burns slowly and evenly, giving a clean, strongly herbal smoke with a light, sweet edge.

Quick facts

• Plant: white sage, Salvia apiana
• Aroma: clean, strongly herbal and slightly sweet
• Form: hand-tied smudge stick, bound with cotton thread
• Sold as: one stick
• Reusable: can be put out and relit over several sessions

How white sage is traditionally used

• Burned to cleanse a home, especially when moving into a new space
• Lit before puja, meditation or yoga to prepare the room
• Used to cleanse crystals and malas by passing them through the smoke
• Part of a thorough clean, burned after the dusting and sweeping are done

Many find its clean, herbal smoke refreshing, and the ritual of lighting it a calming way to begin.

How to burn a white sage stick

1. Hold the bundle at a 45-degree angle and light the tip with a match or candle.
2. Let it catch for about 20 seconds, then gently blow out the flame so the tip glows.
3. Walk slowly through the room, letting the smoke reach the corners, doorways and windows.
4. To finish, press the glowing tip into a heat-proof dish of sand or soil until it stops smoking.

Safety: Burn over a heat-proof dish in a well-ventilated room, keep away from children and pets, and never leave it unattended. Make sure the tip is fully out before you store it.

Frequently asked questions

What is white sage?

White sage (Salvia apiana) is a shrub with pale, silvery leaves. Bundles of its dried leaves, called smudge sticks, are among the most widely used herbs for cleansing a space.

What does white sage smell like?

Clean and strongly herbal, with a slightly sweet, resinous edge. Its smoke is stronger than that of palo santo.

How long does one stick last?

Because you burn it for a few minutes at a time and then put it out, one stick lasts for several cleansings, depending on how long you burn it each time.

White sage or palo santo: which should I choose?

White sage gives a stronger, herbal smoke suited to a thorough cleanse, such as a new home or after a deep clean. Palo santo gives a sweeter, gentler smoke that many prefer for everyday use. Many people keep both.

How should I store it?

Keep it in a dry place, away from damp and direct sunlight, so the leaves stay dry and the bundle stays tight.

Note: We neither guarantee, nor claim any of the said benefits. These are points which are known in spiritual circles, and customers should use their discretionary power to decide on the benefits.