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Purification" is a keyword we hear more and more often.
Along with this, "white sage," which is indispensable for purification, has also been attracting attention.
This is a natural herb that has been used by healers and spiritual people for a long time and has a history dating back at least 1,000 years.
Recently, it has become a popular topic of conversation, with celebrities and executives also favoring its use, and it is increasingly being introduced on TV and in magazines.
Why is white sage useful for purification?
What are its effects and how should we use it?
Here, we would like to explain white sage.
White sage is a type of natural herb that has long been called "a sacred natural herb that purifies the soul.
Smudging with white sage is used in yoga and mindfulness practices, and is increasingly being used when the atmosphere feels stagnant or when one is in a bad mood.
The Language of Flowers and Origin of the Name White Sage
The language of flowers of white sage is "love of family" and "respect. These words express respect for nature and compassion for one's family, which is a flower language that expresses the uniqueness of white sage.
White sage is a close relative of salvia, which has bright red flowers, and is named "white sage" because of its overall whitish hue. The color "white" is also a word that indicates a clean, untainted state. This name is also fitting, as it has the effect of purifying the mind to a pure white state through purification.
The basic information on white sage is as follows.
■Botanical name: White Sage
■Scientific name: Salvia apiana
■Family: Perilla
■genus name: Salvia
■Origin: California, U.S.A.
■Form: A cold-tolerant perennial herb.
■Height: About 2 m
■Sunshine Year-round
The Language of Flowers and Origin of the Name White Sage
White sage, which is now cultivated in many countries around the world, originated as a natural herb growing wild in the vast expanses of California. It is said that the sunny and dry climate was ideal for growing white sage.
Many people find that when they rub the leaves with their hands, they smell a unique medicinal herb-like aroma. That is also true. In the past, white sage was used in various ceremonies and was also used as a medicine. Its antimicrobial action was valuable in removing toxins from the body and regulating the body's internal balance.
An essential part of the story of white sage is its connection to Native Americans. Native Americans are the indigenous people of the United States.
White sage is a natural herb that grows wild in the vast lands of California, but it was the Native Americans who were the first to realize its power.
White sage, which was a sacred purification item
It is said that Native Americans began using white sage before 1000 AD. At this time, daily life was in the great outdoors.
They had the interpretation that "we are part of nature," and believed that they could only live their lives if they respected and coexisted with nature.
Therefore, they came up with the idea of fully utilizing the power of nature.
This is how he came to focus on white sage.
White sage, a pure plant born in the natural world with no toxicity, became an indispensable sacred purification item for them.
They are said to have worshipped nature, plants, earth, air, animals, water, wind, fire, and everything else that exists on the earth.
They believed that spirit resided in these things and that living in harmony with them was the very essence of "life" for them.
Come to think of it, the Japanese believed in eight million deities (yayorozu no kami) and that all things are inhabited by deities. This idea seems to have something in common with the Native Americans.
The Native Americans placed great importance on various ceremonies.
White sage, which grew in the wild, was used in their ceremonies.
They called it "holy herb" or "sacred sage" and used it in ceremonies to invoke spirits and ancestors.
Other herbs such as sweetgrass and juniper were also used, but white sage was believed to have the strongest purifying power among them.
White sage, which was a sacred purification item
So how did Native Americans perform purification?
It was a method called smudging.
Smudge means "to smoke. The smoke from smudging herbs was used to purify the space and land, and to purge away impurities.
There are several methods of smudging, but here is one that is said to have been practiced by Native Americans.
Smudging is considered an important practice for "grounding" (connecting) to Mother Earth. Smudging is a practice to "ground" (connect) to Mother Earth, and therefore utilizes the four elements of "water, earth, fire, and wind" in Native American beliefs.
On top of the shell called "Avalon," which represents "water,
A white sage leaf, which represents "earth," is placed on top of the shell, which represents "water.
Charcoal, or fire, burns the leaves.
Wind is used to create the smoke.
By smudging, we connect with Mother Earth and purify our bodies, minds, and even the Earth with gratitude.
Of course, the "ashes" after burning were also believed to have a purifying effect and were treated as sacred.
What exactly is the purifying effect of white sage?
It is the power to purify "place" and "mind".
Purification of "place"
You have probably felt that when you visit a shrine or power spot, your mind clears and you are surrounded by a sense of clean air.
Also, indoors, we feel good when the sun shines and the air is well-ventilated. This is because sunlight purifies the place and wind carries away stagnant energy.
However, not all places around us are like that. For example, if you spend a lot of time in a shady, poorly ventilated room, you may feel a sense of heaviness.
In such a place, it is difficult to work or relax.
In addition, prolonged exposure to such a place can make one's thinking negative and lead to a loss of mental balance.
This is especially true these days in more and more places such as apartment buildings, which are highly airtight.
People who are busy during the day are often away from their rooms and closed off when the sun is out, and may find it difficult to relax when they return home.
Also, in stores and offices, people may feel indescribably uncomfortable, as if the air is stuffy because of the bad vibes brought in by all kinds of people.
White sage is useful in such situations.
White sage is grown in the full energy of the sun, and the power of the sun and white sage purifies the place and makes you feel refreshed.
Purification of the mind, purification of the sprit
Depending on the day, we may feel down or out of sorts.
When this happens, it may be because we are filled with bad qi.
The reason for this is often unclear, but if we don't deal with the problem as soon as possible, it will become stressful and our mood will tilt more and more toward the negative.
And if such a state continues for a long time, the body will start to complain of illness. The phrase "sickness begins with the mind" is apt to describe this state of affairs.
This is where purification with white sage comes in handy.
Not only does purification dispel the blurred mood, but the fragrance of white sage also awakens the brain and refreshes the mental state.
If you feel uplifted, your motivation will increase and your work efficiency will improve.
It is truly a "feeling of being in the mood".
How to manifest the effects of white sage
What you may be wondering is how the effects appear.
It is meaningless if it takes days or weeks to purify.
But that is not a problem. White sage has a characteristic of being effective quickly, as evidenced by the fact that it was used in ceremonies to purify the place.
Some people even feel that the air has been cleared from the moment of purification with white sage.
There are many ways to express this feeling: "The air is lighter," "My mood is brighter," "My head is clearer," "I feel as if my spirits have been lifted," and so on. These are some of the effects of purification.
Some people also use white sage to purify the area around their beds before going to sleep, which helps them fall asleep faster, get a good night's sleep, or feel more refreshed when they wake up the next morning.
This is one of the manifestations of white sage purification.
There are many ways to use it, so it is good to purify your daily life in a way that suits you and makes your life more comfortable.
Details about the composition of white sage oil are not well-known.
White Sage Oil Gas Chromatography Profile Data
The following data provides a list of the components and quantities that make up the "fragrance" of white sage oil, and shows what kind of fragrance white sage oil is composed of.
| Peak | Compound name | Scent type | Area % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | α-Pinene | Coniferous scent | 1.1% |
| 2 | Camphene | Camphor-like aroma | 0.9% |
| 3 | Beta-Pinene | Coniferous scent | 1.5% |
| 5 | Myrcene | Terpene aroma | 1% |
| 6 | α-Terpinene | Terpene aroma | 0.1% |
| 7 | Limonene | Citrus aroma | 1.5% |
| 8 | 1,8-Cineole | Eucalyptus scent | 27.2% |
| 9 | Cis-β-Ocimene | Terpene aroma | 0.2% |
| 10 | γ-terpinene | Terpene aroma | 0.2% |
| 11 | trans-β-ocimene | Terpene aroma | 0.1% |
| 12 | p-cymene | Terpene aroma with a somewhat medicinal image | 0.6 |
| 13 | terpinolene | terpene aroma | 0.4% |
| 14 | Matsutakeol | Aroma of Matsutake mushroom | 0.1% |
| 15 | Fenkyl acetate | Fruity image for camphor | 0.2% |
| 17 | Camphor | Camphor with camphor scent | 42.1 |
| 21 | Linalool | Suzran-like floral note | 0.4% |
| 22 | Linalyl acetate | Fruity floral | 0.1% |
| 23 | Bornyl acetate | Coniferous scent | 0.2% |
| 24 | Terpinen-4-ol | Spicy lilac-like floral | 4.6% |
| 30 | Lavandulol | Lavender-like herbal scent | 0.8% |
| 31 | β-Kubeben | Weak woody scent | 0.2% |
| 34 | α-terpineol | Lilac-like floral note | 1.4% |
| 37 | Cadina-1,4-diene | Weak woody scent | 0.8% |
| 38 | δ-cadinene | Weak woody aroma | 3.6 |
| 42 | Nerol | Rose floral scent | 0.1% |
| 47 | Geraniol | Rose floral scent | 0.1% |
| 51 | Caryophyllene oxide | Heavy woody scent | 0.3% |
| 52 | Cis-Nerolidol | Floral Notes | 0.2% |
| 54 | Trans-Nerolidol | Floral Notes | 0.1% |
| 60 | Alpha-Bisabolol | Tree scent with sandalwood nuance | 0.1% |
| 62 | tau-cadinol | Woody aroma with a heavy scent | 0.5% |
| 63 | Alpha-Kazinol | Heavy woody aroma | 0.2% |
| 65 | β-Kazinol | Aroma of heavy woody scent | 0.1% |
| 66 | Alpha-Oedesmol | Aroma of heavy woody scent | 0.6% |
| 67 | β-Eudesmol | Aroma of heavy woody scent | 0.2% |
| Test Items | Analysis Results | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Refractive index measurement | 1.4752 | |
| Specific Gravity Measurement | 0.9435 | JIS Z8804:2012 Determination of specific gravity by vibration method |
White sage has high purifying power, but to experience higher effects, you need to choose a high quality product.
Unfortunately, the quality of white sage varies widely.
White sage is purchased dried after harvesting, and the difference depends not only on the cultivation method, but also on the drying method.
To identify the better products, try to look for the following aspects
Selecting White Sage by Shape
White sage is purchased dried and can be classified by shape as follows
Clusters: Leaves only
Loose leaf: stem and leaves attached
Wands (bundles): Loose leaves grouped together with thread.
Basically, you can choose any of these types, but we recommend the loose-leaf type or the wide (bundle) type.
Of course, it is only the leaves that are burned, but the plant distributes nutrients to the leaves through the stems.
Therefore, it is more natural and purifying to dry the stems together.
Some may find it tedious to remove the leaves one by one when smudging, but if you think of it as a time to prepare your mind, the time is worth it.
The wide (bundle) type consists of several loose leaves tied together with thread.
Healers and others may use them as they are for rituals, but generally they are removed from the bundle and used separately.
Choose the one with a clear place of origin.
White sage is now grown in many parts of the world.
If you want to use white sage for purification rather than for ornamental purposes, choose sage grown in good soil and exposed to plenty of sunlight.
For this reason, we can best recommend those from California, where they are native.
Also, if possible, choose those grown organically, as those that have used large amounts of chemical fertilizers or pesticides during the growing process have weakened their purifying power.
Purification should be done with the help of nature.
That is why it is better to use as little as possible that is contrary to nature.
Selecting with a Focus on Freshness
Most white sage purchased in Japan is already dried.
Even so, freshness is important.
No matter how good the environment in which it is dried, the humidity in Japan is so high that it can become moldy.
Also, it is only natural that the purification effect will decrease as the freshness decreases.
This does not mean that there is no problem if you use the product immediately after purchase, but it is also important to know how long it has been in the store since the store purchased it.
If it has been in the store for a long time, or if it has been left in the store for a long time, it does not make sense.
Choosing by vendor
White sage is a whitish green while growing, but it turns white when dried.
Therefore, you may not notice any white mold.
In addition, there may be insect bites, a mixture of unknown origin, and sometimes different leaves mixed in with those sold as loose types.
In addition, they may contain insects.
The best way to avoid buying such things is to buy from a reputable store or vendor.
What are the effects of growing your own white sage from seedlings?
Recently, some people buy seedlings or seeds of white sage and grow them by themselves.
Of course, this is sufficient for ornamental purposes, and when used for purification, it is better than using inferior products.
However, if you want to choose a high quality product for purification, we recommend that you choose an authentic product.
White sage is grown in dry land with plenty of sunlight.
However, Japan is not a good environment for white sage, as the sun is not as strong and the humidity is higher than anything else.
In addition, white sage must be dried before it can be used for smudging.
Natural drying in Japan is not sufficient for this purpose, resulting in mold and premature decomposition.
However, to avoid this, artificial modification is not the way to go.
We recommend that you buy the freshest possible product, preferably from an authentic source.
So where should I buy white sage?
And how should we stock what we purchase?
Generally, it is purchased at a healing item retailer or by mail order.
As mentioned above, a prerequisite for quality purification is to use a reliable store.
You can purchase power stones and healing items from stores that sell them, but be aware that if they are sold too infrequently, they will become dead stock in the store.
If there is no suitable store nearby, it is common to purchase by mail order.
The key to buying by mail order is to choose a store that clearly indicates the place of origin and is selling well.
Be aware that products from stores that are not selling well may be out of date.
Since it does not like humidity, be careful when storing it.
Once you have purchased white sage, you should stock it in the correct manner for proper storage.
No matter how high the quality of the product you purchase, if it is not stored properly afterward, it will deteriorate rapidly. Deteriorated items will also lose their purifying power, so care should be taken.
Most importantly, avoid moisture as much as possible.
Therefore, do not store them in the kitchen or bathroom area.
Also, store them in a sealable container or bag with a zipper, along with a desiccant.
For portions that will not be used immediately, store them where they will not be exposed to direct sunlight.
Then, some people think "just store them in a cool, dark place," but please note that places called cool, dark places in Japan are often poorly ventilated and humid.
It may also be important not to purchase large quantities just because they are cheap in the first place.
Now it is time to explain how to purify with white sage.
To increase the effectiveness of purification, it is recommended to place yourself in a clean environment.
After we have finished our day's work or various activities, we return home to relieve ourselves.
Some people find that cooking relieves fatigue, while others find that reading or taking a bath relieves themselves.
Each is fine in its own way, but there is one thing they all have in common.
The only thing they have in common is that there is no source of injury in the place.
A room that is unorganized, with garbage and unnecessary items placed there, will tend to accumulate bad vibes there.
It is nothing but stress to have things that you intend to throw away or things that are broken sitting there forever. It causes poor chi circulation there and causes bad chi to stagnate.
And even after purification, bad qi will be generated again.
In addition to cleaning up before purification, please try to keep the room tidy on a regular basis to improve the passage of chi.
How to purify (smudging) a room using white sage
The following is a method for smudging a room with white sage.
1) Prepare good quality white sage.
(2) If you want to do this in a more sacred way, it is ideal to have an avalon shell, but if not, prepare a heat-resistant container or ashtray.
However, please avoid sharing the ashtray with the one you use for cigarettes.
(3) Light the white sage leaves and extinguish the flame when the flame is stable. The key is to smother it with smoke.
There is no need for the flame to remain standing forever.
It is more dangerous than anything else, so make sure to extinguish the flame as soon as it stabilizes.
4) Place the white sage leaves in a vessel prepared in advance and place it on the place where you want to purify.
If you want to purify the whole room, move the entire container so that the smoke is evenly distributed.
If you want to purify the whole house, walk through each room with the vessel.
When all the rooms have been purified, wait for the white sage to extinguish naturally.
Make sure the fire is firmly extinguished.
When lighting the white sage, make sure that there are no flammable objects nearby.
Also, lighting a large amount of white sage at once is dangerous because it is difficult to extinguish the fire.
If you want to purify a large area, do not light a large amount of white sage at once.
Especially in apartment buildings, this may set off the fire alarm, so please be careful.
When you want to purify the entire house, the ideal order is: entrance, living room, each room, kitchen, toilet, and bathroom.
Make sure the smoke is well spread in each space before moving on.
After all purification is complete, finally open the windows of the room to change the air.
The white sage smoke will take unwanted thoughts and evil spirits with it to the sky.
By doing so, you will experience a change in the quality of the air.
How to purify jewelry with white sage
White sage is also suitable for purifying power stones and accessories.
Some people may feel uncomfortable about applying smoke to their jewelry, but the time required is very short. It does not change the substance, so we hope you can rest assured that it will not change the substance.
Jewelry has the role of making the wearer feel beautiful, radiant, and uplifted.
However, if there is any blemish left on the jewelry, the brightness will be reduced by half.
Also, since they are in close contact with the skin for a long period of time, they can have a strong negative effect, such as depressing the wearer's mood, if bad spirits remain in them.
Let's purify it to get rid of evil spirits and support your own natural beauty.
Here is how to purify jewelry using white sage.
(1) Clean the jewelry thoroughly.
Polish it gently with a special cleaning cloth or a soft, scratch-free cloth, or soak it in a cleaning solution.
2) Light the white sage, and when the flame has settled, extinguish it and place it on the bowl. 3) Place the white sage on the bowl.
(3) Dip the jewelry into the smoke rising from the white sage for 10 to 20 seconds.
If you are worried about the fading of the jewelry, let the jewelry smolder for a few minutes.
(4) Place the purified jewelry in a well-ventilated place and then put it in an accessory box.
It is better to let them rest for a while before using them.
(5) After purifying the jewelry, wait for the white sage to burn out naturally.
It is a good idea to use it to purify a room anyway.
Questions about purification with white sage
Here are some questions about purification with white sage.
Question #1
What should I do with the ashes of unburned white sage?
According to Native American custom, the ashes of white sage used for purification are sacred.
The cleansing effect continues even after the ashes are gone.
Therefore, why not put the ashes in a houseplant or a pot in your garden instead of throwing them away?
By the way, there is no ill luck involved in discarding the ashes in the garbage.
If you throw them away, please make sure that the fire is extinguished.
Question #2
When I smoke white sage, the smoke sometimes comes toward me.
Is there a reason for this?
When the smoke is coming toward you even though it is not caused by the wind, it may be because you have evil spirits, or bad qi is stagnant and you are thinking negatively.
Do not be afraid and continue the cleansing process as it is. You will feel refreshed.
Question #3
The smoke from the white sage sometimes stagnates in a certain place and keeps going in the same direction.
Is there something wrong with this?
It may be that the smoke is emitting negative energy due to the accumulation of evil spirits in the area.
Please take this as a good opportunity to purify the area and stay there for a while.
For those who feel the need to incorporate purification into their daily lives, there are easier ways to do so.
Those who find smudging a hassle
Those who cannot wait until it burns out
Those who do not have an optimal storage location
Those who are dissatisfied with the quality of white sage
Those who are not comfortable with insects inside.
If any of these apply to you, why not try white sage in spray, incense, or fragrance form?
Sprays, fragrances, and incense are easy to use.
The good thing about sprays is that they can be used at any time. You can purify in a short time because you just spray it on without using fire.
If you want to always purify, fragrances are recommended.
In principle, you can leave it in place, so there is no need to do anything at all.
If you prefer to purify with smoke, incense is another option.
However, one should be very careful in choosing the right product.
Some products are mixed with unnecessary ingredients or artificially scented in order to keep the price low.
If possible, choose high-quality, organically grown white sage that is abundantly available.
Such items will retain their purifying power and be as effective as smudging.
Because they are sundries, be careful when purchasing them.
White sage-related products are classified as "sundries" in Japan.
In the case of sprays, even if they use ingredients classified as cosmetics and have the quality to be classified as such, if a power stone is added for the purpose of enhancing the purification effect, they are treated as sundries rather than cosmetics.
On the other hand, there are also products sold that are not quality-conscious because they are general merchandise.
If you examine the ingredients, you will find that some purifying ingredients are quite diluted from the start, and some even have the potential to grow bacteria within a few days of opening the package.
In the case of sprays, for example, they are sprayed into the air.
In some cases, you may inhale it, or it may come in contact with your skin indirectly.
At that time, if germs are growing, it is not a good time for purification.
Because white sage products are general merchandise, we recommend that you carefully examine their contents and purchase them from a reputable store.
If you choose a high-quality product, its effect will be the same as that of smudging, and the power stones and aroma oil mixed with it will also help you feel even more relaxed and healed.
Please take care in selecting the right products and bring a pleasant cleansing experience into your life.