Explore the amazing healing and wellbeing benefits of different smudge blends

Smudging goes so much deeper than simply bringing an energetic cleanse. For centuries, different spiritual cultures have been turning to the gifts of mother nature to help them cleanse their souls and their homes.

Smudge sticks utilize nature’s best-kept secrets to clearing and cleansing your space. They are made from bundles of dried herbaceous plants and flowers that often contain antimicrobial properties, soothing scents, and all kinds of uplifting vibes.

But what exactly do the different blends smell like? How does each help evoke a sense of calm and relaxation, vitality or creativity?

In this post, we will dive into the world of smudging herbs, flowers and wood, exploring the medicinal properties, benefits and aromas and discover why the scents evoke different outcomes. Whether you're a smudging enthusiast or simply curious about the captivating allure of smudging with herbs, this blog post will take you on a fragrant journey through the world of smudging with herbs, flowers and wood.

Get ready to indulge your senses and find out just how incredible smudging truly is. To help you choose, we'd like to share our summary of the different herbs and blends (alphabetical order).

CEDAR

Cedrus

⟡ EMOTIONAL & SPIRITUAL CLEANSING ⟡ PROTECT AGAINST NEGATIVITY ⟡ GROUNDING ⟡ MEDITATIVE AID ⟡ bless SPACE ⟡ RENEWAL ⟡ ELEVATE ENERGY ⟡ SPIRITUAL OPENNESS ⟡ RELAXATION ⟡ ELEMENT: FIRE ⟡ PLANET: SUN ⟡ ENERGY: MASCULINE

The word Cedar comes from the Hebrew ‘qatar’ meaning to smudge. Cedar symbolizes strength and has been used for healing, purification, and spiritual protection for centuries. Used in purification and cleansing rituals, Cedar is used to fortify personal strength and for stability in times of challenge or struggle. Cedar’s spiritual properties help promote peaceful thoughts and help interpret messages from the inner self. Cedar is very slow burning and perfect for whole house smudge rituals.

AROMA: ⟡ HERBACEOUS ⟡ WOODY ⟡ EARTHY ⟡ BALSAMIC ⟡ CAMPHOR

Cedar has a wonderfully aromatic and woodsy scent, with balsamic undertones and a camphoraceous odour. Cedar’s aroma is used to relax and reduce anxiety, and the oils in conifers act as a sedative enhancing feelings of calm.

DRAGON'S BLOOD

Croton, Pterocarpus, Daemonorops, or Dracaena

⟡ PROSPERITY ⟡ PROTECTION ⟡ HEALING ⟡ LOVE ⟡ NEGATIVE INFLUENCE ⟡ ASTRAL PROJECTION ⟡ MEDITATION ⟡ OFFERING ⟡ CEREMONY ⟡ ELEMENT: FIRE ⟡ PLANET: MOON 

Dragon’s Blood is a natural plant resin extracted from the tropical tree species commonly called dragon trees. It’s dark rich-red colour is part of what gives it its name. The plant resin has been used for centuries for health, dye, paint, smudge, incense and spiritual purposes. Dragon’s Blood smudge and incense has significant spiritual meaning and is used for various purposes: Purification and cleansing negative energies. It invites protection and enhances personal power, and its smoke is believed to create an invisible shield against psychic intrusions and negative forces. Dragon’s blood is used to aid in deepening meditation practices and facilitating spiritual journeys. It is also used as an offering to deities and ancestors. 

AROMA: ⟡ STRONG ⟡ SWEET ⟡ SPICY ⟡ HERBACEOUS ⟡ RICH ⟡ EARTHY 

Dragon’s Blood has a strong, somewhat sweet, slightly spicy aroma — not unlike vanilla and spices. The scent is rich, earthy and grounding with hints of sweetness.

EUCALYPTUS

Eucalyptus

⟡ ABUNDANCE ⟡ VISION ⟡ GOALS ⟡ PROTECTION ⟡ HEALING ⟡ PURIFICATION ⟡ UPLIFTING ⟡ PLANET: URANUS 

One of the strongest healing woods, Eucalyptus has been used for medicines for centuries as well as for ritual items pertaining to healing. The energy of this wood is good and pure, clean like the earth from which it is born. This wood is highly recommended for any purpose combating illness or promoting good health. Eucalyptus has a distinctive and refreshing invigorating scent. Its aroma is clean and crisp with a blend of earthy, woody, and minty notes — with a hint of camphor, which gives it a sharp, medicinal odour. Some also detect citrus and honey undertones.

AROMA: ⟡ HERBACEOUS ⟡ WOODSY ⟡ CITRUS ⟡ PINE

This unique combination makes eucalyptus a popular choice for aromatherapy and personal care products, as it can help promote relaxation, clear the mind, and even alleviate respiratory issues

JUNIPER

Juniperus

⟡ WISDOM ⟡ REFLECTION ⟡ TRUTH ⟡ HEALTH ⟡ HEALING ⟡ LOVE ⟡ INTEGRITY ⟡ DIGNITY ⟡ GREAT JOURNEY ⟡ STRENGTH ⟡ PEACE ⟡ LONGEVITY ⟡ ELEMENT: FIRE ⟡ PLANET: JUPITER 

Evergreen shrubs grown in many parts of the world, Juniper is a sacred herb with some impressive chemical compounds that promote spiritual and physical healing. Juniper trees contain terpenes which ca help to relive stress and anxiety. They also contain trace elements of limonene, linalool and camphene which have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Burned for ritual purification and to invigorate the mind and body when tired. A symbol of longevity, Juniper holds powers of protection, strength, healing, health, peace and love. Juniper is connected to good health and banishing anything injurious to health. Juniper is associated with Jupiter and the element of fire. Juniper is a symbol of longevity. In the language of flowers Juniper symbolizes perfect loveliness. Juniper (and Juniper Heart Wood which is simply the heart wood of the juniper tree) holds powers of protection, strength, healing, health, peace and love. Juniper is connected to good health and banishing anything injurious to health. Juniper is associated with Jupiter and the element of fire.

AROMA: ⟡ HERBACEOUS ⟡ LEMONY ⟡ CAMPHOROUS

The aroma of Juniper can be described as a crisp lemony scent.

LAVENDER

Lavandula

⟡ CLEANSING ⟡ PURIFICATION ⟡ PROTECTION ⟡ SLEEP ⟡ RELAXING ⟡ HEALING ⟡ HEADACHE ⟡ MEMORY ⟡ MOOD SWINGS ⟡ TRANQUILLITY ⟡ ELEMENT: AIR ⟡ PLANET: MERCURY ⟡ ENERGY: MASCULINE

A member of the mint family, Lavendar is known for its vibrant purple bloom it is uses include oils, perfume, potpourri, candles, soaps and bath products.

Captivating hearts and noses for centuries its soothing and floral aroma, lavender smudge sticks have been used in a variety of ways. The beautiful relaxing smell of lavender sage has a gorgeous aroma to your house and comes with many benefits like:

• Cleansing, purifying and tranquillity.
• Insomnia and sleep disorders.
• Nervous disorders, headaches and migraines.
• Circulatory and respiratory issues, and joint and muscle pain.
• Memory retention.
• Psychic protection and for increasing clairvoyance.
• Mood swings and for creating the energy of happiness and healing.
• Useful in love spells – use lavender scent to attract someone into your life.

AROMA: ⟡ SWEET ⟡ FLORAL ⟡ WOODY ⟡ LEMON ⟡ BERGAMOT ⟡ SPICY

Lavender is a complex, harmonious and soothing fragrance. The scent of lavender is often described as sweet, floral, fresh, with woody- herbaceous undertones. It is also described as having a light, calming aroma with notes of lemon and bergamot with a hint of spice.

MUGWORT

Artemesia vulgaris

⟡ CLEANSE SPACES ⟡ PROTECTION ⟡ DETOX ⟡ CLEARING ⟡ HEALING ⟡ CEREMONY ⟡ BRINGS CLARITY ⟡ STIMULATING DREAMS & VISIONS ⟡ STRENGTH ⟡ PSYCHIC ABLITIES ⟡ NEGATIVITY ⟡ ELEMENT: EARTH ⟡ PLANET: MOON, VENUS ⟡ ENERGY: FEMININE Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), also known as Black Sage, is a plant related to ragweed. Mugwort has powerful natural antimicrobial properties, relieving digestive conditions, relieving itching and pain from insect bites and scars, promoting regular periods and reducing menstrual cramps, boosting energy and calming nerves. Mugwort is also used as incense for divination and as a smudge for relaxation and calm and for cleansing rituals. Mugwort is associated with the moon, the element of fire, and feminine energy. Also associated with divination and known for its ability to stimulate dreams when used in smudging. Also used as incense for magical practices such as spell work or divination and is said to enable connections to the other realms. Mugwort is widely used as a powerful tool for those who wish to connect with their inner wisdom, intuition, and power. Often used to relax the mind and calm the body it has been traditionally burnt in smoke cleansing ceremonies or kept near the bed for protection while you sleep.

AROMA: ⟡ HERBACEOUS ⟡ WOODY ⟡ EARTHY ⟡ SWEET

Mugwort has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb, as a tea, smudge or incense. Belonging to the mint family, Mugwort’s subtle, sweet scent can be described as having herbaceous, woody and earthy aromas — a distinctive sage-like smell, though a little sweeter.

PALO SANTO

Bursera Graveolens

⟡ BOTANICAL INCENSE ⟡ MEDITATION ⟡ DETOX ⟡ BALANCE ⟡ FOCUS ⟡ SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT ⟡ UPLIFTING ⟡ NEGATIVE ENERGIES ⟡ AURA CLEANSE

Palo Santo is available in different forms - Wood, Resin or Oil. One of the most fragrant woods in the world, the wood of the Palo Santo tree is available as sticks, chips, or powder and comes from fallen branches of the tree that have been dried several years (usually 5).

‘Holy wood’ in Spanish, it is a tree native to many South American countries and grows in dry tropical forests. Eliminate negative energy, and create a calmer, more tranquil space with Palo Santo. The wood, resin, and oil have been used for medicinal and therapeutic purposes for centuries for energetic protection, spiritual purification, and energy cleansing of the body, home or workspace.

When burned it’s believed to clear negative energy and restore tranquillity and calm. Other benefits include:

• treating pain; 
• reducing stress and anxiety; 
• enhancing clarity and concentration; 
• inspiring creativity, promoting feelings of positivity and joy.

AROMA: ⟡ PINE ⟡ MINT ⟡ CITRUS ⟡ WOODSY

Related to frankincense and myrrh, the aroma of Palo Santo wood can be described as citrus, mint, pine and woodsy. When burned, its smoke is invigorating and grounding - offering up sweet, woody notes of mint, lemon, and pine.

SWEETGRASS

Hierochloe odorata

⟡ FEMININE ⟡ CLEARING SPACES ⟡ CALMING ⟡ SOOTHING ⟡ HARMONY ⟡ ANTI ANXIETY ⟡ ANTIMICROBIAL ⟡ DEODORISING

Sweet grass is a traditional plant for rituals and cleansing sacred spaces. The leaves are usually braided, dried, and burned. Some Europeans know it as “holy grass,” while some native populations of North America call it “sacred hair of Mother Earth.” A deeply feminine energy and female medicine, there are 28 strands in a Sweetgrass braid to represent the female cycle. Sweetgrass is calming and soothing and is usually used after other medicines or clearing your space with White Sage. It helps bring in positive energy to you and your space. It is also known to bring harmony amongst discord in your home. When burning, Sweetgrass does not produce a flame but smoulders. Wave it gently, or fan the smoke in the area you are in.

AROMA: ⟡ HERBACEAOUS ⟡ FRESH ⟡ SWEET ⟡ VANILLA

Sweet grass’s aroma is herbal, fresh, and sweet — with a unique vanilla-like scent. Loved by many who practice meditation, or who like freshening their room with a natural, outdoorsy scent that makes everything feel clean and inviting!

YERBA SANTA

Eriodictyon californicum

⟡ PURIFICATION ⟡ RENEWAL ⟡ UPLIFT MOOD ⟡ PROTECTION ⟡ HEALING ⟡ EMPOWERMENT ⟡ UPLIFTING ⟡ SPIRITUAL GROWTH ⟡ SPIRITUAL GROWTH ⟡ BLESSINGS ⟡ DIVINATION ⟡ ELEMENT: WATER ⟡ PLANET: SUN, VENUS ⟡ ENERGY: FEMININE, MASCULINE

The Yerba Santa plant grows at high altitudes in the Andes Mountains of South America, and difficult to cultivate. The leaves are large and leathery, and the flowers are white or pink. Traditionally harvested in the wild, Yerba Santa is a sacred plant that has been used for centuries by indigenous people in the Andes Mountains. The name Yerba Santa means “holy herb” in Spanish, and it is known for its many healing properties. The benefits of Yerba Santa are many. Some use it to connect with their higher power, others to find inner peace, and still others for help with physical healing. When burned as incense, the smoke is said to help purify the mind and body. Yerba Santa is also used in energy healing and is said to balance the chakras and promote feelings of well-being.

AROMA: ⟡ EARTHY ⟡ RESINOUS ⟡ MINT ⟡ ROSEMARY ⟡ EUCALYPTUS

Yerba Santa leaves have a strong aromatic scent when crushed or rubbed, emitting a pleasant, resinous aroma. This aromatic scent is often described as a combination of mint, rosemary, and eucalyptus. Strong earthy scented herb used for both purification purposes and renewal. Yerba Santa is a powerful plant with many benefits it can also be used as a smudge to uplift the mood! Sage belongs to the mint family, and its scent can be described as having herbaceous, woody and earthy aromas that are strong but not overwhelming.

Warning: Yerba Santa herb is very powerful and can cause serious side effects if taken internally. Pregnant women, young children and people with heart conditions or high blood pressure should avoid using Yerba Santa.

WHITE SAGE

Salvia apiana

⟡ ANTIMICROBIAL ⟡ MEDITATION ⟡ CLEANSING ⟡ ENERGY RENEWAL ⟡ PURIFY SPACES ⟡ REMOVE NEGATIVE ENERGY ⟡ AROMATHERAPY ⟡ ELEMENT: AIR, EARTH ⟡ PLANET: JUPITER, MOON ⟡ Energy: Masculine

White Sage is renowned for its healing, benevolent energy. The scent of the Sage plant is revered for its ability to purify, protect and elevate space. It is widely used by Native Americans for its healing properties and for repelling all kinds of negative energy. The scent helps calm the mind and purifies the body. Sage smoke is believed to have the power to carry prayers to the heavens, to remove spirits, and cleanse ritual space. Sage have proven antimicrobial properties and burning sage to purify the air is a centuries old tradition to help keep bacteria, viruses, and fungi at bay.

AROMA: ⟡ HERBACEOUS ⟡ WOODY ⟡ EARTHY 

Sage belongs to the mint family, and its scent can be described as having herbaceous, woody and earthy aromas that are strong but not overwhelming.

Smudging is an easy way to purify and cleanse the energy in your home. I hope you enjoy discovering the magic of smudging! Check our blog for our guide to smudging guide.

~ Cathryn. x

For Lesca Crystals smudging items - click here!

Disclaimer: This article is a collection of information from personal experience and a variety of sources. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be regarded as health or personal advice.