|
Smudging is an ancient tradition used by many indigenous peoples around the world to help restore peace and calmness. And these plants are gifts from the Creator to help make life more enjoyable and to give us a way to protect ourselves in the spirit realm, just like physical weapons help protect us in the physical realm. Big Sagebrush:If you are in the wild and are fortunate enough to experience a warm summer afternoon thunderstorm, the air can be filled with the unmistakable aroma of Big Sagebrush. This sage (artemisia tridentata) is one of the most frequently used sages by Native Americans. It is found throughout the West, Northwest, Southwest, and the Plains states. It is still used by various tribes to become spiritually clean (smudging) and has been used for medicinal purposes by main tribes including the Cahuilla, Diegueño, Flathead, Havasupai, Hopi, Navajo, Paiute, Salish, Zuni, and others. Size and Scent: The scent of Big Sagebrush is often associated with the "West" because of its widespread presence in western plateaus and regions. When dried in bundles, it has a somewhat “dusty sage” scent. Our Big Sagebrush is wildcrafted in the high desert ecosystem of the California deserts. They are about 8 inches in length and 1.5 inches in width. White Sage:When burned, SAGE repels negativity and clears the space. It is used to ward off bad spirits, feelings, and energies. All of our white sage is wildcrafted from plants growing in the wild. The families we work with work hard to collect the best sage they can find and finely craft our smudge bundles in various sizes. Our sage bundles are offered by size and are graded by approximate length and width. Because each bundle is hand-crafted, there will always be variation. No chemicals are used and all plants are treated with respect. These bundled sticks are about 8 inches in length and 1.5 inches in width. The Gift of Cedar and Sage:When burned, CEDAR acts to protect you. It's like putting on armor that protects you from harm and protects you with goodness. When burned, SAGE repels negativity and clears the space. It is used to ward off bad spirits, feelings, and energies. Blended California White Sage and Cedar smudge bundles add variety to your smudging and incense practices. Both the white sage and cedar are wildcrafted in California. No chemicals are used and all plants are treated with respect. These bundle sticks are about 8 inches in length and 1.5 inches in diameter. Sweetgrass:The elders tell us that it takes longer for us to heal today and the reason is because the old trails our ancestors used to use to find us have been destroyed. by colonialism, assimilation, manifest destiny, and ethnic cleansing, towns and cities where the old trails used to be...so now our ancestors are having a hard time finding us to help us heal. So we must burn sweetgrass, a kindness plant medicine, with a sweet gentle aroma when we light it. It opens the pathways for goodness.
Ancient Uses:Treatments varied from burning the plant and inhaling the smoke to making teas, and poultices. The Cahuilla called it wikwat and made a tea from the leaves for stomach disorders. Both the Cahuilla and Paiute collected the seeds as a food source to make a type of flour. Big Sagebrush is also used by some tribes as a building material, fuel source, and a plant to make yellow dye.
Ethically Sourced:All of our sage is crafted from plants growing in the wild. The families we work with work hard to collect the best sage they can find and finely craft our smudge bundles in various sizes. Our sage bundles are offered by size and are graded by approximate length and width. Because each bundle is hand-crafted, there will always be variation. No chemicals are used, and all plants are treated with respect. Many more options:Remember to get an Abalone Shell to catch the ashes while you smudge and to hold your smudging stick when it isn't in use. Also ask for the 'Smudging Guide' if you'd like information on smudging or get the entire SACRED BLESSING set. View our Native Collection for more smudging materials. Love Yourself - Love Your Life - Love Alywillow |
