Sage, palo santo and copal smoke offers rapid delivery to the brain and efficient absorption to the body. Scientists have observed that sage can clear up to 94 percent of airborne bacteria in a space and disinfect the air. When sage is burned, it releases negative ions, which is linked to putting people into a positive mood.

The theory behind smudging, is that the smoke attaches itself to negative energy and as it clears it takes the negative energy with it, then Mother Earth reabsorbs the negative energy and filters it herself.

To start, you set your intention. You can say a prayer or an affirmation, whatever feels right to you. The exact words do not matter for it to work. Simply set an intention, to clear your house of any lingering negative energy.

Light your sage. You want to get it lit completely. It is the smoke, not the flame, that clears the energy. Then wave your sage stick around your whole house. Try to get the smoke into every area of your house. Every corner, every closet, etc.

Sage also helps the flow of energy (a la Feng Shui) in your house, every house can have stagnant areas where the energy is not necessarily negative, but it’s stuck. The sage helps move it along. Also do the front and back porches and all around your door.​