White Sage

You may already know White Sage by its scent. Earthy, strong, unmistakable. For generations, aromatic sages have found their way into spaces of prayer, ceremony, reflection and cleansing. White sage (Salvia apiana), in particular, is native to Southern California and northern Baja California and holds deep cultural significance for Indigenous peoples of that region.

There is something to the plant itself, too. Researchers have identified naturally occurring compounds in white sage with antimicrobial and antioxidant activity in laboratory studies.

Research on medicinal plant smoke has also found measurable reductions in airborne bacteria under experimental conditions. That science doesn't establish that burning a sage bundle disinfects your home, but it does make the old relationship between people, plants and aromatic smoke all the more interesting.

White Sage may be reached for when it's time to clear the space, settle the mind, pray, reflect, or simply begin again.