Smudging involves burning of herbs to release their aromatic scent in order to purify an object, person or area.
Etymology
The word "smudge" comes from Middle English and refers to making a very smokey fire specifically to ward off insects1, from there it was applied (by English speakers) to the Native American purification practice of purification by smoke. Each tribe that practices purification by smoke has its own methods, traditions and name for the practice, applying the word "smudge" to all of them is an oversimplification and generalization. In fact, many spiritual traditions the world over use or have historically used purification by smoke, each in their own way and each have their own word for it, but we English speakers just call it all "smudging". The term has since been adopted by English-speaking New Age practitioners and has been adopted by many witchcraft traditions. The more proper term for a European-based practice would be fumigation, but since that brings to mind visions of exterminator vans, we don't like that term as much.
Process
Smudging is usually done as part of a larger ritual that varies greatly by intention and culture. The specific process of smudging, though, is rather simple. The herbs or resins are burned, either in a bowl or another container, or bundled together to form a smudge stick, and the smoke from the herbs is wafted over an individual or object or throughout a space. The smoke may be directed toward to subject using a feather, a hand, or the practitioner's breath. Smudge sticks are made by bundling herbs together and binding them tightly with a string. Incense may also be used for smudging.
Purpose
Smudging is done for a variety of reasons: to purify or cleanse a space, person or object, to connect with the land, to connect with or get the attention of spirits, including place spirits, Gods and ancestors, to drive away unwelcome spirits, disease or general negativity, to sanctify an object, person or area, or as an offering to please the spirits, Gods or ancestors.
It is also interesting to note that most herbs used for smudging today actually have antiseptic qualities. That is to say, the burning herbs really do purify the air or bacteria and viruses!2 Many of these herbs were burned in sick rooms in ancient times for the same purpose. This practice, the purification of the air or a space by use of herbal smoke, is known as fumigation or suffumigation, though it is generally referred to as smudging today.
Please note that burning any herb can release toxic gases and inhaling any smoke is unhealthy. Smudging should only be done in a well-ventilated space or outdoors.
Herbs Used for Smudging
Smudging in America is traditionally done with tobacco, cedar, sweetgrass or sage but these herbs are particularly sacred within certain Native American traditions. European and Mediterranean traditions make use of a variety of herbs native to Europe and the Mediterranean including garden sage and thyme as well as resins such as frankincense and myrrh. I believe strongly that you should use what is readily available and grows nearby for any magical purpose for practical and ethical reasons. Things purchased from a distance could have been unsustainably sourced, wildcrafted from threatened populations, it can be expensive, and it's not in tune with the energy of the land where you are standing.
More Information Online
Some smudging herbs:
Agrimony - Agrimonia eupatoria
Bay Laurel - Laurus nobilis
Bistort - Polygonum bistorta, P. bistortoides
Chrysanthemum - Chrysanthemum spp
Hyssop - Hyssopus officinalis
Juniper - Juniperus spp
Marsh Mallow - Althea officinalis
Motherwort - Leonurus cardiaca
Mugwort - Artemisia vulgaris
Nicotiana - Nicotiana spp
Other Names Tobacco
Rosemary - Rosmarinus officinalis
Sage - Salvia spp
Zones: 5-8
St. John's Wort - Botanical Name Hypericum perforatum
See Also
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How do you smudge?
You just waft the smoke over the thing or area to be purified. You can use a feather, or your breath or a fan to direct the smoke. Or, you can pass the item to be purified through the smoke.
I see on here it says Tobacco. Does that mean I can use a cigarette?
Yes, people do. And cigars also. I would use the nicest you can afford, versus your everyday smoke. To find out more detail about each herb, click on the link to open its article.
Thank you for this information on smudging. I'd like to suggest that you include Palo Santo in the list of smudging herbs. It's an amazing smudging medium. I prefer it over herb bundles as it doesn't trigger my asthma and has a beautiful uplifting fragrance. It's a South American wood which comes from the same family as frankincense and the harvesting of it is strictly regulated to ensure its sustainability. Many blessings xx