DIY: Sage Smudge Sticks

Incense can be cloying and scented candles may cause allergic reactions in dinner guests (this happened!), but an herbal smudge stick?  It’s just the thing to clear the air.

We spotted this DIY sage smudge stick tutorial via Fibers and Florals, where you can find step-by-step instructions for creating similar fragrant bundles.

Photography via Fibers and Florals.

Above: Materials are minimal. Start with dry sage leaves (moist ones may get moldy) and shape them into bundles.

Above: For a foolproof wrapping technique, see the step-by-step instructions at Fibers and Florals.

Above: Native Americans burn smudge sticks to purify the air and for medicinal purposes. All sorts of flowers and herbs can be tied up to create aromatic smudge sticks. Or, if you prefer to buy ready-made bundles, see our recent post on Smudgesticks From Botanicals Folklorica.

For more aromatic inspiration for the holiday season, see:

• The Power of Fragrance: 10 Secrets for Banishing Kitchen Odors.
• Two Secret Ingredients to Make a Refrigerator Smell Fresh.
• Modern Pot Pourri: How to Dry Your Own Scented Herbs.

Finally, get more ideas on how to successfully plant, grow, and care for sage with our Sage: A Field Guide.

Interested in other edible plants for your garden? Get more ideas on how to plant, grow, and care for various edible plants (including flowers, herbs and vegetables) with our Edible Plants: A Field Guide.