November 2025
The Science of Smudging
The Science of Smudging
Smudging is the use of smoke from specific burning herbs as a purifying agent. I first became aware of the practice of smudging in the course of my studies with Cherokee Medicine Woman Nara White Owl. Nara’s rituals of smudging the body, environments, individual objects were part of her sacred Medicine but she encouraged any and all to smudge freely and often, preferably using White Mountain Sage. Smudging is part of many indigenous ceremonies and established church rituals (think incense). And now we have science to back up that ancient wisdom.
According to research led by Dr. Narendra Singh and published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2007, burning medicinal herbs is an effective purifying agent, actually reducing the number of airborne bacteria up to 94% in a closed space within an hour … an effect lasting up to 24 hours and even 30 days after.
How to smudge: If using loose leaves, place a few in a heat-proof dish (an abalone shell works well), light one or two of the leaves, blow out the flame and let the smoke from the burning leaves do its purifying work. You may have to re-light the leaves one or more times in the smudging process. When using a bundle it’s pretty much the same process except you may want to keep a dish of salt handy to extinguish the burning/smoking bundled leaves when your smudging is complete. Use a feather or your hand to waft the smoke around as desired.
Start with yourself and any other people who may want to be smudged. When smudging an environment, I like to start at the front door and sage room by room in clock-wise circles, reaching all the nooks and crannies. Some people like to follow the sage cleansing activity with a sweetgrass smudging to fill the space with positive energy.
I’ve ordered White Mountain Sage in bulk from Monterey Bay Herb Company www.herbco.com and Mountain Rose Herbs www.mountainroseherbs.com. Pre-formed sage bundles can be found through those websites and even at Whole Foods.
It doesn’t look like our world is calming down any time soon. As part of your self-care, follow the science and smudge your body and environment regularly. Hosting Thanksgiving? Smudge your home before and after. Let me know how it goes.
Now that the holiday season is fully underway, stress can mount. My mind-body-spirit toolbox is a call (925-699-6296) or email (lucy@ahigherperspective.com) away. Appointments are available in person and via Zoom.
I appreciate you! If you’re celebrating Thanksgiving this month, may it be meaningful for you and yours. Until next month, remember: All is moving toward the good. Help make it so.
With love from my grateful heart,
With gratitude,
A Higher Perspective
2551 San Ramon Valley Blvd., Suite 254
San Ramon, CA 94583
925-699-6296
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Someone to Watch Over Me makes a great gift!
Please add Someone to Watch Over Me to your list of supportive resources for children and adults. Here are some reasons why:
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It's beautifully illustrated by visionary artist Mary Derrick
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It offers 26 avenues of connecting with Heavenly Guides and Angels - one for each letter in the alphabet.
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It can be a door to spirituality for children and adults who are aren't already oriented that way
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It's non-denominational and non-religious so you don't have to worry about offending anyone you give it to
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It is a keepsake hardcover workbook that the reader makes his/her own
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It requires the reader's active participation through questions
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It invites and fosters artistic imagination through the reader's own illustrations
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It establishes life-long pathways for spiritual resourcing
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It generates conversation and discussion about spirituality within families
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It teaches kindness, compassion, confidence, inner peace and inner strength
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It's simple enough for children and sustaining enough for adults
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Autographed copies are available directly from me
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Direct ordering is available from Amazon (qualifies for Prime shipping) and Barnes & Noble. See details below.
I now have copies available for purchase via PayPal which can be individually autographed and shipped as you wish. The cost per book directly from me is $19.95 + 8.5% sales tax and ground transportation costs. Both Amazon and Barnes & Noble are fulfilling orders within a couple of days and depending upon your account with those online retailers, you may qualify for free shipping.
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Skype sessions are now available for handwriting coaching, The Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and the Tapas Acupressure Technique (TAT). I'm excited about bringing these extraordinary mind-body-spirit tools to a new, world-wide audience. Since I will be conducting all the Skype sessions in my San Ramon office, those clients will benefit from the high vibration so many of you have enjoyed there over the years.
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Success at Your Fingertips
Believe it or not, writing in cursive is an important mind-body-spirit connection. Although handwriting originates in the part of the brain that's most capable of change, I've always thought of The Vimala System of Handwriting as success at your fingertips. Using The Vimala Alphabet in a daily handwriting practice offers incredible benefits to your mind, your body and your spirit. Check out Vimala Rodgers' wonderful alphabet for the 21st Century on my website; then call me to arrange a series of handwriting coaching sessions in person, via Skype or by phone.
Vimala Rodgers has designed a postage stamp using the Vimala Font. You can see and purchase it here.