Our home is our personal sanctuary where we can relax after an exhausting and overwhelming day. As such, it becomes crucial to keep our homes clean and free from all kinds of negativity and bad vibes. But, how to do that? Roshni Chopra swears by an age-old ritual to “cleanse the home, dispense negativity, and enhance intuition”. It’s the traditional practice of burning white sage!
Taking to Instagram, the actor-influencer shared that it is believed that burning white sage helps clear out the negativity. “White sage is anti-microbial and it also helps in calming the mind and uplifting the spirit,” she wrote, alongside a video of her demonstrating the process.
Roshni also shared certain tips that you must keep in mind before you practise this ritual:
*Leave a window or door open while sage smudging.
*Remember to fan the smoke into the corners of each room. “That’s where dead/negative energy is stored.”
*Set an intention before you burn the sage.
*Buy original sage from a trusted place as “there are a lot of fakes”.
Talking about the same, Nidhi Nahata, Wellness and Health Coach, Food Therapist and Founder of Justbe Resto Café, said that white sage, scientifically known as Salvia Apiana, is a sacred plant that has been revered and utilised by various cultures throughout history. “Native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, this aromatic herb has gained widespread popularity for its unique scent, cleansing properties, and medicinal benefits,” she said.
Nahata shared that in ancient times, white sage was believed to possess powerful cleansing properties. “It was used to purify individuals, spaces, and objects of negative energies, evil spirits, and illness,” she said, adding that the smoke produced by burning bundles of dried white sage, known as smudging, continues to be a central aspect of spiritual and cleansing rituals as it is believed to restore balance, harmony, and peace to both the physical and spiritual realms.
Here are the medicinal uses and modern benefits of white sage, according to Nahata.
*Respiratory health: White sage has traditionally been used to alleviate respiratory ailments such as colds, coughs, and congestion. Inhaling the smoke from burning sage can help clear the airways, reduce inflammation, and ease breathing difficulties.
*Anti-inflammatory properties: The compounds found in white sage exhibit anti-inflammatory effects. This makes it a potential natural remedy for conditions like arthritis, joint pain, and muscle soreness.
*Antioxidant activity: White sage contains antioxidants that combat harmful free radicals in the body. These antioxidants help protect cells from oxidative stress and may have anti-ageing effects.
*Mental clarity and relaxation: The scent of white sage is known to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance mental clarity. Burning sage can create a calming atmosphere and aid in meditation and mindfulness practices.
*Antimicrobial rffects: The antimicrobial properties of white sage have been recognised for centuries. It was used to disinfect spaces, treat skin infections, and aid in wound healing.
*Aromatherapy: White sage is a popular choice in aromatherapy due to its pleasant, earthy fragrance. It is often used in essential oil blends to promote relaxation, relieve anxiety, and enhance overall well-being.
However, it is crucial to approach the use of white sage with respect, cultural sensitivity, and awareness of sustainability concerns, the expert emphasised. “The increasing demand for white sage has led to environmental challenges, as overharvesting can deplete wild populations and disrupt ecosystems. Therefore, it is advisable to source white sage products from ethical and sustainable suppliers who prioritise the protection and preservation of this sacred plant,” she concluded.
📣 For more lifestyle news, follow us on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook and don’t miss out on the latest updates!
