DIY Foraged Smudge Sticks

Park Winters is all about sustainability. We repurpose almost everything from our farm and gardens to create compost that feeds our soil and helps our trees and plants grow strong. Another one of our favorite ways to repurpose is foraging for decor and crafts.

Photography by Mellisa Gayle

We hooked up with lifestyle blogger Alicia M. Lund to create a beautiful smudge stick using White Sage as a base as well as other flowers and herbs found on the grounds.

We strolled through our gardens and farm to collect clippings of white sage, lavender, rose hips and other herbs and flowers that spoke to us.

We feel very fortunate to have White Sage on our grounds because it’s very unusual in northern California. White sage is an evergreen perennial shrub that is native to the southwestern United States, found mainly in Southern California and Baja California. Beliefs that burning sage clears out spiritual impurities, pathogens, and even insects have been fundamental to the practice of smudging. Traditional practices for healers is to receive White Sage only if it was gifted. Luckily, ours was gifted to us from a very dear friend and the plant continues to thrive in our garden.

How to Make a Smudge Stick

Using any kind of natural twine (we like to use 100% cotton), cut a piece that is about 4 to 5 times the length of the longest cutting. We recommend bundling up your herbs when they are freshly picked, then start to tightly wrap the twine around the base. Wrap diagonally upwards, then when you reach the top, wrap it diagonally downward and secure it at the base with a knot.

Let your smudge stick dry out for a couple of days. When the smudge stick is ready, open your doors and windows before lighting it. This is a crucial step to the cleansing process as the unwanted energy you are trying to clear needs a pathway out. When you are ready to light your sage, grab the sage as far from the end you are burning as possible. Hold the sage at a 45-degree angle, light it, let it burn for about 20 seconds and then gently blow out the flame to let it smoke. Hold the smoking sage up to the areas you you want to cleanse in your space. Make sure to hold a plate or container underneath the sage that will not get damaged by the ashes. Use something that is light and easy to walk around with while holding the sage.

We hope you enjoyed this tutorial on how to make your own smudge stick. Be sure to tag us @parkwinters when you post pictures of your custom smudge stick!