These also like to suck the plant sap from the sage leaves, but thankfully, the same neem oil you’re using to prevent aphids will also prevent these pests, both inside a greenhouse or outside.

Over-harvest of wild Californian white sage populations is a concern held by many Native American groups and conservationists. Take paper bags and put them carefully over the flower stalk, using a rubber band to secure them in place. Because of this, I advise not planting your plants closer than two feet, and if you’re really trying to cram them in, no closer than 18″. If burning incense, herbs, or wood is part of your self-love practice and inner wellness work, there are safe-burning alternatives to burning sage for smoke cleansing , including lavender, pine, thyme, and cloves, each of which has its own unique properties and is not environmentally endangered. Although my test period on a hybrid bike was mainly at slower speeds, most of the time I was towing a two-year-old and a four-year-old in a double Thule chariot (I worked out that all-in I'm hauling 58kg, not including a lock or any luggage), so I was definitely getting a sweat on, and at no point did I find my airflow to my head an issue.The Native Americans lead the way with sage smudging, which now has been adopted by many traditions, such as Inca Shamans and Qero Pagos.

During summer, tall spikes ascend carrying pale, two-lipped flowers attracting native and local pollinators, hummingbirds, and a number of beneficial insects.It’s helpful if you can have a fan lightly blowing on them to reduce the moisture in the bundles more quickly. It’s a fascinating bit of insight into the current Native culture and how they’re trying to sustain these plants. This is the most highly valued and revered of all North American Sages, burned ceremonially to cleanse the spirit and welcome positive thoughts. Sometimes exceptional growers, who really understand the requirements of the plant, can get 3-day germination and high germination rates from seeds that other growers completely fail with. This can be done to a new item, such as jewelry, furniture, or clothing, to protect or dispel it of negative energy.

Think of the natural soil makeup of a foothill in the southern California region – dusty, sandy soil with lots of decomposing granite.

However, what most people are referring to when they talk about the popularized practice of smudging is white sage (Salvia apiana). Known for its ability to cleanse and purify, white sage has been used for centuries across many different cultures. It grows in spiky clusters in sandier soils, often in foothill areas of southern California and down into Mexico.

However generally clusters are large broad leaf and perfect sized to make into other types of incense mixes or use. Since white sage has become extremely popular for smudging purposes, there’s been an ever-increasing number of people picking it in the wild.Chemistry, pharmacology, and medicinal property of sage (Salvia) to prevent and cure illnesses such as obesity, diabetes, depression, dementia, lupus, autism, heart disease, and cancer. This little-leafed plant is used very similarly to salvia apiana ceremonially, but its scent can be described more as a dusty sage scent. If you can at least burn sage in your living space on a weekly basis, then you are guaranteed to notice a lightness of energy and calmness descend into your home from this practice. Upon completing all rooms, open the windows and doors to release the energies that have attached to the smoke.