Incense Vs Sage – What’s the Difference?

When used in proper ritual, burning incense is considered a sacred act that can purify spaces, carry prayers to deities, and create serene ambiance for spiritual practices. In addition, incense offers a range of therapeutic properties including stress reduction and mood elevation. The most common types of incense include frankincense and myrrh, with their healing and ceremonial history across many traditions. Other popular choices are sage and Palo Santo, which both have spiritual significance and are believed to clear negative energy and promote wellbeing.

While smudging with sage and burning incense share many similarities, their primary purposes differ. Both involve burning plant material that releases aromatic smoke, with sage and Palo Santo being popular choices for space cleansing. However, while smudging with sage is more commonly used to cleanse negative energy, incense can be used for a variety of purposes, including altering the mood or environment and for fragrance.

Sage Incense Benefits

For centuries, sage (Salvia officinalis and Salvia apiana) has been used by Native Americans and ancient Egyptian and Roman cultures for its cleansing and medicinal properties. Its leaves and stems are bundled together to form smudging bundles and sticks, which are burned in a practice known as “smudging.” Sage’s smoke is believed to cleanse and purify spaces by attaching itself to negative energy and urging it to dissipate. In addition, the scent of burnt sage is said to release soothing and comforting aromas that can elevate and relax the spirit.

Smudging can be done by yourself or in a group. It is recommended to expel any pets or people from the area before starting, and it’s also helpful to have a window open for ventilation. Before you light the smudging bundle, it’s important to set an intention for the sage to clear negativity and encourage positive energies to enter your space. This intention can be verbalized or recited mentally as you hold the stick of sage at least arms length away from yourself and your surroundings.

Both sage and Palo Santo are used to promote positivity, ease anxiety, and boost creativity and wellness. Like sage, they contain the essential oil limonene, which is proven to reduce pain and increase feelings of calmness. If you’re considering trying smudging or Palo Santo, make sure to purchase ethically harvested and chemical-free products. It’s also helpful to find a local spiritual practitioner who can teach you about the benefits of each product and provide guidance on how to properly use them. This will ensure that you’re getting the most out of your experience with these healing plants. In addition, both sage and Palo Santo are known to have some respiratory risks, so it’s important to monitor your indoor air quality after using them for long periods of time.