How to make your own smudge sticks: A step-by-step guide

2 september 2025

(Global Heart) Learn how to create your own smudge sticks with this easy, step-by-step guide. Discover the history and cultural significance of smudging, the best herbs to use, and how to perform your own cleansing ritual.

What are smudge sticks?

Smudge sticks are bundles of dried herbs used in the practice of smudging, a ceremonial act of burning sacred herbs to cleanse and purify a space, person, or object. While the use of aromatic materials for spiritual or medicinal purposes is found in many cultures worldwide, the practice of smudging is most strongly associated with certain Indigenous cultures of North America.

While pre-made smudge sticks are widely available and affordable, creating your own is a simple and rewarding process. This is especially true if you have herbs in your garden or can sustainably wildcraft them. Creating your own allows for a more personal connection to the ritual. The most traditional herbs used are white sage, known for its powerful cleansing properties, and sweetgrass, which is believed to attract positive energy. However, you can personalize your smudge stick with other herbs like lavender, rosemary, or cedar to align with your specific intentions.

History and cultural significance

Smudging has a long and rich history, dating back thousands of years. For many Indigenous peoples of the Americas, smudging is a deeply sacred and specific ceremony. The smoke from the burning herbs is believed to carry prayers to the spiritual world and to clear away negative energy, restoring balance and peace.

While the use of bundled smudge sticks is most commonly associated with Native American cultures, the ritualistic burning of fragrant herbs and resins is a practice that appears in countless societies throughout history.

A global tradition of sacred smoke

From ancient civilizations to modern spiritual systems, the act of burning sacred plants for purification and ritual is a deeply human tradition.

Ancient Egypt: As far back as 1500 BCE, Egyptians burned herbs and incense to clear bad odors, make offerings to the gods, and even as a form of medicine. They believed the smoke was an “aromatic manifestation of the gods.”
Eastern traditions: Many Eastern spiritual practices, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Shinto, use burning herbs or incense in their rituals. This is often done to purify the mind, create a meditative atmosphere, or as a form of offering to deities.
Ancient Greece: The Greeks used fragrant smoke in a variety of rituals. It was offered to the gods, used to create a sacred atmosphere for ceremonies, and was even a component in rituals for contacting the dead.

This widespread use across different cultures demonstrates a shared belief in the power of sacred smoke to connect the physical world with the spiritual. For many, this practice is not just a ritual but a personal act of intention and creation.

How to make your own smudge sticks

Making your own smudge stick can be a meditative and personal process. It allows you to select the herbs and set your own intentions. This hands-on approach deepens your connection to the ritual, as you infuse the bundle with your energy and purpose from the very beginning.

What you will need:

Herbs: Fresh, leafy herbs are best for making smudge sticks. Common choices include:
- White Sage: Known for its powerful cleansing and purifying properties, it’s often used to clear negative energy from a space.
- Mugwort: Believed to aid in divination, lucid dreaming, and spiritual journeys. It is often used to protect a space and enhance intuition.
- Rosemary: Used for its strong protective qualities and its ability to promote clarity, memory, and a positive atmosphere.
- Lavender: Valued for its calming and soothing aroma, it helps bring a sense of peace, tranquility, and harmony to a space.
- Thyme: Traditionally used for cleansing and courage, thyme is believed to purify a space and give strength to those within it.
- Juniper: Traditionally used to protect and purify, juniper is believed to clear away unwanted energies and create a safe, sacred space.
- You can also add other herbs and flowers for a more personalized touch, such as rose petals, or cedar.
Cotton string or natural twine: Use a natural, thin thread, so the smell doesn’t interfere with the aroma of the herbs. Cut a piece that is about four to five times the length of your finished bundle.
Scissors

Instructions:

Gather and prepare your herbs. Cut your herbs to a similar length, about 6 to 8 inches. Arrange them in a bundle, with the stems aligned at one end. For a neater bundle, you can fold one half of the bouquet in reverse so you have leaves and stems at both ends.
Tie the bundle. Tie a tight knot at the base of the stems, leaving a long tail of string.
Wrap the bundle. Start wrapping the string tightly around the bundle, spiraling up towards the top. It doesn’t need to be perfectly even, but make sure it’s snug enough to hold the herbs together. You’ll want to wind the string tightly enough that nothing gets loose, but not so tight that it cuts off pieces of the herbs.
Wrap back down. Once you reach the top, turn the bundle around and wrap the string back down to the base in a crisscross or diagonal pattern. This second pass will help secure any loose leaves.
Finish the knot. Tie off the end of the string with the tail you left at the beginning, making a firm knot. Trim any excess string and leaves for a clean look.
Dry the smudge stick. Hang your smudge stick upside down in a cool, dry, and dark place with good air circulation. This will prevent the herbs from molding and preserve their aroma. Drying can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the herbs and climate. The bundle is ready when the leaves feel dry and brittle.

How to use a smudge stick

Once your smudge stick is completely dry, it’s ready to use.

Open a window or door. This is an important step. The negative energy you are clearing needs a way to leave the space.
Set an intention. Before lighting, take a moment to reflect on what you want to cleanse and what positive energy you want to bring in. You can say this intention aloud or to yourself. All is well.
Light the smudge stick. Hold the smudge stick at a 45-degree angle over a fireproof bowl (like a ceramic dish or abalone shell) to catch any ashes. Light the tip with a lighter or candle. Let it burn for a few seconds, then gently blow out the flame so that the herbs smolder and produce smoke.
Begin the ritual. Start at one point in the room, usually the front door, and move clockwise, allowing the smoke to waft into every corner. You can use your hand or a feather to guide the smoke. Pay attention to areas where energy might feel stagnant, such as corners, closets, and behind doors.
Extinguish the stick. When you are finished, press the smoldering tip into the fireproof bowl until it is completely out. Do not use water to extinguish it, as this can make it difficult to light again. The smudge stick can be used multiple times.