Learn how to make a smudge stick with herbs and flowers from the garden. This easy craft shows you how and why you may want to create one or more to use as gifts.

I often like to bundle herbs and flowers to make fire starters. However, these same bundles could be used to make your own smudge sticks.

What's a Smudge Stick?

A smudge stick is a bundle of herbs used to practice smudging where you burn the bundle producing smoke to bring about positive energy. This practice ties back to Native American ceremonies and rituals. However, today many people use this practice as a form of meditation or mindfulness like aromatherapy to reduce stress and promote wellness.

Basket of herbs and flower and a spool of white cotton twine.

What Herbs Can You Use for Smudging?

Sage, especially white sage, is the most popular herb for smudging but you can use many different herbs for their cleansing, aromatherapy, and other properties. A few examples are:

Sage - Garden Sage
Rosemary
Catmint/Catnip
Thyme
Peppermint
Lavender
Lemon Balm
Basil

Two six inch bunches of herbs and flowers.

How to Make a Smudge Stick

Gather fresh herbs and bundle them in about 7 inches in length.

Bunches of herbs and flower tied together with cotton string.

Tie the bundle with cotton string, jute, or twine.

Smudge sticks hanging in the basement to dry.

Hang the bundles in a cool dry place for 1 - 2 weeks.

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Smudge sticks, floral sheers and a clay plate.

Find a heat-proof bowl to catch ashes and rest the smudge stick.

How to Use a Smudge Stick

Light the end of the smudge stick. The flame should go out and the stick will smoke. If the flame does not go out gently blow it out.

Carry the smudge stick around the house with the heat-proof bowl and keep a positive intention in your mind. You can also crack a few windows to let out any negative energy.

Safety Notes:

As with any fire do not let your smudge stick burn unattended.
If you have pets make sure that you open up windows as the smoke may irritate their lungs.

DIY smudge sticks, floral sheers and a clay plate.

Making and burning smudge sticks is a nice way to clear your mind and enjoy the aromatherapy of herbs. Something you might like to gift to someone special too.

More Herbal Crafts

Bunches of flowers and herbs tied together to create smudge sticks.

Smudge stick smoking above a clay plate.

How to Make Smudge Sticks

Try making a smudge stick to use around your home for creating a positive space and sense of well-being.

Active Time30

Additional Time14

Total Time14 30

Course: Flower Crafts/Decor

Yield:

Author: Patti Estep

Cost: $0

Equipment

Pruners
Scissors

Materials

Herbs and flowers from the garden
Twine or cotton string
Fireproof dish or bowl

Instructions

Gather sprigs of herbs and flowers from the garden
Cut them into equal lengths around 5 to 7 inches.
Make bundles with the stems about 1 inch thick.
Tie a knot with a piece of twine or cotton string around the bottom of the bundle leaving a small tail.
Then wrap the twine up to the top of the bundle and back down over the top of the first wrapping.
Tie the twine to the tail and leave extra for hanging.
Hang each bundle upside down in a dark place with plenty of airflow and ventilation for 1 to 2 weeks or until they are dry and crispy.

Notes

To Use: Light the top leaves of the smudge stick then gently blow out the flame. The stick will continue to smoke. Carry it around the house with a heat-proof bowl to catch ashes while thinking positive thoughts, clearing any negativity.

Tried this project?Tag @hearthnvine on Instagram