How to Dry Sage for Smudging to Make DIY Smudge Sticks

I have recently embarked on a journey to learn how to dry sage for smudging with a single purpose in mind: crafting my very own DIY smudge sticks. 

Join me as we delve into the best way to make a dried bundle of this popular herb to create cleansing sage smudging sticks.

In this step-by-step tutorial, I’ll share my favorite ways to dry these sacred herbs so that you can take advantage of the cleansing properties and infuse your space with positive energy. 

Let’s get started on our journey to make sage bundles that are as unique as they are powerful.

This post that shares how to dry sage for smudging contains affiliate links which means that if you make a purchase after clicking a link, I will receive a small portion of the sale at no additional cost to you.

Harvesting Sage to Make Your Own Smudge Sticks

The first step is to harvest fresh sage from a sage plant. The most popular type of sage stick you will find in the store is from the dried leaves of white sage but there are many different types used for culinary purposes and spiritual reasons.

You may have heard them referred to as Salvia Apiana, or Salvia Officinalis, among others depending on your region. Some Latin words for sage are salvia and salvus which signifies healing and well-being.

These distinct varieties of sage not only vary in appearance and aroma but also carry their unique significance in indigenous peoples’ smudge rituals and spiritual ceremonies. 

Salvia guaranitica is the most common sage found in South America while Salvia apiana is the most common in North America.

According to the Bureau of Land Management, there are over 20 species of sagebrush shrubs and herbs that grow in Wyoming alone, which is where I scored these aromatic herbs.

The choice of sage type can add a personal touch to your smudge ritual, allowing you to align it with your intentions and spiritual practice. 

Luckily no matter which sage you can get your hands on, these steps will help you learn how to dry sage for smudging.

When harvesting sage the most important thing to keep in mind is to do this on a dry day and to not store the sage in an airtight container such as mason jars.

You can use a plastic bag to collect sage before bringing it into its new home but this isn’t a great way to store it.

The moisture will prevent the sage from drying out properly and cause it to mold so do not store it in an airtight container until you have properly dried out the sage. This is the best time to start thinking about cute containers to store your sage in but not until it is fully dried. 

How to Dry Sage for Smudging

There are several methods available for drying this versatile herb, so there is no right way to dry sage. You can choose whichever method you prefer to dry herbs in your home from the options below. 

Air Drying Process

After you have your fresh herbs, it’s time to find a dry location, preferably with direct sunlight to allow them to air dry. This is the easiest way to dry sage leaves but it does take a long time compared to other methods.

You can either tie up the sage and hang the sage bundle upside down or a good way to make sure they are completely dry is to lay them out on a baking sheet.

You can lay a paper towel, silicone sheets, or parchment paper down to absorb extra moisture if you want. I use a rack to allow plenty of air circulation and store it in a dry place until the dried herbs are ready to create my own sage smudge bundles.

The drying process should get your sage to a point where it is still flexible but not holding moisture to the point of molding. This could take about a week or two depending on the humidity conditions in your home. 

Oven Drying Process

Set your oven to the lowest possible temperature which is mild 170°F (77°C) for most ovens. Position the sage leaves upon a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and proceed with the process of oven drying.

Allow for a series of 15-minute intervals in the oven, prolonging the procedure for a duration of 3 to 4 hours, until the sage reaches a crisp and fragile state.

As a precautionary measure to prevent excessive heat buildup, you can leave the oven door open a crack to prevent from burning herbs but this isn’t necessary as most ovens will not reach high temperatures when set to a specific temperature. 

Microwave Drying Process

For a speedy sage-drying technique in preparation for bundling, look no further than the microwave.

Begin by arranging your sage leaves neatly on a flat paper towel, all situated on a microwave-safe plate. Next, microwave the sage leaves for an initial 30-second burst, and then continue in shorter 15-second intervals until the sage achieves the desired dryness.

Once your sage leaves are crunchy and fully dry, it’s time to delicately remove the stems and discard them, leaving you with perfectly prepared sage for your bundles.

Food Dehydrator Process

Begin by arranging the fresh sage leaves on the dehydrator’s racks, ensuring they form a single, evenly spaced layer.

Adjust the temperature settings, aiming for a drying range between 100 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit.

Keep a watchful eye on the progress and inspect your leaves every 60 minutes. Continue this process until the leaves have fully dried and reached the point where they crumble with ease, making them ready for your intended use.

How to Make Sage Bundles

After drying your sage whether using the traditional method of air drying or choosing a faster method like the oven method, it’s time to create sage bundles.

Start by bundling your sage together tightly then adding small pieces until you have reached the amount you want to use to complete the bundle.

The size and thickness of your bundle are completely up to you, feel free to start with small amounts until you get the hang of it. 

Various cultures including native Americans choose the color of string based upon the intended purpose of the smudging ceremony, the cultural background of the practitioner, and the materials available.

In Native American culture, red was traditionally associated with blood, energy, power, earth, conflict, and success. In some cases, the red string is chosen, bearing traditional associations with life force, power, the earth, conflict, and success.

After choosing your color and type of string for your sage smudge stick, it’s time to wrap it around to secure the sage in place. 

Begin wrapping the string tightly around the base of the sage bundle. Make several loops around the base to secure the leaves in place. The tightness of the wrap will help the sage maintain its form during use. Gradually spiral the string upward toward the tip of the sage bundle.

Ensure each loop is snug but not overly tight to avoid damaging the leaves. 

When you reach the tip, secure the end of the string with a knot or by tucking it under a previous loop. Make sure it’s firmly fastened to prevent unwrapping during use.

Carefully trim any excess string, leaving a small tail if you plan to hang the smudge stick to dry further.

After wrapping, allow your sage smudge stick to air dry in a cool, dark place. This step helps the sage bundle to hold its shape and ensures it’s ready for use.

Elevate your sage bundles with the addition of essential oils, dried lavender, and fragrant sage flowers for an enhanced aromatic experience.

FAQs About How to Dry Sage for Smudging

How Do You Know When Sage Is Dry?

An easy way to tell if you have dried sage leaves enough is to feel the ends, if they crack or crumble you have good reason to believe they are dried and ready to be made into your own safe smudge bundles. 

What Does Burning Sage in Your House Do? 

Much like a palo santo stick burning sage can help to remove negative energies, and evil spirits as well as promote a sense of purification and balance in your space.

Some believe that sage smoke has health benefits beyond good energy such as the ability to boost defense against disease.

Although sage does include an antioxidant compound, I am not sure about the extent of its medicinal properties beyond its ability to clear negative energy.

I do feel that the ritual of burning sage can help you get in the mindset of fresh starts and let go of any negative feelings but you should probably stick to ground sage in its edible for medicinal benefits. 

Are You Supposed to Burn the Whole Sage Stick?

There is no need to burn the entire stick at once; a few minutes of burning is typically sufficient to sage a small space effectively. In recent years, when purchasing sage online, you may notice that it often comes with a fire-safe bowl or an abalone shell.

This is because smudging, the practice of using smoke to purify and cleanse, is traditionally accompanied by a protective vessel to catch any falling embers or ash.

This not only ensures safety during the smudging process but also honors the sacred tradition of smudging, adding a layer of reverence and spirituality to the experience.

The vessel symbolizes the connection between the physical and spiritual realms, making smudging a holistic and meaningful ritual for many.

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