10/15/2025
Burning sage, a practice known as smudging, can significantly reduce airborne bacteria by up to 94% and purify a room for over 24 hours, according to a study from the National Botanical Research Institute in India. This ritual has long been used by some Native American cultures for spiritual cleansing, but modern research has confirmed its ability to eliminate disease-causing pathogens from the air. In addition to its antiseptic properties, sage is used in herbal medicine and its smoke can act as an insect repellent.
Scientific evidence
Reduced bacteria: A study showed that burning medicinal herbs like sage reduced airborne bacteria by up to 94% within an hour.
Long-lasting effects: The room remained disinfected for over 24 hours, and seven strains of disease-causing bacteria were undetectable 30 days later.
Potential for purification: The study concluded that medicinal smoke can eliminate diverse plant and human pathogenic bacteria in a confined space.
Traditional and medicinal uses
Spiritual cleansing: Smudging is a ceremony practiced by some Indigenous peoples of the Americas to purify spaces, objects, and people.
Herbal medicine: Sage is used internally as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory.
Insect repellent: The smoke from burning sage can be used as a natural insect repellent.
