White Sage and Common Sage

Top 1 Question: What is the difference between White Sage and Common Sage

I have been frequently asked if I have White Sage for the smudging practice!

Before answering this question and before heading to the difference between those two varieties of Sage, let us explore the 9 main Sage Plants on our Planet!

Exploring the Different Types of Sage

1. White Sage (Salvia Apiana)

White Sage is the most common and widely used sage for smudging. It is also known as Bee Sage, Sacred Sage, or California Sage. Native to Southern California, it has a strong, pungent scent and a long history of use in Native American culture for its potent cleansing properties.

2. Black Sage (Salvia Mellifera)

Black Sage, also known as Mugwort Sage or Dream Sage, is native to the Western United States and has a strong, earthy aroma. It is commonly used for divination, lucid dreaming, shamanic journeying, astral travel, and protection.

3. Blue Sage (Salvia Azurea)

Blue Sage, also known as Grandmother Sage, New Mexico Sage, or Rocky Mountain Sage, is a sacred plant native to the Western United States. It has a light, refreshing scent and is commonly used for spiritual cleansing, healing, enhancing psychic powers, and promoting relaxation.

4. Desert Sage (Artemisia Tridentata)

Desert Sage, also known as Mountain Sage, Desert Magic, or Sagebrush, is native to the Western United States. It has a strong, spicy aroma and is commonly used for spiritual cleansing, purifying a space, and promoting grounding and protection.

5. Pineapple Sage (Salvia Elegans)

Pineapple Sage, also known as Tangerine Sage, is native to Mexico and Central America. It has a sweet, fruity scent and is commonly used for spiritual cleansing, promoting positive energy, and enhancing creativity.

6. Clary Sage (Salvia Sclarea)

Clary Sage is native to the Mediterranean Region and has a sweet, herbal scent. It is commonly used for cleansing a living space, promoting relaxation, introspection, pleasant thoughts, tranquility, and encouraging creativity.

7. White Sagebrush (Artemisia Ludoviciana)

White Sagebrush, also known as Prairie Sage or Louisiana Sage, is native to North America. It has a light, refreshing scent and is commonly used for creating a sacred space, promoting restful sleep, grounding, and peace of mind. It is also believed to have powerful antimicrobial and antifungal properties and is often used in medicinal teas and poultices.

8. Brazilian Sage (Salvia Guaranitica)

Brazilian Sage, also known as Aztec Sage or Purple Sage, is native to South America. It has a sweet, floral scent and is commonly used for spiritual rituals, promoting peace and calm, and promoting inner strength.

9. Common Sage (Salvia Officinalis)

Common Sage, also known as garden sage, is native to the Mediterranean. It has a strong, herbal scent and is commonly used for cleansing. Common sage has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and is often used in cooking and as a medicinal herb.

What is the difference between white sage and common sage

The 1st difference resides that White Sage is native to California, which means when I forage sage in my beloved country, I obviously don't find white sage!!

So when you order your smudging stick at Sacred, you are investing in the sage that grows in our valleys!

On a metaphysical level, both White Sage and Common Sage are powerful smudging tools!