Sage stick - Ruda rue Sage is an herb with strong healing properties. For example, it was once known as an antidote to certain snakes and mushrooms. It was also used in cooking, as a mouthwash, and as a remedy for colds. Finally, the street was also known for its strong, spicy scent. It is known for its protective effect and for warding off evil. Shakespeare liked to write about this and, in his stories, associated the herb with healing and memory. Where does smudge come from? The purification ritual comes from the Native Americans. They burn the herbs to get in touch with the spiritual world. They do this, among other things, to dispel bad energies and evoke good energies. So they cleaned living spaces and even people from bad energies. Ritual purification also found its way to Europe, although we don't usually evoke spirits with it.