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Health Line
18-07-2025
- Health
- Health Line
10 Benefits of Burning Sage, How to Get Started, and More
Burning sage — also known as cleansing — is an ancient spiritual ritual. Certain types of sage have antimicrobial properties and may provide additional benefits. Where did the practice originate? Distinct from cleansing, smudging has been well established as a Native American cultural or tribal practice, although not all groups practice it. We have the traditions of many Native American peoples, including the Lakota, Chumash, and Cahuilla, to thank for its use. Many other cultures around the world share similar rituals. Read on to learn more about the benefits of burning sage and how you can use it to improve your overall well-being. It may be purifying The most commonly used types of sage have antimicrobial properties, which means they may keep infectious bacteria, viruses, and fungi at bay. White prairie sage (technically a mugwort species, Artemisia ludoviciana) is both antimicrobial and antibacterial. White sage (an actual sage, Salvia apiana) is also antimicrobial. And both have been shown to repel insects. It may help relieve the symptoms of some conditions It turns out that sage may help clear the air of lots more than bugs and bacteria. Though scientifically unproven, burning sage is thought to release negative ions, which are said to help neutralize positive ions. Common positive ions are allergens like: pet dander pollution dust mold If this is the case, burning sage may be a blessing for those with asthma, allergies, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions. However, inhaling the smoke during the cleansing process can aggravate any respiratory condition. Wait until the smoke clears before going into the room. It can be a spiritual tool Burning sage has long been used to connect to the spiritual realm or enhance intuition. In traditional cultures, burning sage is used by healers and laypeople to achieve a healing state or to solve or reflect upon spiritual dilemmas. This may also have some scientific basis. Certain types of sage, including salvia sages and white prairie sage, contain thujone. It may help dispel negative energy Burning sage may also be used as a ritual tool to rid yourself or your space of negativity. This includes past traumas, bad experiences, or negative energies from others. This may help you establish a positive environment for meditation or another ritual. Choosing to sit and let go of negative thoughts in a ritual like this sets your intention and dedication to self-improvement. Choosing to engage in ritual can be the beginning of your change in mindset. It can cleanse or empower specific objects Burning sage creates fragrant smoke, which is central to its benefits. You can use this incense to cleanse yourself or specific spaces. Or, according to some sources, you can cleanse specific objects. This can be useful with new purchases, gifts, or secondhand items. However, any item can be cleansed. If you have any concern with negative history or energy attached to a new or unfamiliar object, burning sage may help bring peace of mind and make the object more sacred to you. It may help improve your mood Tradition suggests that burning sage can literally lift one's spirits to banish negativity. Some research supports this. A 2014 study documented white prairie sage (also known as estafiate) as an important traditional remedy for treating anxiety, depression, and mood disorders in certain cultures. It may help soothe stress If burning sage can lift one's mood, it could also be a great ally against stress. A 2016 research project for the University of Mississippi established that white sage (Salvia apiana) is rich in compounds that activate certain receptors in the brain. These receptors are responsible for elevating mood levels, reducing stress, and even alleviating pain. It may improve the quality of your sleep Burning sage has been traditionally used to safeguard against negativity that could interfere with sleep. Some research suggests that sage contains compounds that could help ease insomnia. Classic garden sage (Salvia officinalis) is sometimes burned like white sage. It's also been used to improve sleep and soothe anxiety. It may help boost cognition In addition to dissipating negative energy, improving mood, and strengthening intuition, burning sage might improve your memory and focus. A 2016 review of studies noted that evidence for salvia's cognitive-enhancing benefits is promising, perhaps affecting dementia and Alzheimer's disease. However, most of these studies analyzed salvia being taken internally, not burned. More research is needed. It can create an uplifting fragrance For some, this may be the best of all benefits: Sage is a lovely incense with a divine aroma, pure and simple. It also works great as a chemical-free air freshener or odor controller. How to prepare for a cleanse Before burning sage, some recommend setting intentions if cleansing for spiritual, energetic, and negativity-clearing purposes. Remove animals or people from the room. It's also important to leave a window open before, during, and after cleansing. This allows smoke to escape. Some believe smoke also takes impurities and negative energy with it, so don't skip this step. How to cleanse your living space, an object, and more These steps apply whether you're cleansing yourself, your home, or an object. You can cleanse any of these as often as you'd like. Light the end of a sage bundle with a match. Blow it out quickly if it catches on fire. The tips of the leaves should smolder slowly, releasing thick smoke. With one hand, direct this smoke around your body and space while holding the bundle in the other. Allow the incense to linger on the areas of your body or surroundings you'd like to focus on. Using a fan or a feather can also help direct the smoke, though this is optional. Allow the ash to collect in a ceramic bowl or shell. Cleanse your home or living space In this instance, direct sage smoke over all surfaces and spaces in your home or living area. Be thorough. Some recommend working in a clockwise direction around your home, ending back where you started, especially for spiritual purposes. Others recommend counterclockwise. Do what feels best for your situation and follow your intuition. Cleanse an object Direct smoke around and over the object of your choice. This can be done to a new item, such as jewelry, furniture, or clothing, to protect or dispel it of negative energy. Items related to negative experiences or memories may also be cleansed. Some people burn sage over special objects to acknowledge the object with sacred meaning. Aromatherapy You can also light and burn sage to improve odor, fragrance, and mood. Simply waft sage smoke in and around your home. You can place the bundle in a fireproof bowl or burner and allow it to smoke for a while. What to do after a cleanse Make sure your sage bundle is completely extinguished. You can do this by dabbing the lit end into a small bowl of ash or sand. Avoid using water, since it may be challenging to reignite sage if it is extinguished by water. Check the end closely to make sure there are no more embers burning. Once it's completely put out, store it in a safe, dry place out of the sun. Are there any side effects or risks? When done correctly and respectfully, burning sage is completely safe, and the effects last after the smoke clears. Be careful with sage when it's lit. If you aren't careful, burns and even fire is possible. Have water nearby. Never leave burning sage unattended. Make sure to put your sage bundle out completely after every use. Setting off smoke alarms is common. Consider this if burning sage in a public building. People with asthma and other respiratory conditions may be more sensitive to the smoke and have adverse reactions. Always leave a window open while burning sage. Inhaling smoke can be hazardous to your health. The bottom line Burning sage has many benefits as a spiritual practice. Some research supports certain health benefits of sage, such as antimicrobial properties and enhanced alertness, but more research is needed. There is very little research on burning sage as a practice beyond the cultural practice of the ritual.
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
2 Arizona wildfires grow as they ravage Grand Canyon's North Rim
The White Sage and Dragon Bravo fires together have burned nearly 60,000 acres, while only miles away from each other on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. As of about 9 a.m. on July 15, the White Sage Fire spread across 51,922 acres, while the Dragon Bravo Fire spread to over 8,000 acres and destroyed historic structures, according to InciWeb, a federal wildfire tracker. Both of the fires remained 0% contained. Here's what we know about the continued growth of the fires and what might be next for firefighters. The White Sage Fire, roughly 30 miles north of the Dragon Bravo Fire, has burned 51,922 acres and was 0% contained after it was ignited due to a lightning strike, according to InciWeb. "Over the past few days, the White Sage Fire has exhibited extreme fire behavior," wrote fire officials in a July 15 morning update. Fire officials said 572 personnel were battling the fire. The approximate 2,600-acre increase was "significantly less" than before, according to the update. On July 14, the fire continued to spread through the scar of the 2020 Magnum Fire, where invasive cheatgrass acted as perfect fuel for the fire. Firefighters on the west side of the fire maintained a fire line and were transitioning into suppression efforts, the update added. Firefighters also traveled directly to the north portion of the fire and established more control lines, but they saw increased fire activity in the northwestern portion due to shifting winds and dry grass in the area, the update said. Firefighters were hindered by dry thunderstorms that evening, which limited air attack crews, who are critical to suppression efforts from the air, according to InciWeb. A vast area, the Kaibab Plateau from the Utah-Arizona line down to the Grand Canyon, was placed under evacuation orders. Fire crews urged the public to avoid the area. Highway 89A was closed at Fredonia and Bitter Springs. About 30 miles to the south, the Dragon Bravo Fire engulfed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim, and at least 70 structures on July 12, according to Stefan La-Sky, public information officer for the Southwest Incident Management Team. On July 15, the fire had burned 8,570 acres and was still 0% contained, according to La-Sky. Over 360 personnel were battling the fire, he added. Six helicopters, including three heavy variants able to carry more water, were now on-site, La-Sky also said. Firefighters focused on areas near Roaring Springs, with some crews specifically assigned to structure protection, according to La-Sky He said that the fire threat to nearby Phantom Ranch was "significantly reduced." A hazmat situation caused by a chlorine leak from a water treatment plant was resolved, as crews found no detectable levels of the toxic chemicals in the area, fire officials said in an update. Do you have photos or video of the Grand Canyon Lodge to share on We'd love to see them and share with readers. Send it to us at our video-photo upload site. The National Weather Service office in Flagstaff noted July 15 that the area was expected to see a chance of gusty winds and dry lightning in the area, both of which aggravate fire conditions. Chances of actual rain, including hail, were at their highest on Thursday, according to the Weather Service. Thunderstorms prevent air attack crews, which are commonly used in the remote areas of the Dragon Bravo and White Sage fires, from reaching the fires. If rain made its way to the area, there was also a threat of flash flooding in sensitive areas and recent burn scars, according to the Weather Service. Contact reporter Rey Covarrubias Jr. at rcovarrubias@ Follow him on Instagram, X, Threads and Bluesky: @ReyCJrAZ. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Wildfires in AZ: Dragon Bravo, White Sage fires burn nearly 60K acres
Los Angeles Times
13-07-2025
- Climate
- Los Angeles Times
Historic Grand Canyon lodge destroyed by wildfire, official says
GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Ariz. — A historic lodge on the Grand Canyon's North Rim has been destroyed by a fast-moving wildfire, the park said Sunday. The Grand Canyon Lodge, the only lodging inside the park at the North Rim, was consumed by the flames, park Superintendent Ed Keable told park residents, staff and others in a meeting Sunday morning. He said the visitor center, the gas station, a waste water treatment plant, an administrative building and some employee housing also were lost. Two wildfires are burning at or near the North Rim, known as the White Sage fire and the Dragon Bravo fire. The latter is the one that impacted the lodge and other structures. The park initially was managing it as a controlled burn but then shifted to suppression as it rapidly grew, fire officials said. Millions of people visit Grand Canyon National Park annually, with most going to the more popular South Rim. The North Rim is open seasonally. It was evacuated last Thursday because of wildfire. The burning of the water treatment plant resulted in the release of chlorine gas that prompted the evacuation of firefighters and hikers from the inner canyon, park officials said Sunday. Chlorine gas is heavier than air and can quickly settle into lower elevations such as the inner canyon, posing a health risk. Meanwhile, officials reported progress in battling a second wildfire burning north of the Grand Canyon. Fire lines on the White Sage fire that forced evacuations at the North Rim and in the community of Jacob Lake were holding, officials said. On the southern edge of the fire, hand crews and bulldozers were working uphill, and the spread of the blaze had been minimal. But to the east and north, the fire has spread rapidly, with grasses and standing dead trees contributing to the fire's intensity, officials said. The fire was pushing downhill toward the Vermilion Cliffs area, and crews were assessing opportunities to create buffer zones that help slow or halt the fire's progress.
NBC News
15-04-2025
- Health
- NBC News
Native body wash review: A $13 cure-all for my severely dry skin
Body wash is one of those products that can make or break my shower experience. My ideal formula cleans my body, makes me smell good and keeps my skin barrier intact. But because my skin is so dry, most formulas (especially ones that form into an ultra-rich lather) aren't a match for me — they tend to strip my skin of moisture, leaving me feeling parched and in major need of a thick body cream post-shower. That's why I'm pretty particular when it comes to the body washes I use. Even formulas that are designed to be hydrating often only work for a short period of time before my skin starts to feel rough and dry again. Recently, though, Native sent me their new Body Wash, a more moisturizing-forward formula than their original body wash, and I'm officially a fan. Below, I'll share my experience using the product, including its ingredients, how it feels on the skin and who it's best for. Want more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter. What is the Native Moisturizing Body Wash? The Native Moisturizing Body Wash is a sulfate-free in-shower body wash that cleanses the skin while also moisturizing it. While Native has an existing range of body washes, this formula is specifically made to moisturize the skin as it cleanses. With the new formula comes six new scents — including sweet, bright and floral options — that are exclusive to the line. What sets this body wash apart from Native's regular lineup of body washes (and other body washes on the market) is the fact that it's infused with 7% shea butter (the industry standard is 2%, according to Native). Shea butter is both an emollient and occlusive ingredient that softens and hydrates the skin while locking in moisture. It also has a low allergen content, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin or a compromised skin barrier. Aside from shea butter being the star ingredient, the vegan body wash is made with only 11 other ingredients, compared to other formulas that have upward of 20. How I tried Native's Moisturizing Body Wash The brand sent me all six scents of the body wash to test out, and I rotated through all six of them daily over a span of two weeks. I kept all six in my shower and used the different scents according to the time of day or what my preferences at the time were. For example, I'd use the Lemon Balm & Bamboo in the morning to wake me up, the Lily Milk & White Sage to wind down before bed and the Cocoa Butter & Vanilla before a night out. I'm someone who takes piping hot showers twice a day. This combination of water temperature and frequency of water exposure can be very drying on my skin. Also, the skin on my arms and legs is prone to flakiness, especially in the colder months when there's a lack of moisture in the air. When it comes to body washes, I usually opt for a lotion or cream texture over gel or foam, as the latter tends to exacerbate my dryness and leave my skin feeling tight after showering. While testing this body wash, I was determined to see if it would be able to combat the dehydration that my skin's become so accustomed to. My experience with the Native Moisturizing Body Wash When most people think of Native, the aluminum-free deodorant is typically what comes to mind, but for me, the Moisturizing Body Wash now takes center stage. This formula has quickly become my all-time favorite body wash that I've ever tried. It has an incredibly creamy texture that forms into a gentle lather, and rather than feeling stripping and leaving me craving moisture, my dry skin absolutely drinks it up. After each shower session using this formula, my skin feels insanely buttery, even on areas that are usually difficult to keep soft like my arms and lower legs. Aside from softening my skin, the formula does a good job of actually cleansing my body. Each time I use it I feel clean and refreshed. My dry, sensitive skin never flares up or gets irritated and I love that there are only 12 simple ingredients — all of which I can easily pronounce. Native also clearly lists and defines each ingredient on the back of the bottle, so I feel comfortable knowing exactly what I'm putting on my skin. Plus, all six of the scents smell like a vacation, and there's truly a scent family for everyone. Packaging-wise, the body wash comes with an easy-to-use, non-finicky pump that disperses a fair amount of product. The pump makes it easy to use with one hand (versus the non-moisturizing regular line, which comes in a squeeze tube that requires two hands). Another noteworthy aspect of this formula is that a little bit goes a long way — one and a half pumps is all I need to effectively cleanse and moisturize my entire body. What I like Genuinely softening I've never used a body wash that's made my skin as touchable and soft as this formula does — to the point where some days, I don't feel the need to lather up with body cream post-shower. Before using this body wash, I used to only associate hydration with thick creams and moisturizers; but now, I've realized that hydration can (and should) start in the shower. To use, I first get my skin wet in the shower before pumping out two pumps of product and using circular motions to lather it on. I don't use a loofah or any special cleansing tool — just my hands. On days I take my 'everything' shower, I use a body scrub first, then follow up with the body wash to lock in hydration. Pleasant, but not overpowering scents Each of the six scents in the moisturizing line are pleasant and perfume my entire bathroom. Plus, unlike other body washes I've tried, the scent subtly lingers on my skin throughout the day, making it possible to skip perfume if I wanted to. The scents include: Cocoa Butter & Vanilla: A rich mix of coconut, milk and vanilla cream Lily Milk & White Sage: A cozy, uplifting scent of floral and woodsy notes with a touch of green tea Shea Butter & Almond: A sweet blend of almond milk, vanilla and honey notes Night Jasmine & Walnut: A flowery blend of jasmine, rose, honeysuckle and musk Peach & Orange Blossom: A bright scent of peach, citrus and a hint of jasmine Lemon Balm & Bamboo: A refreshing boost of yuzu, ginger and green leafy notes Potential drawbacks to keep in mind No travel sizes The body washes come in a hefty 18-ounce bottle, making it unsuitable for travel or throwing in your gym bag. I would love to see the brand come out with smaller travel sizes because typically, travel-friendly body washes come in the form of a bar, which can be dehydrating and strip the skin of its natural oils. Having a travel-friendly option that's also moisturizing would be great for frequent travelers who may already be dealing with dry skin as a result of changes in climate. There's no unscented version Part of what makes Native's moisturizing line so special is the decadent scents, but for those who prefer unscented formulas, this doesn't exist (yet). As someone who's reported on beauty for over 10 years and has interviewed countless dermatologists, going fragrance-free is often the recommended route for those who have sensitive skin. That's because fragrance is an unregulated ingredient that serves as an umbrella term, potentially consisting of dozens or hundreds of chemical compounds that can cause irritation. The brand's regular line of body washes includes an unscented version, however, it lacks the super moisturizing benefits of shea butter. Who is Native's Moisturizing Body Wash best for? All in all, I recommend the Native Moisturizing Body Wash for seriously dry skin types, like myself, thanks to the high concentration of shea butter in it. It's also a great fit for those in cold climates since it's free of irritating sulfates and dyes. When it comes to pricing, the Native Moisturizing Body Wash costs $13 for 18 fluid ounces and is slightly more costly than the brand's regular body wash that comes in the same size, though keep in mind it has a high concentration of shea butter. Compared to other brands with shea butter body washes it falls in the middle: it's a bit more expensive than a drugstore option, like Olay's Ultra Moisture Body Wash with Shea Butter ($7), for example, but less than La Roche-Posay Lipikar Wash AP+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash ($18), which has more of a foam-y consistency. Why trust NBC Select? Michelle Rostamian has more than 10 years of experience covering beauty and skin care topics. For this story, Rostamian tried all six scents of the Native Moisturizing Body Wash, and considered the ingredients, feel and what skin types it would be best for.
