Ethical Alternatives To White Sage

There are many ethical alternatives to white sage and we are going to discuss them in detail. But first let me explain why using white sage might be problematic both in terms of cultural appropriation and emvironmental sustainability. I'll also explain why my mother and I don't use any incense at all when we perform psychic space clearings that are based on intention and energy healing alone.

Why Using White Sage Might Be Cultural Appropriation – And Ethical Alternatives to White Sage

White sage has become a popular tool in spiritual and energy-clearing practices, often used for smudging to cleanse spaces, objects, or individuals of negative energy. However, its widespread use raises important ethical and cultural questions, particularly regarding cultural appropriation and environmental sustainability. If you are drawn to space clearing and want to ensure your practice is respectful, sustainable, and ethical, this guide will help you understand the concerns around white sage and explore alternative options.

What is Cultural Appropriation?

Cultural appropriation occurs when elements of a marginalized or oppressed culture are adopted by members of a dominant culture without proper understanding, respect, or acknowledgment. This often happens in ways that strip these elements of their original meaning, commodify sacred traditions, and exclude the communities that created them from benefiting. In the case of white sage, its widespread commercial use has led to its detachment from Indigenous spiritual significance, making it a product rather than a sacred tool.

Why Using White Sage is Considered Appropriation

White sage (Salvia apiana) is a sacred plant in many Indigenous traditions, particularly among Native American and First Nations communities. It has been used for centuries in spiritual ceremonies, purification rituals, and healing practices. The act of smudging, which involves burning white sage to cleanse a space or person, is deeply tied to Indigenous spiritual traditions, often requiring specific protocols and blessings.

The increasing popularity of white sage in mainstream wellness and spiritual circles has led to concerns about cultural appropriation. Many Indigenous communities have faced oppression, criminalization of their spiritual practices, and land dispossession. Yet, their sacred traditions and plants have been commodified and sold without acknowledgment or respect. Purchasing white sage from mass-market retailers who profit from these traditions without giving back to Indigenous communities perpetuates this imbalance.

Additionally, some Indigenous groups see the widespread, commercialized use of white sage by non-Native people as an extension of colonialism—where sacred practices are taken without permission, profited from, and used in ways that disregard their deep spiritual meaning. This erasure can be deeply harmful, especially considering that many Indigenous people were historically punished, imprisoned, or killed for practicing their own traditions, including smudging which is why I am keen on exploring ethical alternatives to white sage.

The Environmental Concerns Around White Sage

Beyond cultural concerns, white sage is now at risk due to overharvesting. As demand has skyrocketed, wild populations of white sage, particularly in California, have been significantly depleted. Poaching and unsustainable harvesting practices threaten the plant’s survival and disrupt the ecosystems where it naturally grows. Ethical sourcing of white sage is essential to ensure that this sacred plant remains available for the Indigenous communities who have historically stewarded it.

Ethical Alternatives to White Sage

If you want to practice space clearing while respecting Indigenous traditions and environmental sustainability, consider these alternatives:

1. Locally-Sourced Herbs (For Those in Europe)

Europe has a rich tradition of using local herbs for purification and cleansing. If you live in Europe, consider using the following herbs, which carry their own historical and energetic properties:

• Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) – A powerful cleansing herb used in European folk traditions for protection and dream work.

• Juniper (Juniperus spp.) – Common in Nordic and Celtic traditions, juniper is excellent for clearing negative energy and bringing in protection.

• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) – A strong purifier associated with remembrance, healing, and protection.

• Lavender (Lavandula spp.) – Ideal for creating a peaceful and calm environment, lavender clears negativity while promoting relaxation.

• Bay Leaves (Laurus nobilis) – Used in Roman and Mediterranean traditions for protection, wisdom, and clearing negativity.

2. Ethically-Sourced White Sage

If you feel strongly about using white sage, commit to sourcing it ethically from Indigenous-owned businesses or sustainable harvesters who work in partnership with Native communities. Some reputable sources include:

• Mojave Moon Apothecary - sustainably harvested from a small, Native-owned family farm located in the mountains of Southern California

• New Pastures Home (UK) – ethically sourced sage, environmentally friendly and sustainable, all whilst providing fair trade (imported from California)

• The Things We Do – ethically sourced sage

Tip: verify that the source respects Indigenous traditions and gives back to Native communities.

3. Other Smudging and Cleansing Incenses

There are many other herbs and resins traditionally used for space clearing, each carrying unique energetic properties:

• Palo Santo (Bursera graveolens) – A sacred wood from South America, traditionally used by Indigenous communities for spiritual purification and protection. However, due to deforestation and illegal harvesting, it’s crucial to buy only sustainably sourced Palo Santo from ethical suppliers.

• Frankincense (Boswellia spp.) – Used in many spiritual traditions, frankincense purifies energy, raises vibrations, and connects to higher consciousness.

• Myrrh (Commiphora spp.) – Excellent for grounding, deep spiritual work, and clearing stagnation.

• Copal (Protium copal, Bursera spp.) – A resin used in Mesoamerican traditions for cleansing, healing, and connecting with higher realms.

• Cedar (Thuja spp.) – A strong purifying herb, commonly used in both Native American and European traditions for clearing out heavy energy and protection.

• Sandalwood (Santalum spp.) – Used in Eastern traditions for meditation, relaxation, and high-vibration clearing.

Best Practices for Responsible Smudging

To ensure your space-clearing practice is ethical and respectful:

• Learn About the Cultural Context – Educate yourself about the origins of the plants you use and the traditions they come from.

• Use Alternatives When Possible – If you are not part of an Indigenous tradition, consider using local plants that align with your own cultural or regional heritage.

• Source Responsibly – Choose ethical suppliers that respect and support Indigenous communities or sustainable harvesting practices.

• Practice with Intention – Cleansing a space is not just about the material but also about the intention you bring to it. Honouring the energy of the plants you use ensures a more powerful and respectful practice.

Why my mother and I don't use any incense or smudging practices

90% of the space clearings we do are remote and based on our psychic ability to remote view a space and connect to its energy and frequency. We retrieve information on what stagnat energies there are, spirit activity or disturbances such as from ley lines or vortices. We work with our space clearing guides to clear a space, through intention and energy healing.

In fact, oftentimes clients will contact us because all the traditional methods haven't worked for them. There is only so much sage can do.

Conclusion

Using white sage as part of a spiritual practice comes with ethical considerations related to cultural appropriation and sustainability. If you wish to clear energy while honouring Indigenous wisdom, consider ethical alternatives to white sage by using local alternatives or ethically sourced plants. By making informed choices, you contribute to a more respectful and sustainable spiritual practice, ensuring that these powerful traditions and resources are preserved for future generations.

If you’re looking for ethically sourced space-clearing tools, explore local herbalists, Indigenous-owned businesses, and sustainable suppliers who prioritise cultural respect and ecological balance. Cleansing your space should be an act of mindfulness and reverence—not just for your energy, but for the traditions and ecosystems that support it.

And if you need the help of space clearing experts feel free to contact us for a free assessment here.