New Age Smudges & Herbs White Sage (Salvia Apiana) from the costal mountains of California. Sage is one of the sacred herb among indigenous American people. The clean burning sage is used in the energy cleansing ritual known as smudging. Several ways to burns the smudge stick, using a small dish, oyster shell or simply let the flame burn out and smudge the smoke away without any dish. However having a dish underneath to catch any falling pieces is recommended