Can the herbs sage and sagebrush be used interchangeably for smudging?

Question

I live in Utah, and I'm always coming across Sagebrush, but I've been in need of Sage for smudging. I was wondering if I could just use the Sagebrush, so I don't have to buy low quality, overpriced Sage at the store. Are Sage and Sagebrush close enough to being the same plant??? Or will I be bringing a whole host of nasty sh!t down upon my head if I don't use the Sage? I'm Pagan, and the DOES have to do with my Religion! I NEED to cleanse my place! {I've got nasties all over...}

Answer 1

The sagebrush is great. In fact sage smudging is mostly derived from Native American customes. The sage (white sage) sold in the metaphysical stores is basiclly a form of sagebrush and not the herb sage. Probably if you collected it yourself would have better properties as well.

Answer 2

Typically smudging is done with Clary Sage. However, if you've found other herbs that work well for you regarding smudging, that's OK too. Smudge is basically incense, so depending on the issue you're meditating about or the energies you're trying to clear, choose herbs that suit your purpose.

Answer 3

The "sage" of smudging is "sagebrush" -- Artemesia tridentata. It is a native herb/shrub of the American West.
Garden, kitchen, or culinary sage -- Salvia officinalis -- is native to the Mediterranian. And probably not, therefore, the sage used by native Americans.

Answer 4

Like in the Sweat Lodges of North America --- Sage is good stuff, Sagebrush is equally good.

Some Ocean Kelp's are OK too and preferred my some.

Answer 5

sorry not into cleansing but trying to think logically here to help anyway ...
i would try it because i don't see how using sagebrush would encourage anything negative at all .. OK it may not do the job of the sage .. but i don't see that it would do any harm
hope you get a better answer though xxx