I've been steeped in research on how plants, flowers, earth, resins, oils, and other materials are used in magickal practices throughout different traditions. Its a lot more esoteric than the standard therapeutic approach, but it has been a wonderful exploration into plant lore and folk magic.
Smudging has become a popular practice in recent years used to remove negative energies from the home and other personal spaces, but its origins come from the Indigenous people of North America. It is important to remember that smudging ceremonies were sacred rituals to the Indigenous people and furthermore that until 1978, they could be jailed or even killed because it was illegal for them to practice their religion. There are also issues of sustainability due to the over-harvesting of White Sage in particular due to the uptick in popularity. Is Burning Sage Cultural Appropriation? Here’s How To Smoke Cleanse In Sensitive Ways is an eye opening look at the practice of smudging and its origins and implications.
Many other plants and herbs have protective and purifying properties that can be used to spiritually cleanse the home and other personal spaces. These herbs can be burned as incense, carried in sachets or charms, their essential oils could be diffused or used to create an energy cleansing spray, or they could be placed in offering bowls.
Here are my Top 10 Choices for alternatives to sage for energy cleansing.
Angelica Root is both available as an herb and an essential oil. It has been used for protection, purification, healing, hex breaking, and house blessings. Both the herb and oil have an earthy woodsy aroma.
Bergamot fruits or essential oils could be used for protection and cleansing rituals as they energize the aura, and protect against evil and illness.
Peppers: Black, Cayenne, and Chili have long been used for protection, banishing negative energies, and to remove jealousy toward you, as well as uncrossing curses.
Dragon's Blood Resin is also used in incense form to protect and purify spaces since the resin does not produce an essential oil, though you can infuse vegetable oils with the resin. It has strong banishing powers against negative influences, energies, and even bad habits.
Elderflowers/Elderberries are worn to provide protection against evil, negativity, and attackers. They can also be used in incense blends or other offerings.
Juniper Berries are available as both herb and essential oils. They are used for cleansing, purification, protection against accidents and illness, magickal protection, and for banishing rituals.
Lemons can be used as the fruit or essential oil for purification, protection, happiness, spiritual opening, and to remove energetic blockages.
Mugwort can be used in herb or essential oil applications for protection, banishment, and consecration of the self and personal spaces.
Rose Petals or essential oil can be used for protection, healing, and spiritual work, especially white, pink, or red rose petals.
Wormwood is also available in herb and essential oil form. It is a powerful tool in banishing and protection work helping to remove anger, inhibit anger and fighting, and helps protect from the evil eye. It can be carrier in your vehicle to protect from accidents on dangerous roads.
Other materials that are excellent for their protective and cleansing properties: activated charcoal, baking soda, sea salt, coconut milk, egg shell powder, and vinegar.
I use a fair amount of sage in my aromatic creations including incense, sachets, charms, and infused oils, but I am cognizant of its meaning, place, and origin in spiritual practices. There are numerous other plants, flowers, herbs, resins, and natural materials that provide the same level of protection as sage. As always be mindful of practices and traditions especially as they become more mainstream, as many have been impacted by the legacy of colonialism and oppression.