Especially nowadays, with everything going on in the world, knowing how magic and nature can help us to stay healthy and prevent ourselves from getting sick is really important.
Have you ever wondered what germs are? The word “germ” has different meanings depending on the context in which it is used. In botany, for example, it is defined as the reproductive part of a plant that germinates to grow. For this reason, the germ also indicates, in a figurative sense, what starts something, for example, a movement.
In biology, however, it indicates a microorganism, especially a pathogenic one.
Contents
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Smudging, traditionally done with materials like sage, is primarily used for spiritual or energetic purification rather than killing germs or bacteria.
While some studies suggest that the smoke generated during smudging rituals may have antimicrobial properties and could potentially help reduce airborne bacteria, it is not a substitute for conventional disinfection methods or cleaning practices.
If your goal is to disinfect or kill germs, it’s more effective to use appropriate cleaning agents, sanitizers, or disinfectants designed for that purpose.
Smudging should be seen as a complementary practice for spiritual or energy cleansing rather than a germ-killing technique.
What are germs?
In biology, the term “germ” refers to any microorganism capable of producing disease or damaging its host, be it animal or plant.
It would be easier to say where on Earth is germ-free. Microorganisms dominate all environments and surround us at all times (and are also within us!).
Does smudging kill germs?
Yes! Smudging is definitely a way to kill germs, but you have to smudge the right herbs to make it happen.
What’s the best herb for smudging to kill germs?
Yes, the amazing herb we use for spiritual cleansing, to get rid of any negative energy, and that we often use as a precious ingredient for our spells and rituals can also be a wonderful help to kill germs and prevent us from getting sick!

White sage is perfect for regularly cleaning the air in the house and getting rid of germs and bacteria. The best method is to take some dried white sage, set one end of the “stick” on fire, and then blow. The smoke that is generated literally kills most of the bacteria in the air.
The ideal time is one hour. Unlike chemical air fresheners that only mask odors, white sage is 100% natural and does not cause allergic reactions in people with sensitivity to various types of perfume.
Also read:
How to Make White Sage Smudge Sticks? [Step-By-Step]
How to smudge to kill germs?
With a lighter, light the end of the bunch where the leaves are (not the end of the stems). The leaves should be lit with fire initially and then slowly burn just like incense.
If you want to purify your house to kill germs, go walking through the different spaces with the bundle, making sure to distribute the smoke well in each room, leaving the window open to let fresh air in and old stagnant germ-filled air out.
Smudging: A versatile practice
A recent study claims that burning sage kills harmful bacteria. Air quality in the developed and underdeveloped world is appalling, containing up to over a thousand types of germs.
There is the western use of burning herbs and plants for spiritual purposes, where it is believed that burning some plants can erase the emotional and spiritual negativity that has accumulated in a body or space.
The study, published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, explains how this is increasingly being practiced despite skepticism.
During the research, herbal remedies from 50 countries on 5 continents were studied and it was found that smoke has medicinal purposes, helping our health and our body while purifying the air around us.
The research conducted stated that sage is a powerful antiseptic. Researchers said, “We have observed that 1 hour of medicinal smoke emanating from burning wood and a mixture of aromatic and medicinal herbs, caused a reduction of more than 94% in bacterial counts and the ability of the smoke to purify or disinfect the air was maintained until 24 hours in the closed room.”

The importance of having clean air around us
There are many reasons why people are concerned about the quality of the air in their homes. The main reason is related to health. Poor air quality can cause:
- asthma
- coughing
- respiratory infections
- headaches
- dizziness
- fatigue
- lung cancer
- heart problems
Don’t panic! The chronic health problems listed above occur as a result of prolonged exposure to polluted air. However, some of your family’s health problems that you are currently experiencing could be due to poor air quality in your home. Burning sage and houseplants are effective and natural ways to clean the air.
Personal energy purification
If you don’t feel very well and you think you are going to get sick soon, it’s the perfect time to smudge to kill germs around you and boost your immune system. After taking a shower, light the bundle and bathe in its smoke from head to toe.
You can also perform the ritual with your family or loved ones in the same way that you do it to yourself. Just make sure you do it to yourself first before doing it with others!
The most important thing is to use organic sage to smudge so while you kill germs you are going to breathe and fill your spaces with healthy energy and with truly beneficial properties.
You can find many online shops that provide quality certifications and more info about the origins and the properties of the sage they sell. Rely on this shop if you don’t have an herbalist shop nearby your place! This practice is so easy to perform and it’s something you can perform at home but also in a space like your office, a store, and so on.
Doing it at the end of the day or first thing in the morning can help you cleanse the air of germs, killing them while balancing the space’s energy as well. Basically, you are going to benefit from the many effects and properties to heal your body and your soul, both physically and spiritually.
If you think you need some help to boost your health, don’t forget I have the perfect spell for you! A health and wellness clearing to help you reconnect body and soul in the name of balance, health, and positivity while helping you getting rid of negativity and rebalancing your chakras.