Yes, you can absolutely reuse a smudge stick. Smudge sticks are designed to be used multiple times, and here’s how you can make the most of yours: 

Partial Burning

When you light a smudge stick, you typically only burn a small portion of it, just enough to create the smoke needed for your cleansing ritual. Once you’ve finished smudging, you can extinguish the smudge stick and save the rest for future use. This way, a single smudge stick can last for several sessions.

Proper Extinguishing

After using the smudge stick, it’s important to properly extinguish it to ensure it’s ready for reuse. You can do this by pressing the burning end into a fireproof smudging bowl, sand, or soil until the embers are fully out. Make sure it’s completely extinguished before storing it away.

Storage

Store your smudge stick in a dry, cool place where it won’t be exposed to moisture or extreme temperatures. This will help preserve the herbs and ensure that they burn well the next time you use the stick. You can wrap it in a cloth or place it in a designated container to keep it protected.

Re-lighting

When you’re ready to smudge again, simply re-light the remaining portion of the smudge stick. It should catch fire easily and continue to produce the cleansing smoke needed for your ritual.

Ethical Consideration

Reusing smudge sticks is also more sustainable and respectful of the resources. Since some herbs like white sage are harvested from the wild and have become endangered due to overharvesting, using your smudge stick multiple times helps to minimize the environmental impact. 

Smudge sticks are designed to be reused, and with proper care and storage, a single smudge stick can serve you through many cleansing rituals. 

 Author: Coralee Roberts

Coralee is a passionate health and wellness advocate with a deep understanding of holistic living. Driven by a desire to empower herself and others to achieve optimal health and well-being, she has been practicing smudging and energy cleansing for several years. In 2024, Coralee decided to formalize her knowledge and completed a certificate in smudging, deepening her understanding of this transformative practice. Through her writing and teachings, Coralee aims to inspire and support others on their own paths towards wellness and resilience.