What to do with sage after smudging?

By Coralee RobertsApril 04, 2025

After you’ve completed your smudging ritual, you might wonder what to do with the remaining sage, particularly the ashes and any leftover pieces. Here’s how you can respectfully handle sage after smudging:

Extinguish the Sage

Once you’ve finished smudging, make sure the sage is fully extinguished. You can press the burning end into a fireproof smudge bowl, sand, or soil until the embers are completely out. This is important for safety reasons and also to ensure the sage is ready for future use if there’s still some left on the stick.

Dispose of the Ashes

The ashes left behind after smudging are considered to have absorbed the negative energies you’ve cleansed. There are a few respectful ways to dispose of these ashes:

Return to Nature: You can return the ashes to the earth by sprinkling them in your garden, under a tree, or in a natural setting. This is a way of giving back to the earth and completing the cycle of energy.

Bury the Ashes: Another option is to bury the ashes in the ground. This is symbolic of grounding the energies and allowing them to be transformed by the earth.

Dispose in Running Water: Some people choose to scatter the ashes in a running stream or river. The flowing water helps to carry away the negative energy and purify it.

Reuse Remaining Sage

If there is still sage left on the smudging stick, you can store it in a dry, cool place for future use. Be sure to keep it in a respectful, clean area, away from moisture and other elements that could damage it.

Respectful Disposal of Spent Sage

If your smudge stick has been completely used up and there’s nothing left to burn, you can dispose of the remaining pieces in a respectful manner. This could involve burying the remnants in the earth or placing them in a sacred or meaningful place as a way of honoring the plant’s spirit.

Reflect and Give Thanks

After disposing of the sage or its ashes, it’s a good practice to take a moment to reflect on the cleansing ritual and give thanks for the energy and protection the sage has provided. This helps to close the ritual and reinforce the positive intentions you set.

By handling sage and its remnants with care and respect, you honor the sacredness of the smudging ritual and the energy it has helped you clear.

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.