What is a juniper smudge stick?

This is a hand-bound 5-inch smudge stick of dried juniper foliage (Juniperus species). Juniper smoke is clean and resinous, slightly pine-like with subtle sweet notes, which makes it one of the most approachable aromatic bundles we carry.

Juniper across traditions

Few ceremonial smoke plants appear in as many cultures as juniper. In Tibet, juniper is the foundation of the "sang" offering, the temple incense burned across the Himalayan Buddhist world. In Europe, households burned juniper indoors during plague eras, and in Scottish and Welsh custom it was burned on the hearth at the new year. In North America, juniper holds a documented place in the ceremonial traditions of several Indigenous peoples, notably the Diné (Navajo). We state these histories as history; the traditions belong to the cultures that keep them.

Burning characteristics

Light the tip until it smolders, blow out any flame, and rest the stick over a heatproof dish. Relit between sessions, a 5-inch juniper stick typically gives 10 to 20 burns. Press the lit end into sand or ash to extinguish it.

Related smudge sticks

• Cedar Smudge — the Pacific Northwest classic, woody and sweet.
• Mugwort Smudge — herbaceous and sage-like.

Format & size

Sold as a single hand-bound stick, approximately 5 inches long. We make no health or therapeutic claims.

Storage

Store in a dry place away from humidity so the resinous foliage keeps its aroma.

Juniper smudge at a glance

Source

Dried juniper foliage (Juniperus species)

Length

Approximately 5 inches

Aroma

Clean, resinous, slightly pine-like with sweet notes

Burn character

Smolders with light fragrant smoke; relightable