Safety Guidelines

Safety Guidelines 

Smoke cleansing safely, for you and your home 

Fire Safety 

• Always burn over a heatproof dish, never directly over carpet, fabric, or paper. 

• Never leave a smouldering bundle unattended, even for a moment. 

• Keep bundles away from curtains, bedding, and other flammable materials while in use. 

• Fully extinguish bundles after each use by pressing them into sand or a dish; don’t assume they’ve gone out on their own. 

• Check smoke detectors are working before burning anything indoors, and consider opening windows so detectors aren’t triggered unnecessarily. 

Health & Air Quality Considerations 

Smoke of any kind, including from sage, contains particulate matter that can irritate the lungs and trigger respiratory symptoms. This matters more for some people than others. 

Who Should Be Cautious or Avoid Smoke Exposure 

• People with asthma, COPD, or other respiratory conditions 

• Pregnant individuals, out of general caution around smoke inhalation 

• Infants and young children 

• People with allergies to specific plants being burned 

• Pets, cats in particular, can be sensitive to smoke and to some essential-oil-bearing plants 

Lower-Smoke Alternatives 

If smoke isn’t suitable for your space or household, consider alternatives that aim for a similar ritual effect without combustion:

• Sage-infused sprays (water with a few drops of sage essential oil) 

• Battery-powered diffusers using essential oils 

• Simply opening windows, ringing a bell, or using sound to mark a “clearing” ritual 

A Note on Medical Claims 

Smoke cleansing is a cultural and spiritual practice, not a medical treatment. It hasn’t been shown to disinfect air or surfaces in the way medical-grade cleaning does, and it shouldn’t replace appropriate medical care or home safety measures like working smoke detectors and proper ventilation.