This white sage smudging stick is decorated with rose petals of different colours, symbolising each of the 7 chakras in the human body. It is best used to cleanse people's energy. White sage It's a well-known medicinal plant. Its scientific name is Salvia Apiana, which comes from the Latin salvare - to heal. Most of its properties are found in the leaves which absorb the energy of the sun to produce lots of essential oils. In Celtic Europe, druids would use it in order to increase their wisdom and during healing and protection rituals. Many Native American cultures would also make use of the plant to purify body and mind. The 7 Chakras Located along the spine, the charkas - wheels in Sanskrit - are the energy centres that distribute vital energy throughout the human body. Each chakra, which is represented inside a lotus flower, has a unique function and healing power. 7 - Crown chakra - Violet - Spirituality and self-knowledge. 6 - Third eye chakra - Indigo - Intuition and clarity. 5 - Throat chakra - Blue - Expression and transcendence. 4 - Heart chakra - Green - Love and compassion. 3 - Solar plexus chakra - Yellow - Personal power and growth. 2 - Sacral chakra - Orange - Sensuality and emotions. 1 - Root chakra - Red - Identity and security. Western scientists have recently discovered that the chakras correspond to 7 main nerve ganglia on the spinal column. When our chakras are open and activated, we are meant to live a balanced and fulfilled life. Prayer beads: here and now my mind remains quiet. The word mala in Sanskrit means garland of roses and it was originated in India. From Buddhism and Hinduism, it passed to Islam and from Islam it was passed on to Christianity in times of the Crusades. The mala or rosary is used to count devotional words or mantras. The meditation with mantras consists of repeating words to generate specific vibrations. The mala is placed on one hand and a bead is taken. Each time the mantra is recited, we pass to the next bead. It is an effective way to stay in the present and appease the mind. About its cultivation Our plants are both wild harvested and farmed. Whether they are collected in private or public areas, the people who pick them have a legal authorization to do so. The process is simple: branches are cut and the roots of the plants are left in the ground to allow future harvesting. Exports are controlled by the USDA (US Agriculture Department), who certifies they fulfill all legal and environmental requirements. The growth of plants depends on the climate and annual precipitations. That's why the size of the bundles can vary from year to year, following seasonal contingency and changing harvesting. During drought periods, the concentration of essential oils in the leaves is higher. How to use it Purification rituals are universal practices. They are said to enhance mental clarity, joy and calmness. 1. Use a heat resistant container such as an abalone shell. Place it on top of an appropriate stand and take a feather or a fan. 2. Light the end of the bundle, preferably with a match. Let it burn for a few seconds, and then blow the flame. Be careful, the leaves can easily be blown away. Place the bundle on top of the container you've chosen. 3. For places: go through each room and guide the scented smoke with the feather or fan towards the place you would like to cleanse. 4. For persons: guide the smoke towards the parts of the body you want to purify, head, arms, legs, back, etc. 5. Wait until the smudging bundle goes out. According to Indian beliefs, it will carry on burning until purification is over. Remember that smudging is an intention-based ritual. With a pure heart and noble aspiration, you will boost its effect. Ventilate the room after use. Do not inhale the smoke directly.