Medicinal smoke reduces airborne bacteria by 96%

A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology analyzed the effects of "medicinal smoke" - indigenous cultures worldwide have long used smoke for purification. In India, the havan ritual involves burning specific herbs to purify the environment, while Aboriginal Australians have performed "smoking ceremonies" for roughly 60,000 years to ward off bad spirits and cleanse the land.

The findings were significant.

The researchers treated a closed room with this medicinal smoke for one hour. They found that it didn't just mask odors; it decimated the bacterial population. Within 60 minutes, there was a 94 percent reduction in bacterial counts.

Even more surprising was the longevity of the effect. Bacteria — including Staphylococcus lentus and Enterobacter aerogenes — were completely absent even 30 days after the initial treatment.

This indicates that the smoke possesses strong bactericidal properties, capable of eliminating diverse plant and human pathogens within a confined space. This modern data validates a practice that dates back thousands of years.

HOLY SMOKE

The herbal smudging mixture 'Holy Smoke' from my garden is a gentle yet powerful blend created for cleansing, protection, and restoration. Sage, thyme, and rosemary purify the space and support clarity, resilience, and strength. Rose and lavendersoften the energy, opening the heart, calming the nervous system, and inviting peace and love. Lady’s mantle and yarrow carry ancient healing wisdom, offering emotional balance, grounding, and protective support. Calendula brings warmth, renewal, and gentle healing, while St John’s wort (Johanniskraut) is traditionally used to lift heavy moods, protect against negativity, and invite inner light. Frankincense is known for its powerful antimicrobial and disinfecting properties, traditionally used to cleanse the air by reducing bacteria and impurities. As it burns, its aromatic smoke helps purify the atmosphere on a physical level, creating a cleaner, fresher space. At the same time, the rising smoke has long been seen as a sacred prayer, carrying intention upward and gently clearing stagnant or heavy energy. This dual action—sanitising the air while elevating the spirit—makes frankincense a profound bridge between practical healing and spiritual purification, restoring clarity, protection, and harmony to both space and mind.

Together, these plants create a nurturing, protective smoke that cleanses space, mind, and heart—rooted in the healing power of the garden and guided by intention

If you want to order, email me: sonja@3hcreate.com

Read the study:

"Medicinal smoke reduces airborne bacteria." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2007