Burning Incense?

[regina_caeli]

Hi, all! Just had a quick question:

I am a traditional Catholic and I try my very hardest to adhere to the teachings of the Church in every aspect of my life. This year I began my study of herbalism and holistic healing (nothing new-age, I promise!), and lately I’ve been reading about the benefits of burning white sage. If I burned either a white sage smudge stick or just white sage incense for the sole purpose of clearing up my airways as well as the air in my house (as opposed to “spiritual” new age-type reasons), would that be okay?

Thank you so much!

 

[ThomasMT]

for the sole purpose of clearing up my airways

I’m not sure if smoke is effective towards that end regardless of the material being burned.

 

[TheIttyBitty]

If you just like the smell, that’s one thing.

I don’t know, medically, what you mean by trying to clear your airways with smoke.

Along the same lines, scented candles are usually laced with ingredients that are questionable when burned and breathed in.

Is sage-infused potpourri possible?

 

[Vico]

…

It depends upon if you are suffering from a lot of smoke in your environment due to fires, then more smoke will not be a good idea. I have burned incense outside in the garage while I was out there with some air coming in, and not air conditioned. When I tried burning it inside it wrecked my air filter and I had to replace the element.

Instead of burning sage, I drink the tea.

 

[otjm]

If I burned either a white sage smudge stick or just white sage incense for the sole purpose of clearing up my airways as well as the air in my house (as opposed to “spiritual” new age-type reasons), would that be okay?

It appears that you are involved with alternative medical approaches from the M.D. point of view.

Whether or not you particularly agree with those who have an M.D., you might want to consult with a pulmonary specialist as ingesting particulates into the lungs is likely to cause more harm than benefit.

 

[Tis_Bearself]

I used to burn incense because I liked the smell of it in the house from time to time.

If you’re doing it for similar reasons because you like the smell or it’s relaxing or whatever, fine.

I’m not sure how burning smoke clears the airways. I have heard all kinds of people propound theories about how burning this or that or smoking this or that is healthy. Some of their theories are weird. Since we are not permitted to give medical advice, I’d just say discuss with your doctor.