I was looking to buy some incense and I started thinking about things I’ve heard concerning a shortage of sage because of its popularity. I don’t know the extent of this because I haven’t done the research, but it has me thinking. . . 
Would it be better to buy white sage incense or the bundle of leaves? I have my own opinion, but I’m curious about what other people think or feel about it.
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That depends on what you think about using white sage. You’re not wrong about the shortage of white sage. I believe it’s considered endangered because of overharvesting. Ari the Oak Witch made a video on YouTube about it from an ecological standpoint – she’s an ecologist by career – and I think it’s worth watching.
If you are set on using white sage but want to go the least-harmful route, then I would get the actual plant over the incense. Most incense isn’t made with actual plant material unless it says so. If it’s not, it’s either a synthetic fragrance (so not the plant at all) or it’s an essential oil (the oil of the plant). It takes an immense amount of plant material to make essential oils, so it would stand to reason that the essential oil uses more plant material than the one bundle of sage you buy.
If you’re looking for a plant or herb that’s used for cleansing and are open to other alternatives, we can help with that, too 
All in all, the decision is entirely yours.
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Well that is eye-opening. I didn’t consider this. I was thinking it would use less of the plant, but I was willing to make the compromise. 
Now I’m really torn. 
I might be looking at alternatives 
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I personally have started using local plants, mainly lavender, that I dry and then put in a burn proof dish and burn. Fire cleanses as does smoke so this seems to work and as it’s local it honours my land and hopefully is more eco. 
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@tracyS I like this idea. It relieves the stress I was feeling. I don’t want to contribute to the destruction of Mother Earth.
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Happy to have helped. Bless 
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Honestly, that’s what a lot of people think until they look deeper into how essential oils are made.
For example, it takes approximately 8,000 jasmine blossoms to produce just one gram of jasmine essential oil. Similarly, it takes around 10,000 pounds of rose petals to produce just one pound of rose essential oil.
– How Many Flowers Does it Take to Make Essential Oils? – Malibu Apothecary
Granted, you’re usually using a small amount of essential oil, but overall, it’s still likely far more damaging than using one bundle of sage.
There are alternatives, though!
If you’re set on using white sage, you could grow your own. I’ve heard it’s difficult to cultivate, with only 1 out of every 50 or so seeds actually germinating, but it is possible. You can also use local plants, as @tracyS suggested, that feel cleansing to you if that’s what you’re looking for.
We have a post on Spells8 about white sage, it’s endangered status, and different alternatives that you might find useful.
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Thank you for sharing this article. 
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You’re very welcome! I hope you find something that works well for you!
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Sadly, I’ve never had a seed successfully germinate. I’ve tried 4 different sources and different techniques - so I can confirm it’s tough to grow from seed.
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Hi. Just a reminder. White sage is the endangered plant. I live in the Desert Southwest. We have purple and red sage, among others. There are options.
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Such a good question I love you thing loose instance otherwise known as different types of resins I get my charcoal disc and my pretty burners and those beautiful tongues and I go to work. And it’s super fun ordering all the different batches made before different life obstacles like anxiety or for your diety… Aphrodite. I enjoy getting all of the different badges made up of all kinds of different incense in herbs and flowers plants
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@Pita Great point! I’ve never made my own or burned it over charcoal. I am going to try it. First I’m going to need know more about how to do it, what to buy to get started, basic recipes, etc. until I get the hang of it.
Could this sound any more 
?
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Don’t forget that the forum is a wealth of resources. 
Doing a quick search will turn up quite a few recipes and instructions on how to make incense. We even have a challenge on the topic!
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I use both pre-made and make my own, especially for my deities. It’s definitely a topic that has been explored as @Artemisia mentioned. I think we have some other information too:
→ Fresh Incense & Rope Incense
→ Kyphi-Ancient Egyptian Incense-Easy to Make
→ Incense, oils and cats
These may also be referenced within the challenge she linked too. There is also recipes on the main site as well:
→ Spells8 Incense Search Results you may need to be logged into Spells8 to see the results or you can login and type incense in the search bar of the site
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Oh wonderful! I’m going to check this out. I have it bookmarked 
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