Green Witch guide to burning herbs - smoke cleansing & scent magic |

#smokecleansing #greenwitch #magicalherbs
Welcome to another video on witchcraft tips and tricks for sustainable, affordable, and nature bound witching. Today I want to show you some ways on how to work with herbs, specifically how to burn herbs for magical purposes and spells and how to work scent magick. We will discover multiple ways to smoke cleanse, learn about smoke-free alternatives, how to incorporate herbs into your practice as a green witch, and learn more about why and how herbs are burned in witchcraft.
I will also share little herbal blend recipes with you for different magic spell purposes like love, tranquility, cleansing, relaxation, happiness, and energy.
There are multiple reasons why we burn herbs:
1. To cleanse negative energy.
2. Another very traditional and old way of burning herbs is to free your mind and thoughts and get into a more spiritual headspace. Depending on the culture, this was often achieved by actually smoking hallucinogenic plants.
3. As we know from alternative medicine and specifically aromatherapy, herbs, and scents also have the ability to evoke certain sensations, lift our moods, relax our mind and body and help us regulate emotions. So we also use herbs in this way to alter our physical and psychological state or that of others by evoking or banning certain feelings.
4. Burning certain herbs is also used in sacred rituals, as offering to a deity, in remembrance of our ancestors, or when working with spirit.
Herbs have throughout all cultures and traditions been a very important part of spirituality, health care, and religious beliefs. The smudging rituals of native Americans, burning Khypy balls in Egypt, the use of franchisee for cleansing in Arabia,
Kōdō ceremonies in Japan, burning of magical Neunerlei herb bouquets of the alpine countries to herbal rites of the ancient European pagan tribes.
Herbs have medicinal healing powers, are through folklore associated with certain ailments, deities, spirits and many of them are true superfoods.
In witchcraft, we can use herbs in various forms, in spell jars, in smoke blends, in kitchen witch recipes, salves, sprinkled throughout the house, magical self-care products, natural medicine, offerings, and much, much more.
But When burning herbs we mostly focus on their magical properties as well as the effects they have on our mood and soul and less on their medicinal benefits for physiological health.
When it comes to smoke cleansing a lot of people seem to only be familiar with the ubiquitous smudge stick. However, this might not be everybody's cup of tea and might not even be a possibility for everybody, if you live somewhere that doesn't allow you to have smoke fill you home or if you suffer from a respiratory disease.
But don't worry, there are many, much more pleasant options out there.
DIY Wax melts for happiness
x 95 % Wax
x 5 % herbal blend (woodruff, st. Johns wort, larch tree resin)
x (if you make this with essential oils: 99% wax, 1 % oil)
DIY incense cones for harmony at home
x 1.5 g Gum arabic
x 30 ml Water
x 2 g Honey
x 6 g Corn starch
x 1.5 Charcoal tabs of 33mm
x 10 g Sandalwood
x 8 g Meadowsweet
x 3 g Frankincense
Simmer pot for energy & positivity
Recipe in this video: • #21daystilyule Witch v...
This video is part of my #21daystilyule series: • #21daystilyule 🎄❄
Other creators that take part in the 21 days til Yule:
The Wayward Witch
• #21DaysTilYule | Day1 ...
My Pagan Life
• DAY 2: Beginnings - Yu...
The art of Nature - Germany
• Christmas in RURAL GER...
Astaria Sen
• Yule Crafts | day 3 pa...
🌲 Witchy Yule / Christmas gift ideas: kit.co/The_witches_cookery/wi...
🧙‍♀️My favorite WITCHY THINGS & equipment: www.kit.co/The_witches_cookery
WITCHCRAFT BOOKS: kit.co/The_witches_cookery/wi...
📷 Join me on Instagram: / the_witches_cookery
💕 If you would like to receive more content or interact with me on a more personal level, feel invited to have a look at my Patreon account: / the_witches_cookery
☕ If you'd like to support this channel and make it possible for me to create more content for your enjoyment: paypal.me/thewitchescookery
💚 If you'd like to surprise me 'just because': https:www.amazon.de/hz/wishlist/ls/...
✉ If you´d like to send me snail mail: Rebekka Laufer 969618318 Packstation 101 92224 Amberg Germany
🎵 Music from www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
Might contain affiliate links, meaning that I earn a veeeery small percentage from them. The final product is NOT more expensive for you when buying through the links but you help me being able to keep creating on this channel - Thank you 💕

[@BecomingaFarmGirl]

First-let’s all agree that your videos are a work of art! A visual experience I have to enjoy viewing at least TWICE (the first view I’m simply carried away by the beautiful cinematography, the second view I can appreciate the intense value you pack into your content). I grew and dried a number of my own herbs this summer and you’ve given so many delightful recipes I can’t wait to try. I’ve been trying to get away from incense for the reasons you shared and this is very doable!

[@Thewitchescookery]

You are so sweet - thank you for your kind words 💕 especially coming from you, this means a lot! Your videos are perfection 🤩 and yes, I am currently looking more into options to avoid candles and incense and switch to less unhealthy options (really enjoyed your oillamp tip, so I am doing something with that in my next vlog 😄)

[@whitneymichelle8300]

We are in the same boat just one year apart! Lol.

[@kaotic_fabel]

I am absolutely adoring this 21 days of Yule. With how hectic everything has been for me, this little bit of joy really makes everything so much better. Listened to your other days multiple times yesterday whole drying orange slices and make a yule log. It's the little things, right.

[@Thewitchescookery]

Yaih! I really am very happy to read that - I love that it brings you some joy! That was exactely my intention behind this mini-series :) Making a yule log and drying oranges does sound very lovely and festive 💖🎄

[@jamieloom22]

Excellent guide to smoke cleansing, thank you for all the alternatives and how to DIY.

[@Thewitchescookery]

My pleasure! I am currently on the lookout for healthier scent / burning herb options so trying lots of DIYs :)

[@justiceforvanilla]

I loved how you repurposed a broken vase. Absolutely genius ❤

[@whitneymichelle8300]

I am absolutely obsessed with your videos. You have such a happy way of explaining everything you’re doing, showing us in such beauty how and tbh, I’m a sucker for good history. You don’t hold back on educating us on the traditional reasons why these things are done. So much fun watching your videos and all your beautiful baking and decoration making. 🥰🥰🥰

[@caireannv1999]

Every day when I make my To-Do list I put, "Watch Bek's yule video" on it since you started this hashtag. You are enchantingly addictive, my friend and the best part is that you're not a fattening treat! I use my herbs in recipes but, also, grind them and mix them when I make candles or infuse oils for salves.

[@Thewitchescookery]

I feel so honoured to make it onto someone's to-do list 😄🥰 hehe I might not be a fattening treat but my videos definitely show them off 😅 working with herbs is so lovely - I enjoy it too in all its witchy ways

[@Welcome657]

You 100% deserve more followers your videos are amazing and I’m absolutely obsessed but is it selfish of me to be happy that your not big just yet because I love your interaction with the people that do follow and how you’re the actual real deal. I’ve learned so much from you!!

[@Thewitchescookery]

Thank you so much for this sweet comment ❤️❤️❤️ even if I grow, I will definitely try my best to keep interacting with the community - I so love to chat with like-minded people and not only to my camera! 🤣 But yes hihi I wouldn't mind some more views on my videos 😄

[@kendarktower7799]

Wow I love this video! The sound and visual is so good!

[@___Sara___]

Thank you so much for these gorgeous videos and the joy and fun you're bringing to us during this difficult time in the world. I'm loving your channel and learning so many new things! Thank you also for checking in on your neighbor, it means so much right now. Blessings and good health to you and your family. ♥

[@Thewitchescookery]

Thank you so much for this sweet comment

[@___Sara___]

@@Thewitchescookery Thank you! 💜

[@sissyk819]

Your videos are not only informative, but beautiful and so much fun with your charming personality! I'm so glad I found your channel, I've been really getting into the festive spirit thanks to you!

[@Thewitchescookery]

Thank you so much for your lovely words ☺️💚 I am so glad you enjoy the content! And yaih for getting in the holiday spirit ✨ just sitting here eating some cookies and editing another video for the Yule magic hehe

[@cosplaymemories1487]

I love the horns on that look.... ❤️ And thankyou for some other methods and pointers! Much appreciated!

[@oneeyedowl3888]

Your videos are works of beautifully crafted art! Stunning!

[@Thewitchescookery]

You are so sweet - thanks so much ❤️

[@shinchanclips2522]

Oh what a wonderful video! Keep makin more!

[@AbsolutelyAdorableStudio]

I have the same heart mold, which I use to make chocolates :) The candle at the end looked very foresty with the sticks arranged around it :)

[@Thewitchescookery]

I usually use them for chocolates too 😄 or little soaps! And yes, the candle was supposed to be a portable bonfire for Beltane in quarantine :)

[@PaddyJoeCooking]

Cleansing negative energy, I could use some cleansing that's for sure! Aromatherapy is wonderful and I especially love the simmer pot👍! Another wonderful video on The witches' cookery!!!

[@Thewitchescookery]

Thank you so much! Simmerpot is my new favourite to have simmering away all day long :D

[@TheWildForestWitchery]

I just love the intro for these lovely videos!

[@Thewitchescookery]

🥰

[@Roz2much]

This was a wonderful video. Thank you!

[@jujudreamz84]

I always get so excited to see your uploads I had to drop in and say Oye,~ how great you are- lol ..keep up the amazing work♥😊 Blessings to you my friend

[@Thewitchescookery]

Thank youuuu - that makes me very happy to hear :D And you are super sweet for leaving such a nice comment! Sending you many blessings and positive vibes 💚

[@derishafree9394]

I’m glad clicked this video. Time to binge watch. The fresh fruit pots....yassss yassss yaasssssss! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@Thewitchescookery]

Ahhhh 😃💚 I am glad too - so happy you enjoy it and I hope you found other interesting videos too!

[@gailfairweather1515]

I burn a simmer pot on the stove with lemons oranges peels cinamin spices to scent my house for years I didnt know I was doing magic😮😊❤

[@williamk7517]

As an open wiccan I've done things but I'm doing a love spell went to a wiccan store now I know I have to burn the herbs with an incense I got everything a crystal when I was at the store I gave the workers a big hug very friendly people I'm nervous but calm also love your voice your so calming!!!!! Bless-ed be and merry meet!!!!

[@pomegranateandivy9833]

Thank you so much!! This is very versatile, excellent quality content on so many different aspects of this topic. Totally worth watching. I'm going to subscribe to your channel. 👀😍 Also cool to see that you are a fellow German witch. 😎

[@MyWaywardLife]

I had to make time, I need a Bex Happy Place fix, lol. Dear Bex! (commenting as we go :D) In my lineage the island folk practice of 'smoking' a space or person was very much a combo of healing and spiritual/ritual workings. They weren't seen as different. Mama would smoke the house before major pujas/rituals, we also did it for clearing the space of spirits that were unwanted, and setting up guards and protections, but also as you mentioned for offerings to the ancestors of blood, land and Spirit. We also did a malju body smoke and/or oncha (honestly, I don't know how to spell any of these, our tradition is an oral one so I'm using the best phonetic wordings I can🤪) which I will probably share in the new year ;). I started making my own incense a few years back because I have such a sensitivity to the toxic substances and artificial scents in so many store bought ones. It's also when I discovered that even natural herbal smokes can hold natural allergies for you as well, so contra indicators can still exist :) I did some research before I started and went the Japanese way. I was already familiar with some of their practices when I switched to using Bamboo charcoal and white rice ash for burning loose incense :), so Makko is my base. I love those three different coloured ones you made! Okay I better keep watching so I can find out what they are! --- Scent sensitivity, yeay! Thank you for mentioning that, heehee, totally smiled :) --- Thank you for the tips on cleaning the sieve! I was wondering how the heck yours looked brand new! heehee. --- And also, thank you for noting that the term smudge stick should only be used to refer to First Nations practices ;). LOVEEE the Peruvian music!! --- Okay love, I am going to send you some bamboo charcoal. The disc that you use, if I am correct is a fast lighting or basic charcoal disc?? Those ones are very toxic as well. (sorry, heehee, mama bear's protective fire has been ignite ;) --- I'll add a few Bamboo Charcoals to your Yule/Bday gifts I am sending in the spring ;) I have a post on my Blog about the various benefits of Bamboo Charcoal but will do a video on that as well in the new year! --- Another tip you gave that may seem common sense, yet soooo many people forget to do this, is open a window and insure there is proper ventilation! Not just for the sake of your lungs, or to release the intentions, but for the science behind it ;). YES! I so loved your simmer pot video! I make sprays as well, especially since moving back home as mom does have issues with even the natural incense I burn lol, -- It was the main ingredient in my myst that sent your package back to me grrrr, lol, so I am trying to figure out which of the items I can resend with the other surprises I am buying for you :D ❤🙏🤗 --- I love your multipurpose burner/diffuser! We have all metal ones here, but I like the wood and ceramic look of yours so much better! Okay, on to the next... Chocolate :D xoxo Kayla

[@Phoenix-Ash1111]

Hi Bexs my favorite love doing my herbs smudges it smells so wonderful I love my herbs and thank you so teaching how to make the cones I was very interested in learning how to make them one of my favorites is Dragon's blood incense I loveeee the scent and sandalwood basically any scent that has my beloved herbs in it lol have a blessed night love and light 💖😘🤗

[@Thewitchescookery]

Working with herbs is the beeeest 🤩 and the cones are super simple to do! It only takes about 5 minutes to throw everything together and shape them - and you can also do cute incense spirals with them. Mmmmmh.... Love sandalwood! That is definitely one of my most used scents around the house ✨ sending you much love and bright blessings 💗

[@marjolijnashara1726]

Lovely video and thank you including smokeless and low-scent alternatives. I used to use smoke cleansing a lot, but have recently developed a chronic respitory condition which makes it impossible (thanks covid...) So I'd been struggling, but these look like they could be easy to carry out! You said you would leave a link for your love diffuser, but I don't see it?

[@Thewitchescookery]

Oh no, that is horrible that Covid had such a long-term effect on you 😲 but yes, the smokeless options are great too and much better for overall health. True! I forgot to place that link. I will do so this afternoon 💚

[@marjolijnashara1726]

@@Thewitchescookery Thank you, and for your always kind replies! I just returned to watching youtube videos so I only saw your earlier video where you talk about your husband being away after this one. I'm sorry. I hope I didn't trigger any anxiety due to talking about it in this comment and the other one. And if I did I sincerely apologize!

[@Thewitchescookery]

@@marjolijnashara1726 oh not at all!! 😄 It just sucks that he is away for so long and I now that Covid can have some colorful long-term effects 🙁 so sorry you got affected by it! 😘

[@LairMistress]

I've been looking for just this kind of information for a long time now--especially info about cleansing materials that Europeans used for purifying/cleansing one's living space (via smoke or not), equivalent to Native Americans' use of sage bundles. I have a couple of those, but I'm looking for information on what people used in Europe, as this is much closer to my ancestral cultures. Thanks very much for this video; I'll likely have to watch it several times to absorb all the content! :)

[@lilyroseblume167]

Definently love this video, Becks Thank's a lots 🧙‍♀️

[@Thewitchescookery]

So happy to hear ✨☺️

[@SFlaidlaw101]

Love this

[@Thewitchescookery]

☺️💚

[@LouLou-22]

Thank you. Great advise 💖❤ xx

[@Thewitchescookery]

☺️❤️

[@MrDonnieandvicky]

I love this

[@ryuudrazyl4588]

One of my favorite mixes for Yule or when my spirit needs that warm happiness is cinnamon and all spice.

[@robyn8842]

What spices do you mix with cinnamon?

[@charmupyourlife1934]

ive never seen someone burn herbs this way before 2:10. it makes sense just never seen it! Ill have to give it a go myself someday :) Loved hearing all the history behind burning herbs as well.

[@Thewitchescookery]

In Germany we call it burning with a ¨Stövchen¨ - you can find many on amazon and in stores here (eg Nanunana). In a lot of German households it is used just for the nice smell :)

[@solarie.sirena]

I LOVE thia

[@Thewitchescookery]

Oh so happy to read ✨🧡

[@angelaknight7184]

Thankyou so very much xxx

[@mariachijazmin3970]

Yes I love them!!!!! I wish I could live in Europe!

[@carolineandersson6548]

What a grate video!!! Thanks :-)

[@Thewitchescookery]

Glad you think so! ❤️

[@forevertrue06]

beautiful video

[@Thewitchescookery]

Thank you so much ☺️💚

[@madamd30]

Hi, whats the name of the brownish/burnt orange flowers are you using to make the flower smudge? Also what is the name of the flowers wrapped in the orange ribbon?

[@amandakucsera]

Sweetgrass is my miracle herb

[@ejsrn724]

I’m enjoying this series so much even if I’m a year late haha Can you use the metal candle warmer thing the same way that use use the wooden one?

[@Thewitchescookery]

so happy to hear! And yes you can :)

[@ivanovicsonja3225]

Super.....

[@brittanymcpheeters9730]

Good Golly miss molly! Is there anything you cant do?!?!?!?! This is so neat!

[@Thewitchescookery]

You are so sweet! It really is not as hard as one might think :D I just love to craft in the kitchen hehe

[@homeiswhereourheartis]

Love your channel 😁 got to ask about the dude in the intro made me jump 🤣?

[@Thewitchescookery]

Oh so glad to hear 💕 hehe, these guys are "Perchten" - that is a tradition down here in southern Germany, Austria and parts of Switzerland, where unmarried man dress up like this during the Yuletide and hit people with sticks and go through the streets making lots of noise and some juggle with fire sticks. It is called Perchtenläufe and stems from the pagan times and the mythology around Germanic goddess Holda.

[@berenicelosey7277]

I use citrus blends to make myself feel better and cleanse my house of bad spirits.

[@Louscrew2u]

Can I ask where you got the sieve and candle burner?

[@catalhuyuk7]

Thanks!

[@Thewitchescookery]

Thank you so much!!!

[@catalhuyuk7]

@@Thewitchescookery I can’t believe I just said thanks. That’s so not me. WTH? Was I sleep-writing? Is that a thing? I love your videos and appreciate the time and energy you take to present supreme content. 🧹♥️🇨🇦🧙

[@dianah.9905]

Hello can you show us how to make a prosperity / money box?

[@almarodriguez5651]

BEAUTIFUL MUSIC

[@Thewitchescookery]

Thank you 💗

[@MellyRisch]

Hi tolles Video, danke

[@Thewitchescookery]

Hey du ;) freut mich, dass es dir gefällt 💚 Also simmer pot trinke ich nach dem Gebrauch als Tee und die Schalen werfe ich weg - da kann man nicht mehr viel sinnvolles daraus gestalten. Jar spells mache ich allgemein nicht, da ich ja hauptsächlich Deutschen / Bayerischen Gebräuchen folge und eher praktische Rituale und Zauber mag - sprich alles was sich mit Natur, Haushalt und einfachem Werkzeug bewerkstelligen lässt. Aber ja, Glas gehört definitiv nicht in die Umwelt. Liebe auswaschen und wiederverwenden 🙂 - und wenn Kräuter und Früchte noch gut sind, kannst du sie verfüttern (vorausgesetzt es ist nicht feucht!!) oder du verkompostest alles and benutzt es dann zum düngen (falls du zum Beispiel selber Kräuter anbauen willst)

[@MellyRisch]

@@Thewitchescookery vielen lieben Dank, Werd' ich so machen😊 Momentan bin ich alle deine Videos am durchbingen, danke, dass Du das machst!! Ich kann sooo viel lernen😍

[@Thewitchescookery]

@@MellyRisch oooh freut mich total, dass dir die Videos gefallen! :)

[@Jellybeanirishgreen]

Am I able to burn eucalyptus leaves? Just wondering I have a garden and want to use some but don’t know which ones I can. Thanks for video

[@Thewitchescookery]

Absolutely! It burns with a very fresh and herbal kind of smell and is also used for energetic cleansing. Just be sure to open all windows while you do so ☺️

[@Jellybeanirishgreen]

@@Thewitchescookery thank you for the reply, happy Thursday

[@GuyG.KTalesOfAnimals]

NON SMOKE TIPS Did you people know that you can boil herbs as well? just using water and herbs on the stove? make sure that if you have animals, to use ONLY herbs that are safe for your animals to consume, please read about how the herb are behaving after consumption for that animal, for example lavender can both regulate your stimulation system AND overstimulate it. for an instance the dosage for a small dog diet is a pinch a use - and if you blast your house with lavender smoke, that could be harmful for them and make them feel very uncomfortable and even intoxicate them to the point of poisoning in rare cases, sometimes animals can have an allergic reaction to some herbs. so please be honorful of your housemates AND your herbs of use, their guidance of use is very helpful and brings context into their magic. I throw one small fistful of herbs like lavender, rosemary, and chamomile to cleanse my home, you can also add a pinch of sage to give an extra oompf, and a cup of water into a boiling pot, turn the stove on the lowest setting, and it will humidify your place with a nice aroma!

[@ari950]

i really need help. I’m just starting off my journey with herbal magic and the book that I have mentions thyme and it’s properties. And right now I really need to make thyme infused water, but I don’t know how to. Do I just boil water with thyme in it, or do I just put the thyme in water? I’m feeling unwell and the book says “make an infusion of thyme in water, let cool, and use to cleanse any rooms whose energies need to be refreshed from illness...” Or do I start off with a protection spell before I do anything else? I have so many questions and I’m probably going to binge your channel for more info

[@Thewitchescookery]

sorry to hear you are fealing unwell. From what you have written, it just means steeping the thyme in hot water (like you would with fresh tee) and then removing them - you are then have thyme tea (infusion). You can also leave the thyme in cold water for an hour or so, in that case the smell /taste will be much more subtle. As for any spells: Do wahtever feels good to you. There is no right or wrong :)

[@ari950]

@@Thewitchescookery thank you so much, I really appreciate the guidance/help!!

[@CB-ie8gb]

hi! super video! ich hab das gefühl, dass du deutsche bist :D wo bekommst du deine kräuter her? ich hab leider keine möglichkeit, die selber anzubauen und weiß aber auch nicht wo ich frische oder getrocknete kräuter herbekomme :/

[@Thewitchescookery]

Ich sammel sie meistens in der Natur 🙂 kostenlos und frisch. Und die, die hier nicht wild wachsen habe ich im Balkonkasten - du kannst die meisten aber auch in kleinen Töpfen am Fenster wachsen lassen 🙂🌱

[@CB-ie8gb]

@@Thewitchescookery ah ok... danke für die antwort! :) leider hab ich keinen balkon und meine fenster gehen direkt zur straße raus im erdgeschoss und die wohnung ist super dunkel *heul* aber ich werd mal gucken was vielleicht halbwegs wächst :')

[@majozajo]

Can you burn all the mentioned herbs? with some of them you mentioned to burn it. But generally speaking, can you burn any herb (for cleansing, protection or whatever the herb is intented for?)

[@Thewitchescookery]

Yes you can :) as long as you have sufficient ventilation in the place. Also, note that some might cause allergic reaction or be poisonous to pets - always check for each herb individually and depending on your personal situation

[@majozajo]

@@Thewitchescookery Thank you! I always open window when burning somethinf (or go out if weather allows it) and put the pets outside.

[@rainbowdonutshey406]

When cleansing should I open a window or take some smoke out is it harmful to me because legit in feeling dizzy as we speak I might have put to much smoke in my room

[@Thewitchescookery]

Always make sure to open a window and have very good ventilation while smoke cleansing - otherwise smoke cleansing is very bad for your health! Never do it in closed spaces 💚 If you feel dizzy, make sure to air out your room and then go for a long walk and drink some water

[@rainbowdonutshey406]

@@Thewitchescookery thank you hun I have a room that's not very good with air coming in and out so I will be airing it out and thank you I walked around and drinking water now 🙏💖

[@mariamia2472]

👍🏻

[@Thewitchescookery]

☺️

[@jennglow4647]

😃

[@robyn8842]

I do not recognize the accent. German? Danish?

[@Thewitchescookery]

German ☺️

[@robyn8842]

@@Thewitchescookery ach so, das habe ich vermutet 😀

[@shinchanclips2522]

Oh what a wonderful video! Keep makin more!

[@Thewitchescookery]

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it - there is a new video uploading right now :) Should be online in a couple of minutes

[@shinchanclips2522]

@@Thewitchescookery thanks sweetie