How to Make a Basil Smudge Stick in 5 Minutes
Just 3 Materials and 4 Simple Steps
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For this tutorial, I have included very detailed instructions on how to make a basil smudge stick in 5 minutes. I used a large basil plant but you can definitely use a small basil plant, loose bundles of basil, or packaged fresh basil from the grocery store! However, you may need to use the entire plant or a few bundles/packages to make a decent-sized smudge stick.
Since this is originally a 5 min tutorial, I only cut one stalk (shown in the photo below step 1). You can make your basil smudge stick thicker by cutting and bundling more stalks together. Note *Smaller basil plants, fresh bundles of basil, or packaged fresh basil require a little more time. Alternate methods (Marked A for thicker smudge stick and B for small plants and fresh packaged) are included in the instructions.
Materials
Basil plant or fresh bundle/ package
Scissors
String
Instructions on how to make a basil smudge stick in 5 minutes
Step 1
Select the stalk you want to cut.
Take your pair of scissors, start close to the main stem, and cut the basil stalk.
A. For a thicker basil smudge stick
Using the same method, cut as many stalks as desired. Stack stalks evenly with one another.
B. For a small basil plant or packaged fresh basil
small basil plant: Cut or break stalks of basil from the plant.
Packaged basil: Remove basil from the package(s).
Stack 2 or 3 stalks evenly with one another. This will make one bundle of basil that should be the equivalent of one large stalk. Make 2 to 3 bundles or more if you can. Place the bundles separately on your workspace.
Step 2
Pinch the end of the stalk with string under the thumb.
A. For a thicker basil smudge stick
Hold the whole bunch in one hand with the stalk ends up. Follow step 2 and wrap all the ends together (approx. 20 wraps), tie a knot to secure. Move on to step 4.
B. For a small basil plant or packaged fresh basil
Taking one bundle of basil at a time, holding the whole bunch in one hand with the stalk ends up. Follow step 2 and wrap all the ends together (approx. 10 wraps), tie a knot to secure, and leave the string for one bundle only. This will be the base bundle that will allow you to wrap all the bundles together. Repeat this for all the bundles you have. Cut the string after tieing the knot for the additional bundles only. Move on to step 4.
Step 3
Wrap the string around the basil and the string’s end 10 times. Tie a knot to secure it.
Step 4
Continue to wrap around the stalk, keeping the leaves pinched. Tie a knot at the end.
A. For a thicker basil smudge stick
Following step 4, wrap the string closer together because of its thickness.
B. For a small basil plant or packaged fresh basil
Take your first bundle. Following step 4, stop once you get a little way down the bundle. Add the second bundle to the first bunch and continue to wrap. Continue this method until you have wrapped all of the bundles together. Tie a knot at the end. You can follow step 4 A if you feel the need to.
The Finale
Your basil smudge stick is complete! You can store it in an open jar or container.
You can also hang it up.
I honestly didn’t time how long it took my basil smudge stick to dry, but I can assume it took about 4 to 7 days (one stalk method and hung to dry).
Basil Smudge Stick Uses
Basil plants have many uses, particularly for using their sweet leaves in cooking recipes. However, basil can be very beneficial when burning to help with the following;
- Reducing Stress
- Balancing Chakras
- Purifying air
- Promoting good luck and positive energy
Before I burn my basil smudge stick, I bless it with a set intention. For example, if I want to reduce stress, I set the intention before lighting it by asking God to use the basil smudge stick that I have created as a tool to implement stress-relieving energy through the smoke while burning.
Before use, I prefer to bless any smudge stick for ultimate results.
About My Basil Plant
This smudge stick is made from an organically grown basil plant from my mother-in-law’s garden. I normally buy fresh basil from the grocery store. I see small basil plants all the time but I have absolutely nowhere to put it. Unfortunately, I live in an apartment so I can’t plant my own. However, when she said she’d drop off some basil from the garden, I was utterly shocked at what I saw.
This basil plant was huge! It was in double plastic shopping bags, dirt and roots and all! I had no clue what to do with a live, 2-foot (dirt and roots included) basil plant. I left it in the bags for a while and quickly realized it wouldn’t survive any longer in there (half started to wilt and turn brown, eww).
So, I potted it in the only thing I had large enough to hold it, a glass container! Even with my love for plants, I’m no green thumb. I seriously lack the skills to take care of a super-duper, extra-ginormous basil plant!
With that being said, I did everything I could to keep it alive as long as possible. Naturally, without the right pot, it didn’t last long. But it was beautiful while it was still green lol. I’ve used this delicious-smelling basil in recipes (both fresh and dried leaves) and for spells.
Final Thoughts
I had fun creating this how-to make a basil smudge stick in 5 minutes tutorial (DIY video). I hope you had fun too. Growing your own herbs gives you the opportunity to have fresh organic herbs readily available. It also contributes to the earth’s environment (if grown outside) and gives you peace of mind knowing that your herbs are free of harmful chemicals.
I sincerely encourage you to try it out and let me know what you think. Good luck and thanks for reading!
