Cleansing with smoke
Yörük juniper, Kyrgyz arça and California’s white sage: similar rites that grew up independently.
Side by side
| Juniper | White sage | |
|---|---|---|
| Latin name | Juniperus excelsa, J. oxycedrus, J. communis | Salvia apiana |
| Family | Cupressaceae | Lamiaceae |
| Region | Anatolia and the Mediterranean, Asia and Siberia | North America |
| Part used | Twigs, berries, tar | Leaves |
| Use | Incense and protection, Ritual and shamanic, Healing | Incense and protection, Ritual and shamanic, Healing |
| Scientific evidence | Traditional | Traditional |
| Safety | Caution | Generally safe |
| Legal status in Türkiye | No specific restriction | No specific restriction |
Juniper
Yörük nomads burn juniper twigs to smudge the home, the fold and the sick. Cade oil from prickly juniper is applied to scabies, eczema and animal wounds.
In Kyrgyz, Kazakh and Mongol shamanism, arça smoke drives away evil spirits; places and people are cleansed with it before ceremonies.
Science: The EMA recognises juniper berry as a mild diuretic and digestive aid as traditional uses. Antimicrobial effects have been seen in the lab.
Safety: Long-term or high-dose use of the berries can irritate the kidneys. Avoid in pregnancy and kidney disease. Juniper tar must not be swallowed.
White sage
A sacred plant of the Kumeyaay, Chumash and Cahuilla peoples of Southern California. Bundles are burned in cleansing ceremonies; its tea and steam are used for colds.
Science: Its essential oil is rich in cineole and camphor. Antimicrobial effects have been seen in the lab; there are no human studies.
Safety: Its smoke can irritate the airways indoors. Internal use is not recommended in pregnancy.
Last reviewed: · Türkçe
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