Why look for a white sage alternative?
The best white sage alternatives are cedar, lavender, rosemary, eucalyptus, palo santo and dragon's blood. Each has its own scent and feel, so the right one depends on how you want your space to feel.
Last updated: October 2026
White sage is the most famous smudge stick, but it is also a sacred plant for some Native American communities. One Gabrielino Tongva member warns that the smudging trend is putting white sage at risk, and a report says it is being picked and poached faster than it can regrow (NY State of Politics). Many people now choose other herbs and woods instead, and you can keep the ritual without it.
Below we compare six options from the Craftiviti range, with prices in RM, and show you how to use them safely at home. If you want the full background first, read our ultimate guide to smudge sticks.
Six smudge sticks compared (prices in RM)
Cedar is the cheapest way to start at RM20, and dragon's blood is the richest at RM37. Use this table to pick by scent and mood.
|
Smudge stick |
Scent |
Often used for |
Price (RM) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Warm, woody |
A grounding routine, welcoming a new space |
20 |
|
|
Crisp, fresh |
A fresh feel after a busy week |
24 |
|
|
Herbal, bright |
Starting a new project or a new week |
25 |
|
|
Sweet, woody |
Quiet moments and meditation |
25 |
|
|
Soft, floral |
Winding down in the evening |
28 |
|
|
Sweet, resinous |
A rich, warm scent for special rituals |
37 |
Prices checked 20 October 2026.
How to choose
- Your first smudge stick: start with cedar. It has the lowest price and a warm, woody scent most people like.
- Winding down at night: pick lavender. For a ready-made gift, see the Sleep Well Candle & Cleanse Gift Set (RM69).
- A rich, sweet scent: try dragon's blood. Our dragon's blood guide explains where it comes from and how people use it.
- A fresh, herbal feel: choose rosemary or eucalyptus.
- Quiet moments: palo santo is a small wooden stick, so it is easy to light and carry.
- Still want white sage? We still stock white sage (RM34). Please read the respect and sourcing notes below first.
How to use a smudge stick safely at home
You need an open window, a heatproof dish and about 10 minutes. For more detail, see our guide to smudging properly.
- Open a window or switch on a fan, so the smoke has somewhere to go.
- Hold the stick over a heatproof dish. A smudge stick shell (RM15) or a ceramic stick holder (RM39) catches ash and embers.
- Light the tip. Let it flame for 10 to 20 seconds, then blow it out so it smoulders and makes smoke.
- Walk slowly through the room, usually from the door inward. Many people set a short intention as they go.
- Put it out by pressing the tip into the shell or a dish of sand until the smoke stops.
- Check it is cold before you store it in a dry place.
Safety first: never leave a burning stick alone, and keep it away from children, pets and anything that can catch fire. Smoke can irritate eyes and lungs. If you have asthma, a lung condition or are pregnant, ask your doctor first, or try a smoke-free option like a selenite stick (RM9).
Respect and sourcing: what to know before you buy
Smudging comes from Indigenous traditions, so it is worth using with care. Burning herbs and resins also has a long history in many other cultures, from Southeast Asia to the Mediterranean.
- Think about the plant. White sage is sacred to some Native American communities. If you want to avoid adding pressure on it, choose a different herb from the six above.
- Prefer plants that are easy to farm. Herbs like lavender and rosemary are widely grown, so they put less pressure on wild plants.
- Keep the claims honest. Smudging is a personal ritual. It does not replace cleaning your home, and we do not make health claims about smoke.
Want the wider story of these plants? Read From Herbs to Healing: the truth about smudge sticks.
Smudge stick FAQ
What is a smudge stick?
A smudge stick is a tied bundle of dried herbs, or a stick of aromatic wood, that you burn so it smoulders and gives off scented smoke. People use it in personal rituals to mark a fresh start, relax or set an intention.
What can I use instead of white sage?
Cedar, lavender, rosemary, eucalyptus, palo santo and dragon's blood are popular alternatives. The comparison table above shows the scent and price of each.
Is palo santo the same as sage?
No. Palo santo is a wood from the Bursera graveolens tree with a sweet, woody scent. Sage is a leafy herb with a sharper, herbal scent. You can see our palo santo stick (RM25) and white sage bundle (RM34) side by side.
Is it safe to burn a smudge stick indoors?
It can be, if you open a window, use a heatproof dish and never leave it alone. Smoke can irritate eyes and lungs, so ask your doctor first if you have asthma or a lung condition, and keep it away from children and pets.
Where can I buy smudge sticks in Malaysia?
You can order cedar, lavender, rosemary, eucalyptus, palo santo, dragon's blood and white sage smudge sticks online from Craftiviti, with prices in RM. Browse them in our aromatherapy collection.
Shop smudge sticks and accessories
A good starter set is one cedar smudge stick (RM20) and a smudge stick shell (RM15), which comes to RM35.
- Browse the aromatherapy collection
- Incense and smudging stick holder (RM39)
- Selenite stick, a smoke-free option (RM9)
- Sleep Well Candle & Cleanse Gift Set (RM69)