Our last Borne Blog discussed cleansing with sage - check it out if you havent already!
I thought a follow up blog on other ways to cleanse and reset your space, without borrowing from Indigenous practices, might be useful.
Burning Herbs.
Burning herbs for purification exists across Europe, just without the same cultural restrictions.
Rosemary – historically used in Ancient Greece and medieval Europe for protection and remembrance.
Lavender – a calming scent that you might have experienced in essential oils, candles etc.
Bay leaves – linked to ritual and symbolism in Ancient Rome.
Juniper – used in parts of Northern and Eastern Europe for cleansing spaces.
You can burn small amounts safely, or use them as incense—no need to replicate any specific ritual.
Burning Incense.
Incense has deep roots in many cultures and is widely shared globally:
Frankincense & myrrh – used historically in the Middle East and in Christian, Jewish, and other traditions.
Incense sticks/cones – common in East Asian and South Asian practices (best used respectfully, without mimicking rituals you don’t understand).
This is one of the easiest and least controversial ways to create a cleansing atmosphere.
Sound cleansing (completely non-smoke).
Instead of smoke, you can shift the mood of a space through sound:
Ring a bell or chime.
Use a singing bowl.
Even clapping your hands around a room.
Humming.
This is simple, effective, and doesn’t borrow from a single protected tradition.
Practical + Symbolic Cleanse / Reset.
Sometimes the most grounded approach works best:
Open windows and let in fresh air.
Do a physical clean or declutter.
Light a candle with intention.
Rearrange your space.
Cleanliness and fresh air is associated with cleansing and renewal.
You could use:
Essential oil sprays (like citrus, eucalyptus, lavender).
Room mists or diffusers.
A bowl of water with herbs or citrus slices - I personally love this option as a simmer pot.
These give a similar sensory “reset” without smoke.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have animals, be mindful of what scents you use / anything that they can get into contact with that may be toxic.
A good rule of thumb is to think about is whether you understand where something comes from, aren’t copying a closed or sacred ritual, and aren’t treating it like a trend or jumping on another wellness bandwagon!