The hexagonal packaging of Hem’s Salvia Incense has the word “Salvia” on the opposite side of the word “Salvia”. Are they implying that this stick is based on Salvia apiana which is also known as “white sage”, “sacred sage” and depending on who you ask, “bee sage” or is it just based on the genus Salvia usually?
The distinction is important because white sage plays a tremendous role in Native American rituals, as well as various Wiccan and Pagan spells and rituals to cleanse everything from space to Athames, crystals, and more. The cleansing properties of white sage are well documented in hundreds of works and I am not going to argue with the wisdom of the ages. So with that in mind, and a trip to the Native American festival in Fort Walton, Florida, where much still fresh white sage was burned in my memory, let’s see what Hem has to offer with this stick.
First, if you buy this and expect it to smell like a burnt sage pack or “smudge stick”, you’re going to be disappointed. On the other hand, the smell is nice and clear without too much of that “hem smell” I’ve written about in the past. I confess that I don’t know much about the manufacturing process for Hem, but I do know that their sticks are charcoal, and by association I assume they are dipped in oils rather than made with finely ground natural ingredients. As such, that “Hem Scent” I mentioned is a slightly oily, slightly bitter undertone that I find gets in the way of high notes far too often.
So in this bar you have a very nice, bright, clear version of white sage that competes with that oily, bitter note. I think it’s possible to learn to ignore or tune out that smell after a while, but I find it too distracting. I have a burning stick as I write this review and the scent is pleasant and very sage-like most of the time. Though every once in a while it’s almost as if a richer reservoir of the fragrance oil burns off and that distracting note leaps to the fore.
I’d say this is a good approximation of white sage, but if you really want to enjoy the fresh, clean, top-note aroma of white sage, you’d be better off buying a packet of real white sage from any of a dozen reputable sellers. . Especially if you are going to use sage for any kind of ritual work. However, if you’re a fan of Hem incense in general, and many people are, then I think you’ll be pleased with this stick overall.