Sage Burning and Cultural Appropriation

I personally dont use sage often because it can remove both positive and negative energy. I only use use it because a. I received a huge stick as a gift from a friend and I dont want to just waste it and b. When I need very deep cleansings.

All sorts of cultures all over the world have been burning plants and herbs and resins for centuries c: and I believe that your intention and respect is what really matters when using things like sage and pablo Santo.

Smoke cleansing is a practice that has appeared in many cultures, both in the present day and in the past; it seems to be a universal idea that has sprung up independently in many cases rather than being "borrowed" from other cultures. That said, the specific use of the term "smudging" is most often associated with Native American cultures, along with the use of White Sage; my personal feeling is that applying the more generic term (see my first 2 words) and using any number of other plants/herbs that work well for the purpose is enough to avoid stepping over the boundary markers of a closed practice. Also, although White Sage is neither on the official U.S. list of protected species nor officially listed as an endangered species -- two common misconceptions -- there is (fact-based) increasing concern about the plants being over-harvested due to the increasing popularity of sage cleansing. I know it smells good, but I'd suggest a little research & testing to find a satisfying alternative that works for you. :-)