The act of burning sage, often referred to as smudging, is a practice rooted in the traditions of various Indigenous cultures. This process involves igniting the dried herb to produce smoke for spiritual cleansing, purification, or aromatic properties. Given the lack of definitive clinical trials on the safety of inhaling any herbal smoke during gestation, pregnant individuals often seek clarification on whether this practice poses a risk. This article explores the current scientific understanding of general smoke inhalation risks and the potential specific impact of compounds released by burning sage.
General Risks of Inhaling Smoke During Pregnancy
The primary health concern with burning any material, including sage, is the inhalation of combustion byproducts. Any type of burning process releases microscopic airborne particles known as particulate matter (PM 2.5). These particles are small enough to bypass the body’s natural filtering systems and enter deep into the lungs and bloodstream.
Once in the maternal bloodstream, these pollutants can cross the placenta, potentially exposing the developing fetus to harmful substances. Exposure to inhalable airborne particles and carbon monoxide (CO) has been associated with adverse outcomes during pregnancy. Carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas released during combustion, competes with oxygen in the blood, which can reduce the oxygen supply available to the fetus.
Exposure to common air pollutants during pregnancy has been linked to increased risk of low birth weight and preterm delivery. Studies have also suggested an association between exposure to air pollutants, including those found in household smoke, and a higher likelihood of spontaneous abortion or stillbirth. These dangers are related to the physical mechanics of smoke inhalation and the resulting reduction in maternal-fetal oxygen exchange, regardless of the specific herb being burned.
Potential Impact of Sage-Specific Compounds
Beyond the general hazards of smoke, white sage contains specific chemical compounds that warrant consideration when burned. The leaves of Salvia species are rich in volatile terpenes like camphor and thujone. When the sage is burned, these compounds are released into the air.
Thujone is a compound studied for its potential neurotoxic effects at high concentrations. Some species of sage are not recommended for consumption during pregnancy because thujone is an abortifacient, meaning it can potentially stimulate menstruation and lead to miscarriage. Although absorption levels differ when the compound is inhaled versus ingested, the presence of a compound with known toxicity raises a significant caution flag.
The precise effect of inhaling the combustion byproducts of thujone and camphor on fetal development has not been established through clinical research. Due to the lack of dedicated safety studies, experts advise caution, as these potent compounds could theoretically pose a risk to the developing nervous system or overall health of the fetus. The developing fetus is particularly vulnerable to environmental pollutants that might not affect an adult in the same way.
Safety Measures and Non-Combustion Alternatives
Given the established risks of general smoke inhalation and the presence of potentially harmful compounds like thujone in sage, the safest approach during pregnancy is avoidance. Because there are no definitive studies confirming safety, the precautionary principle suggests eliminating exposure entirely.
If the practice of smudging is deemed necessary, extreme caution must be exercised to minimize exposure. The pregnant individual should not handle the burning sage directly, and the smudging should be performed in a location with maximum ventilation, such as outdoors or directly in front of a wide-open window. The exposure time should be kept as brief as possible, and the pregnant person should immediately leave the area after the practice is complete to allow the air to clear fully.
Non-combustion methods offer safer alternatives for achieving similar aromatic or cleansing effects. Sage hydrosols, which are the floral waters created during the distillation of sage essential oil, can be misted to impart the herb’s scent without any smoke. Essential oil diffusers can also be used with sage oil, though oil safety during pregnancy requires consultation with a healthcare provider or certified aromatherapist.
Alternatives offer ways to perform cleansing practices without generating smoke:
- Using sound (singing bowls or bells).
- Using salt.
- Using non-combustible herbs like rosemary or mugwort.