Above all, realize that with ceremony it is the sacred intent of us two-leggeds which opens the door for these powers to work with us. The power of sage is the power to drive away negative energies. Sweetgrass has the power to call in positive energies. Its sweet smell helps make us and our objects sweet to spirit. It is sometimes called the hair of the Earth Mother and is braided in the field, with love, before it is harvested.
Lavender has a calming and relaxing influence.
Rose petals call in the power of the heart. Osha Root is a powerful herb that is burned in the smudge for protection. It also has many other uses. Copal was used by the Aztecs in many of their purification ceremonies. They burned it in their temples during ceremony.