Smudging is a method of spiritual cleansing of an area, objects, or of a person's aura.
The most common herb to use is sage, but others can be added to the mix depending on your purposes ... lavendar for cleansing, copal for heavier duty work, for example.
The smudging herbs are either already tied in a bundle and lit, or placed loose into a shell, usually a mid-sized to large abalone. A feather or
prayer fan is used to direct the smoke, typically in a clockwise manner around the room. The smoke can also be used to purify participants in ceremony, along with ritual objects.