The Smudging Process

White sage (Salvia apiana) is very easy to use. Whether it comes in small or large bundles, leaves, whole or crushed, you can easily make effective smudging without too much preparation.
California sage is most often found in bundles ranging in size from about 10cm (3 to 4 inches in the US) to about 22cm (9 inches).
If your sage comes in a bundle (small or large), you can simply light the end with a lighter or match.
A small stick of sage (or mini-smudge, as in the illustration below) is more than enough for one or a few small pieces. For larger volumes, you can use large bundles or several small ones.
Other popular plants are Yerba santa (Eriodictyon californicum), Black sage (called Mugwort in the USA, which is actually a type of Artemisia vulgaris), Blue sage or Desert sage (big sagebrush in the USA, also a type of Artemisia), Sweetgrass (Hierochloe odorata), but also cedar, juniper or tobacco leaves.
The latter plants are sometimes available in bundles but often also in bulk, in the form of more or less finely ground leaves. The best way to burn them is with charcoal. It should be noted that these crushed plants are easily mixed with each other (or in combination with natural resins), which allows all sorts of mixtures.