Impepho Smudge Stick

Impepho Smudge Stick - Handmade by House of Viserious
Approximately 10cm in length.
Locally sourced impepho, hand rolled by House of Viserious.

Imphepho is considered a sacred herb by many tribes of Sub Saharan Africa and is known as the ‘air of the spirits’ as its primary function is to facilitate communication with the Ancestors. Traditionally, one would kneel before lighting the herb in a fire-proof dish. As a continuous wisp of smoke emanates from the smouldering herb, it releases a rich, fragrant scent which pleases and invokes the Ancestors. Simultaneously, it places the participant/s of the ritual in a mild sedative state, allowing for deep meditation and contemplation.

The uses of Imphepho is as vast and varied as the South African landscape. Medicinally, it is boiled and tropically applied as an acne treatment or drank as a tea to alleviate headaches, coughs fevers and menstrual cramps. Drinking a hay infusion of the herb before bed is also said to open your dream channels, enabling you to receive messages from your Ancestors while you sleep.

DO NOT CONSUME MORE THAN TWO CUPS PER DAY.

Boiling Imphepho until the water changes colour and washing with it is another way of connecting with one’s Ancestors and is also said to calm those plagued with symptoms of the ‘thwasa’ (initiation) illness.
In addition to calling the Ancestors, burning Imphepho can also serve to:
•Chase away evil spirits, especially if you burn it with Enyamazane.
•Act as an insect-repellent if burnt with umhlonyane (Artemisia afra/ Wilde als).
•Aid in combating insomnia.

We source our Imphepho from indigenous medicine (Muthi) sellers, most of whom are also part of the local Rastafarian community. They are highly skilled at identifying, harvesting and administering traditional medicine for health and esoteric purposes.

Note: House of Viserious make no claims regarding Imphepho.
Many herbs should be avoided by pregnant or breastfeeding mothers.
It should also be noted that herbs can interfere with the efficacy or even counteract certain medication. Thus, you should always consult with your health care provider before ingesting, burning or using any herb(s).