Final answer:
The correct answer is A) Sage. Sage, or Salvia officinalis, is known for being burned to cleanse spaces and individuals of bad energy and spirits. This practice is distinct from the uses of plants in the Artemisia genus, such as sagebrush.
Step-by-step explanation:
The herb known for being burned to get rid of bad energy and unwanted spirits is sage. Though commonly associated with the family Artemisia, which includes sagebrush and plants like wormwood used for flavoring wines and absinthe, the sage used for cleansing purposes is Salvia officinalis. This practice is often referred to as smudging, a ceremonial act found in some Indigenous North American cultures, which has also been adopted by various other groups and individuals interested in holistic and spiritual well-being.
Despite the common name 'sagebrush' suggesting a relation, sagebrush is not directly connected to the herb sage. The act of burning sage is believed to cleanse a space or person and is deeply rooted in spiritual routines, differing from sagebrush which is valued for its aroma and used ornamental or medicinal purposes. Both plants are aromatic and produce chemicals of interest for various uses, but it is specifically Salvia officinalis, or 'sage', that is used in the described spiritual practice.