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Shaman Herbs SWEETGRASS - Page 2

© Andrea Ellis

Sweetgrass (Hierocloe odorata) is one of the four sacred plants of first nations people, the other three being Cedar, Sage and Tobacco. This tall vanilla scented grass grows pretty much everywhere in North America, except; it seems, west of the Coast Mountains. At the beginning of this century to grew in abundance in wet meadows, low prairies, sloughs and marshes by way of underground runners. It does not propagate well by its seeds. However due to over harvesting for commercial sale of baskets, urban development, pollution, and use of herbicides, finding wild growing Sweetgrass is very hard. The good news is that many plant retailers carry Sweetgrass plants and it is quite easy to grow. So you can grow it yourself.

Sweetgrass, also called Buffalo grass, Seneca grass, Vanilla grass, Holy grass, grows about two feet tall, likes full sun and lots of water. You can harvest it as early as June, but will add a wonderful sweet scent to your garden while is ripens. It can be harvested as late as September. Cut it just above ground so the roots are not disturbed and it will keep growing year after year. It will spread out.

It is called “The Hair of Mother Earth” and used in purification rituals. It is braided into long ropes and becomes very strong when done so. The three strands of the braid are said to represent the Mind, Body, and Spirit.

The smoke of Sweetgrass cleanses and purifies all that it touches. It is used for objects, places, sacred spaces, and self. It opens up clear communication to the creator. It is useful for clearing the mind and spirits of all energies unwanted or ready to be released. For people who are starting new things or want to release old patterns Sweetgrass is especially useful.

I’ve read references of it being smoked with tobacco in sacred pipes, but have found no other references of it being used internally. This is an external use plant. The smoke of Sweetgrass, along with other herbs such as Sage, Coltsfoot, and Wild Lettuce can be useful in treating lung conditions. Nevertheless, this treatment should be used with caution as many people do have adverse effects to smoke inhalation.

Sweetgrass does not have to be burned for a soothing cleansing effect, simply growing it in the earth will help to restore some peace and tranquility to this world.

Sweetgrass plants can be found in my links to plants retailers, other information can be found in my Native American links. Link to Cape Croker Indian Park

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