The specific meaning of braided sweetgrass varies slightly in different cultures. For example, in the Cree-Ojibway tribes, the three blades are thought to symbolize love, peace, and harmony. To Pagans, sweetgrass symbolizes strength, positivity, and connection to Mother Earth. Sweetgrass was traditionally used by Native American tribes to cleanse the mind, body, and spirit. It was believed that the scent of this herb would be pleasing to the creator and so would incline him to bless a ceremony. For this reason, it was always burned before any ritual or ceremony.
During the burning process, a person was supposed to fan the smoke from the sweetgrass to their heart first, then to their mind, and finally around the body. At the same time, a prayer was usually recited like the one below:. The smoke of burning sweetgrass was also traditionally inhaled to treat cold and flu symptoms and dried blades of sweetgrass were commonly added to herbal teas to treat coughs and sore throats.
Historically, sweetgrass has also been used for healing after giving birth and was often used to weaves baskets and mats. More recently, sweetgrass has been used in Europe to flavor alcoholic beverages, sweets, and tobacco.
The main use of sweetgrass is smudging as it is belied to cleanse and purify a space, as well as invite in positive energies. However, it also has numerous other benefits including protection, as well as a number of medicinal uses. Below are 7 ways you can use the powerful properties of sweetgrass in your own life:. In Native American tribes, sweetgrass is believed to be distasteful to evil spirits and is even thought to lessen their powers.
So, it is a great herb to place under your pillow at night to protect against nightmares that can be caused by restless spirits. Its revered calming properties can also help you to de-stress as it can aid the removal of the stress hormone cortisol. This will help you fall into a deep, restful sleep, especially if you are prone to tossing and turning at night. Smudging has been the most popular use of this herb throughout history. Clippings of sweetgrass are usually braided and then dried prior to burning.
When burned for healing or ritual purposes, the smoke from the braided sweetgrass is thought to attract good spirits and positive energies.
It is used as a smudging tool to purify peoples auras, cleanse objects, and clear ceremonial areas or healing spaces of negative energy. Sweetgrass can also be carried or worn as a protective amulet. The plant is also used in basket weaving.
Here are some suggestions for using sweetgrass from some skilled healers:. Disclaimer: The information contained on this site is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment by a licensed physician. You should seek prompt medical care for any health issues and consult your doctor before using alternative medicine or making a change to your regimen.
Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. An extremely hardy perennial herb with a sweet, long-lasting, vanilla-like fragrance, sweet grass is indigenous to the comparatively cool regions of Europe and North America, growing naturally in the nutrient-rich soil of wet meadows, low prairies, cool mountain canyons, and along the shady banks of streams, rivers, and lakes.
The plant grows to a height of about 24 inches with long, scented stalks hiding shiny undersides. This aromatic herb gets its namesake from its sweet blades and has been used by humans over the centuries in functions ranging from ingredients in herbal medicine to the production of distilled spirits.
It has even been used as a flavoring for tea, tobacco, candy, soft drinks, and vodka. The Anishinaabe People follow very sacred traditions and believe that when one takes something from the Earth - for example, when sweetgrass is picked - then an explanation to the spirit about why it is being picked and how it will be used is required. The explanation is often accompanied by an offering of tobacco in return for the generosity shown by the Earth and the plant which shared itself.
Sweetgrass is used in smudges , healing or talking circles because it has a healing effect - its smoke is believed to purify thoughts, the environment and to eliminate bad or negative thoughts. Get more articles, hints, and tips by signing up for our email list. Topics: Spiritual Beliefs. We have hundreds of articles loaded with tips, suggestions, videos, and free eBooks for you.
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