Post by Moon Seeker on May 28, 2009 23:09:43 GMT -5
Native American Sweetgrass
The Healing and Ceremonial Qualities of this Native American Herb
By bbm studios
May 2009 - Sweetgrass has been held sacred to Native Americans for millennia and is cherished for its pleasing aroma and use in spirituality and prayer. The Latin name for this ceremonial and healing botanical is hierchloe ordorata which translates literally as “sacred grass.” This versatile sacred herb spans across culture and religion, and has similar ceremonial usages in many Northern European and Native American traditions.
“Newcomers to the Sioux Trading Post invariably wonder what the braided strands of grass are that lie in a large basket near the counter,” states Native American herb expert Michael Lekberg. “They are attracted by the sight as much as by the scent of wacanga (Lakota for sweetgrass) braids.”
Sweetgrass braids are used as an incense for Native American smudging rituals and their sweet smell is said to please ALL of the spirits. “For this reason, most people think that one should burn sage after smudging with sweetgrass to keep less positive forces at bay,” says this Plains Indian botanical maven. Native American sage is believed to protect against bad spirits, drawing them out of the body or soul and sage smudging is used to cleanse and ward off negative influences.
Though sweetgrass serves a prominent role in daily smudging, ritual and prayer, this sacred herb also has a significant place within aboriginal Native American medicine. Infusions of sweetgrass (sweetgrass “tea”) are drunk as well as applied topically for different health reasons. “Coumarin is the active ingredient in sweetgrass that makes it smell so wholesomely wonderful,” comments Lekberg. “This compound is a strong anti-coagulant and is used in moderation to prevent blood clots.”
Sweetgrass braids are the most common form in which to find this Native American sacred herb. Ropes of finely braided sweetgrass in heavy coils are also sometimes available.
blackhillsportal.com/npps/story.cfm?ID=3070
The Healing and Ceremonial Qualities of this Native American Herb
By bbm studios
May 2009 - Sweetgrass has been held sacred to Native Americans for millennia and is cherished for its pleasing aroma and use in spirituality and prayer. The Latin name for this ceremonial and healing botanical is hierchloe ordorata which translates literally as “sacred grass.” This versatile sacred herb spans across culture and religion, and has similar ceremonial usages in many Northern European and Native American traditions.
“Newcomers to the Sioux Trading Post invariably wonder what the braided strands of grass are that lie in a large basket near the counter,” states Native American herb expert Michael Lekberg. “They are attracted by the sight as much as by the scent of wacanga (Lakota for sweetgrass) braids.”
Sweetgrass braids are used as an incense for Native American smudging rituals and their sweet smell is said to please ALL of the spirits. “For this reason, most people think that one should burn sage after smudging with sweetgrass to keep less positive forces at bay,” says this Plains Indian botanical maven. Native American sage is believed to protect against bad spirits, drawing them out of the body or soul and sage smudging is used to cleanse and ward off negative influences.
Though sweetgrass serves a prominent role in daily smudging, ritual and prayer, this sacred herb also has a significant place within aboriginal Native American medicine. Infusions of sweetgrass (sweetgrass “tea”) are drunk as well as applied topically for different health reasons. “Coumarin is the active ingredient in sweetgrass that makes it smell so wholesomely wonderful,” comments Lekberg. “This compound is a strong anti-coagulant and is used in moderation to prevent blood clots.”
Sweetgrass braids are the most common form in which to find this Native American sacred herb. Ropes of finely braided sweetgrass in heavy coils are also sometimes available.
blackhillsportal.com/npps/story.cfm?ID=3070