- Region
- North America
- Origin
- North America and northern Europe
North America · Herb · № 824
Hierochloe odorata
Herb · North America
Sweetgrass
Hierochloe odorata
A sweet-scented grass that is burned in ceremonies.
Safety notes
Do not take internally; contains coumarin.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Healing traditions of the Americas: Wild-picked grass is scarce in many areas; indigenous communities ask for respect.
Preparation
Braided and dried; lit at one end.
Use in traditions
For many Indigenous peoples of North America sweetgrass is one of the four sacred medicines.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Healing traditions of the Americas
Attributed effects
One of the four sacred medicines: braided and burned to attract good spirits and in prayer; also woven into baskets.
Preparation and amount
Braided and dried; lit at one end.
Caution: Wild-picked grass is scarce in many areas; indigenous communities ask for respect.