Scientific Name: Hierochlöe odorata, Poaceae family
Common Names: Sweet grass, Seneca grass, ween-gushk, hair of the Mother Earth, holy grass, vanilla grass, bison grass, zubrowka.
Parts used: stem and leaf
Active Compounds: Starch, sugars, cellulose, vitamins and minerals. A glucose-coumarin compound.
Background: Tradition endures as the lengthy grass is collected, braided and dried for use. This botanical is central to native American ceremonial uses. Included in ritual offering for peace and healing. It is part of the affirmation of the infinite provisions of Earth and the Great Spirit. With cedar, sage and tobacco it is considered to be among the 4 sacred plants of Native Americans. Lighted and extinguished by the breath, the smoke is wafted by hand to surround and bless subjects and surroundings. May be sprinkled in sectioned strands onto low-burning wood coals.
Many native tribes of the North American Great Plains believe it was the original plant to bless Mother Earth. Used to create baskets, as thread, for pillow fill, to make mattresses, mats, and in numerous other practical and ceremonial areas of daily craft. The Cheyenne painted pipes for their Sun Dance and Sacred Arrow ceremonies. It was also smoked, with report of usefulness in achieving a meditative state.
Used by nearly every native tribal nation of the Great Plains for cosmetic, aromatic and medicinal purposes. Those of the Blackfoot, Flathead and Gros Ventre tribes soaked leaves to make a hair wash. Sweet grass tea and smoke were used for sore throat and cough. It was also used as an eyewash and for decorational uses. Sweet grass blades were chewed to improve endurance during ceremonies involving extensive fasting.
It was spread in front of church doorways in Northern Europe to sweeten the air as the congregation entered.
Applications: Used for treating cough, sore throat and vascular disorders. It provides an energizing tonic with circulatory toning and is good for skin
The smoke is used in spiritual work and grief work.
Description:
A hardy, perennial grass with horizontal, shallow root system, and soft, leaf blades, growing to approximately two feet in height. Slender stalks with clusters of small, pale green to white flowers. Base of leaves, just below soil surface is broad and white, without hairs, underside of leaves are shiny. The plant is native to Europe and North America.
Sweet grass is circumboreal - common above 40 degrees north latitude in Asia, Europe, and North America. A high-yield grass will produce 3,500 lbs per acre. It proves useful for stabilizing soil, spreads rapidly, and provides cover against erosion. It binds soil with its dense root and rhizome development.
For educational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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