- Discover Holistic Wellness
Four Sacred Medicines
TOBACCO Traditional people say that tobacco is always first. It is used as an offering for everything and in every ceremony. Traditional tobacco was given to us so that we can communicate with Creator. It opens up the door to allow that communication to take place. When we make an offering of tobacco, we communicate our thoughts and feelings through the tobacco as we pray for ourselves, our family, relatives and others. When you seek the help and advice of an Elder, Healer or Medicine Person and give your offering of tobacco. We express our gratitude for the help the Creator gives us through our offering of tobacco. It is put down as an offering of thanks.
CEDAR Like sage and sweetgrass, cedar is used to purify the home. It also has many restorative medicinal uses. Cedar baths are healing and cedar tea can be an excellent source of vitamin C.
When cedar is put in the fire with tobacco, it crackles. When it does this, it is calling the attention of the spirits to the offering that is being made. Cedar is used in fasting and sweat lodge ceremonies as a form of protection: cedar branches cover the floor of the sweat lodge and a circle of cedar surrounds the lodge.
SAGE Sage is used to prepare people for ceremonies and teachings. It is used when smudging to cleanse the spirit of negative thoughts. It also has other medicinal uses. Sage represents the Western direction. Sage is used by the original peoples to make their prayers to Creator and of one’s need for help.
There are many varieties of Sage and all are effective in smudging.
SWEETGRASS Sweetgrass is the sacred hair of Mother Earth. Its sweet aroma reminds people of the gentleness, love and kindness she has for the people. When sweetgrass is used in a healing circle it has a calming effect. The three strands of the braid represent the balance of body, mind, and spirit.
