Sweetgrass: Sacred Plant, Living Prayer

Introduction

Sweetgrass is more than a fragrant plant—it is a sacred medicine, a symbol of unity, healing, and spiritual continuity. Recognized by its sweet, Vanilla-like scent and long, glossy blades, Sweetgrass (Hierochloe odorata) plays a central role in ceremonial life across many Indigenous cultures in North America. Braided with intention and used in prayer, it carries teachings from the past and responsibilities toward the future. In both traditional and modern spiritual contexts, Sweetgrass continues to guide, bless, and connect.

Cultural and Ceremonial Origins

The name Hierochloe comes from Greek: Hieros, meaning “sacred” and Chloë meaning “grass.” This sacred identity is reflected in its ceremonial use across cultures. In Northern Europe, Sweetgrass was scattered at church entrances on holy days, releasing its scent when stepped upon. In France and Russia, it was used to flavor candies, tea, and perfume.

Perhaps its most well-known modern use outside Indigenous traditions is in the Polish vodka Żubrówka. Each bottle contains a single blade of Bison Grass (a close cousin of Sweetgrass), which imparts its warm, grassy, vanilla-like flavor. This tradition connects the drink to the Białowieża Forest and the European bison—symbolic of natural harmony and strength.

Sweetgrass in Indigenous Tradition

In the Anishinaabe, Bode’wad mi, and Odawa teachings, Sweetgrass is one of the Four Sacred Medicines, along with Tabaco (Nicotiana rustica), Cedar (Thuja plicata), and Sage (Salvia apiana). It is seen as the “Hair of Mother Earth” and should be harvested respectfully—cut, not pulled, so the plant may continue to grow.

Braids of Sweetgrass are traditionally made from 21 strands, each carrying specific meaning:

– The first seven strands represent the seven generations behind us—our parents, grandparents, and ancestors, whose experiences shaped our paths.
– The next seven strands represent the Seven Sacred Teachings: Love, Respect, Honesty, Courage, Wisdom, Truth, and Humility—guiding principles for living in harmony.
– The final seven strands symbolize the seven generations ahead—our descendants—reminding us that our actions today shape the world they will inherit.

Braiding Sweetgrass is often done while the plant is still fresh and flexible. In some traditions, braiding may be done while the plant is still rooted in the ground, with reverence and prayer woven into every movement. The braid itself becomes a physical prayer—mind, body, and spirit intertwined.

Ritual Use and Spiritual Significance

Sweetgrass is most often burned in smudging ceremonies. Unlike Sage, which is used to remove negativity, Sweetgrass draws in positive energy and good spirits. It smolders rather than flames, releasing a soft, sweet smoke that uplifts and blesses. The smoke is wafted over people, spaces, or sacred items as a form of spiritual cleansing and invitation.

Elders describe Sweetgrass as a “kindness medicine.” Its presence is gentle yet strong, reminding us to live with humility, to listen, and to move in the world with care. It is used to reopen ancestral pathways disrupted by colonization and modernity, serving as a bridge between past and present, Earth and sky, heart and spirit.

Botanical Profile and Chemistry

Sweetgrass belongs to the Poaceae family and is found in wet meadows, streambanks, and high northern plains across North America, Europe, and Asia. It thrives above 40° latitude and prefers cool, moist environments. It grows in long, smooth blades, often reaching 50–60 cm in height, and spreads through underground rhizomes.

Its scent comes from coumarin, a naturally occurring compound that gives the grass its sweet, Vanilla-like fragrance. Coumarin is also found in Cinnamon, Tonka bean, and Hay and is associated with feelings of comfort, peace, and memory. Scientific studies have shown that coumarin-rich aromas can reduce anxiety and promote emotional well-being, which may explain part of Sweetgrass’s universal appeal.

Harvesting and Conservation

Because of its ceremonial importance and increasing global recognition, Sweetgrass is vulnerable to overharvesting and habitat loss. Ethical harvesting is essential. Indigenous teachings emphasize:

– Never pulling Sweetgrass by the roots—always cut to allow regrowth
– Harvest only what is needed, leaving enough for others
– Offer tobacco or prayer when harvesting, in gratitude and respect
– Let some braids dry and reseed in the wild to support plant populations

Support for Indigenous-led conservation efforts is critical to protect Sweetgrass habitats and ensure its availability for future generations. Some communities now grow Sweetgrass sustainably for ceremony, teaching, and trade, helping both the land and culture thrive together.

Conclusion

Sweetgrass is not merely a plant. It is a teacher, a connector, and a spiritual companion. In each braid, each wisp of smoke, and each quiet act of reverence, it reminds us how to live well—in balance with the Earth, our ancestors, and the generations to come. Whether used in ceremony, reflection, or simply carried as a reminder of sacred values, Sweetgrass continues to offer healing, harmony, and hope. Its sweet scent is a call to remember what matters and to walk in a good way.

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