Native Americans depended on herbs for healing, cleansing, and spiritual well-being. Traditionally, there are four sacred herbs: cedar, sage, tobacco, and sweet grass. Only persons well-versed in their sacred properties should attempt to use them, especially to make teas; these can be dangerous if not composed and used properly.

Cedar: Used in sacred ceremonies and smudging, and as a tea for flushing out the system.

Sage: Used for smudging, as a tea to flush out impurities, and in sacred ceremonies. It especially clears out emotional energy.

Tobacco: Used for sending up prayers, and to communicate with spirit.

Sweet grass: Used for smudging, blessing, and purification.

Smudging is a simple way to cleanse a space by using a smoldering herb to drive out bad spirits or feelings, or to get rid of negative energy. Smoke from the smoldering herb carries the negative energy or spirit away with it. Traditionally it begins in the east of the space and travels clockwise.

Medicine Pipe, Edward S. Curtis photographs, courtesy Library of Congress

White Sage Smudge Stick

White Sage

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