Essence Folk Lore
SWEETGRASS - Sweetgrass grows in the plains areas of the US and in Alberta, Canada. It smells sweet when dried, and is traditionally braided together in long strands for storage or use. Sweetgrass can be burnt as a purifier similar to sage. It encourages positive vibrations to enter an area or room. It is also used in sweat lodges. Clippings are placed on hot rocks during the sweat. The smoke of sweetgrass is pleasant to the good spirits. They come to the smoke. They are pleased with one who makes this smoke. But the bad spirits also enjoy the smoke, so sage must be burned to make them sick, then sweetgrass to bring good spirits. SAGE - Used as an herb of purification. Purity, health; used for consecration in Native American tradition. Sage is a necessary part of every Native American sacred ceremony. Take a spring of Sage to your new home, to chase out old, out-used energies, and purify the Sacred Space in which you will be starting married life! Sage is particualrly important in the Sun Dance because the dancers chew it to alleviate their thirst. Sage is included in medicine pouches and bundles and is burned in smudging ceremonies to drive out bad spirits, feelings or influences. CEDARWOOD - Cedar is considered an herb of the sun, its element is fire and is often burned druing winter rituals. Cedar purifies an area and banishes nightmares. Native Americans sometimes burn cedar in sweat lodges to help release heavy emotional energy. It is also used in child blessings and naming ceremonies. CHOKECHERRY - For the Native Indians who roamed the North American plains, the chokecherry provided vitamins and a sweet-tart flavor. These luscious purple berries were harvested, along with other fruit, in midsummer to fall and stored in a partly dried or frozen state. Chokecherries mixed with fat and suet and pounded into the meat of buffalo became pemmican, a staple food eaten by Native Indians during journeys and long winters. Today the chokecherry fruit is used to make jam and syrup prized as a gourmet treat. Chokecherry bushes still grow wild in prairie ravines and remain one of the most important plants for wildlife food and shelter.	THYME - The legends and lore surrounding Thyme are manifold. It was one of the first herbs to be used as incense, and was often sprinkled on church floors, along with lavender, in the middle ages, to eliminate unwanted odors. Some believe the word Thyme, is derived from the Greek word for Courage, and some think it is connected to the idea of cleansing or fumigating. It has been associated, in ancient lore, with both death and death ceremonies, and yet was also thought to have an ability to attract fairies. Like Sage, it has been burned in many places throughout time to cleanse the air, protect from plague, and ward off evil spirits. Avoid if pregnant. CEREMONIAL TOBACCO - Ceremonially, tobacco is smoked as a means of communication with the spirits. It is said that the ancestors remember the pleasure of smoking the leaves and the dried blossoms, so they return to partake in the essence of the tobacco. MUGWORT - is a symbol of health and hope. Native Americans use the leaves of the mugwaot medicinally to treat colds, colic, bronchitis, rheumatism and fever. JUNIPER - it creates an environment that is safe and sacred. The burning juniper berries purify the air in sick rooms and prevent the spread of infection. LAVENDER - Sweet smelling Lavender is sometimes called 'Breath of the Spirit world'. Lavender soothes and calms the nerves and stimulates the healing process. The fragrance of lavender imparts a feeling of inner freedom that allows one to let go of compulsions, anger and other bad habits of the mind. Sometimes the lavender buds are burned to induece sleep and rest and can be scattered around the home to maintain a feeling of peacefulness. MINT - Joy, virtue, endurance. PINON - gathered in large quantity by the Navajo and Zuni. Pinon salve is used to treat sores and cuts.Many ceremonies include the use of the pinon, especially the War Dance ceremony. OSHA - the most widely used herbal medicine in the southwest. Elders have always like to receive osha as a gift. Associated with good luck and protection. Used to treat coughs and colds. One of the most important herbs of the Rocky Mountain region.