Herbs for Cleansing and Clearing
Traditionally, herbs have been used for cleansing and Clearing for centuries. These herbs can be utilized when dry, for creating a sense of purity, renewal and divine clearing! Simply light a bit of these herbs and waft the smoke around an area you wish to clear of unwanted scents, negative energy or to simply start a new day with. Using a natural receptor such as a sea shell, abalone shell or crystal bowl can be a place to place your herbs after you are done using them.
Sweet Grass
Sweet Grass has the most sacred usage’s of all the purification herbs. It is a seasonal plant and grows only in certain places. Sweet grass is used primarily for the blessing of one’s self. It is placed in a shell or a bowl and burned, similar to incense. The smoke gives forth a very pleasant smell. When people engage in the ceremony of blessing ones self, he/she holds the bowl of burning herb and slowly moves it around in a continuous circle surrounding the body from head to foot with swirling smoke. Sweet Grass is often used for purification during sweat lodge ceremonies. It is used for smudging “(blessing-down)” our homes, protecting them from evil spirits. It is also used to purify all of our sacred prayer instruments. Medicinally, it is used as a portion of a combination of other herbs in a special formulated “medicine tea” which flushes the impurities out of the body. Sweet grass is very calming and relaxing to the user who is taught to use it in a traditional and respectful manner. The sacred herb, sweet grass, is used in all phases of healing by the doctoring healer.
Sage
Sage has a variety of uses. When burned, it has a pungent odor. Sage is used principally for smudging but can also be used in the blessing down of our homes and vehicles. It is commonly used in medicine tea to flush ones system of all impurities. Along with tobacco and other substances, sage is part of a mixture used in the sacred smoking of the pipe. There are may varieties of sage. However, in many places, the natural supply of sage is dwindling. This is due, in part, to people harvesting sage in order to sell it to the general public. In recent years, there seems to be an increase in the fascination with the use of sage burning. In sweat lodge ceremonies, sage is used to sit on and represents part of the plant world. It is also burned in smudge pots. The herb is widely used in many of our sacred ceremonies including but not limited to lodges, drum circles, healing and doctoring.
Cedar & Juniper
There are several different types of these sacred herbs. They are found all over this great land. To some tribes, Cedar is considered the “tree of life” because it withstands the four elements year round no matter how harsh the seasons are. These herbs are used extensively in all sacred ceremonies, healing, and doctoring methods. It makes an excellent tea for the purpose of flushing out the system.
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Andrew Pacholyk MS L.Ac http://www.peacefulmind.com/ayurveda.htm
Therapies for healing mind, body, spirit
Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac. has been in the alternative health field for over 18 years. He is an expert in treating infertility and gynecology, pain management and anti-aging therapies. His knowledge, expertise and clinical training has offered him the ability to experience and continually learn about the body and its energy system in health as well as in disease.