Last spring, we planted sweetgrass in the Botanical Sanctuary. At the time I told the apprentices that it was probably already here and just hadn’t showed itself yet—this has happened so many times, in such surprising ways, that it seems to be part of the process of growing at-risk plants. I’ll plant a few Solomon’s Seal and 2 years later they’re surrounded by Mayapple and Blue Cohosh, or one species of Lobelia will decide it would rather be 3. So I have learned to Just Not Know and trust the plants and their process for repopulation.
Happily, the Land worked its magic: Sweetgrass spread out all over the marsh garden and brought its family along. The moist edges of the meadow are now full of Sweetgrass also, in among the Prunella, Red Clover, New England Aster, and non-native pasture grasses, just part of the community.
We divided the now abundant Sweetgrass into another bed so the Calamus, Angelica, and Blue Vervain have the space they need. We didn’t harvest—it’s still its first year!—but leaves that broke off during the transplanting process were bundled and dried (including a very tiny bundle for my daughters’ fairy house under the American Chestnut).
When gardening works like this, it builds my capacity for joy, and refills the well of my patience for the slow, frustrating process of wild-cultivation of at-risk plants. A success like this helps keep us going & I am full of gratitude. Such abundance must be shared, so divisions are going to SUSU Community Farm’s BIPOC CSA, Bomazeen Land Trust Nibezun Aw’ti, and Atowi Project.
These plants came from Richter’s Herbs and Strictly Medicinals has seeds, so if this plant speaks to you, please grow it!
SWEETGRASS MEDICINAL USES
SWEETGRASS (Hierochloe odorata), this lovely endangered or at-risk plant (depending where you live) is sacred medicine to Native people across its distribution, including our local Wabanaki nations, and so is right at the top of the list of herbs that should not be wildcrafted or bought and sold by non-Native Herbalists. However it is EASY to grow in a wet, sunny spot or planter.
Sweetgrass holds profound medicinal significance, deeply rooted in Native American traditions and a central part of the healing traditions that the land here recognizes. The plant is a purifier to cleanse spaces, objects, and people. Its sweet, vanilla-like fragrance attracts positive energies and dispels negativity.
Medicinally, sweetgrass is used for its calming properties. It can be infused into teas to help alleviate stress and anxiety, providing a soothing effect on the mind and body. Incorporating sweetgrass into herbal baths can promote relaxation and skin health.
Beyond its calming effects, the tea has traditionally been used to support respiratory health. Inhaling the steam from a freshly brewed cup of sweetgrass tea can help clear congestion and ease breathing, especially with Angelica or Elecampane.
Additionally, sweetgrass tea is rich in antioxidants, which help combat free radicals and support the immune system.
The nervine properties of sweetgrass may help alleviate mild digestive discomforts, especially when stress plays a role. It works well combined with calamus root.
SWEETGRASS TEA: A CALMING ELIXIR
Sweetgrass tea is prepared by infusing dried sweetgrass leaves in hot water, releasing the plant’s natural oils and sweet, vanilla-like aroma. This aromatic tea is known for its calming properties, making it an excellent choice for relieving stress and anxiety.
- Harvest and dry sweetgrass leaves from plants you grew; do not wildcraft sweetgrass unless you are a Native Herbalist. Ensure leaves are clean and free of any contaminants.
- Boil water and let it cool slightly. Pour the hot water over a small bundle of dried sweetgrass leaves.
- Let the leaves steep for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors and beneficial compounds to infuse the water, then strain
Here are some pictures of my apprentice Nicole, and the sweetgrass in place:
