During moments of stress, anxiety, and feelings of uneasiness, you may want to consider using traditional medicines to help reduce these feelings. Sacred medicines can be used every day and/ or for ceremonies (Anishnawbe Health Toronto, 2000; Iehstóserinon:nha, n.d.). “Medicines are the gifts of healing and in all forms, they contribute to mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health” (Iehstóserinon:nha, n.d. par. 3). Below is a description of each of the four sacred medicines, their purpose, and how you can use them in your daily routine. Depending on your campus, traditional medicines maybe available for you to use. Please consult your Indigenous student centre for more information.
Tobacco:
- Tobacco was given as a way to speak with the spirit world. Through offering tobacco (i.e., placing tobacco in the fire), you can communicate your feelings and thoughts. It is given to Elders, knowledge holders, as an offering to express appreciation and gratitude for their knowledge and advice (Anishnawbe Health Toronto, 2000; Iehstóserinon:nha, n.d.).
Sage:
- Sage is a stronger medicine that is most often used in ceremonies to release negative energy and thoughts from your body through ‘smudging’. The next section will highlight and explain the purpose of smudging (Anishnawbe Health Toronto, 2000; Iehstóserinon:nha, n.d.).
Sweetgrass:
- Sweetgrass is commonly used in smudging, similar to sage. The 21 strands braided together illustrate the strength and bond we have for one another but also represent the seven generations before us, current, and future generations to come (Anishnawbe Health Toronto, 2000; Iehstóserinon:nha, n.d.).
Cedar:
- Cedar represents strength, comfort, and safety as it provides shelter for many animals. Cedar can also be used when fasting or during a sweat and can be made into a tea or be bathed in for healing and restorative purposes (Anishnawbe Health Toronto, 2000; Iehstóserinon:nha, n.d.).
- Seneca roots for headaches and pain (Métis Nation British Columbia, 2021)
- Muskeg tea to relieve fever (Métis Nation British Columbia, 2021)
- Pine and spruce needles to reduce chest and sinus congestion (Métis Nation British Columbia, 2021)
For more information on these traditional medicines and others, please reach out to your Indigenous advisor and/or Elder on how to properly use these medicines.
