For centuries, plants have played a vital role in the spiritual practices and traditions of Native American tribes across North America. Did you know that over 2,700 plants have been identified as having 25,000 medicinal properties used by Native American?¹
From smudging rituals to healing remedies, these sacred plants are revered for their ability to cleanse, heal, and connect with the divine. Here are 13 of the most spiritually significant plants in Native American culture.
1. White Sage (Salvia apiana)
White sage, also known as sacred sage, is one of the most widely used plants in Native American spiritual practices. Its fragrant leaves are burned in smudging ceremonies to purify spaces, dispel negative energy, and promote healing.
The smoke from burning white sage is believed to carry prayers to the Creator and facilitate communication with the spirit world.
Many tribes, including the Navajo, Chumash, and Lakota, consider white sage a sacred plant that should be harvested with respect and gratitude.
2. Sweetgrass (Hierochloe odorata)
Sweetgrass, often referred to as the “hair of Mother Earth,” is a fragrant grass used in prayer, smudging, and purification rituals. Its sweet, vanilla-like aroma is said to attract positive spirits and bring a sense of calm and harmony.
Braided sweetgrass is often used in sweat lodge ceremonies, where it is burned to create a sacred space for healing and spiritual growth.
Many tribes, such as the Anishinaabe and the Haudenosaunee, consider sweetgrass a gift from the Creator and use it to make baskets and other sacred objects.
3. Eastern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana)
Cedar, particularly red cedar, holds a special place in Native American spirituality. Its aromatic wood and leaves are used in smudging, medicine bundles, and sacred fires to purify, protect, and attract positive energy.
Many tribes believe that cedar has the power to ward off evil spirits and bring strength and courage to those who use it. The Lakota people consider cedar one of the four sacred medicines, along with sage, sweetgrass, and tobacco.
4. Tobacco (Nicotiana rustica)
Traditional tobacco, not to be confused with commercial tobacco, is a sacred plant used in prayer, offerings, and ceremonies. It is often considered the first plant given to Native Americans by the Creator and is used to communicate with the spirit world.
Tobacco is typically offered as a gift to elders, healers, and the earth itself as a sign of respect and gratitude.
In many tribes, such as the Anishinaabe and the Haudenosaunee, tobacco is an essential part of sacred pipe ceremonies, where it is smoked to carry prayers to the Creator.
5. Peyote (Lophophora williamsii)
Peyote, a small cactus native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, has been used in Native American spiritual practices for centuries.
The Native American Church, which blends indigenous spirituality with Christianity, considers peyote a sacrament and uses it in religious ceremonies.
Peyote contains mescaline, a psychoactive compound that can induce visions and profound spiritual experiences. Its use is strictly regulated and is legal only for religious purposes for members of the Native American Church.
6. Ayahuasca (Banisteriopsis caapi)
Ayahuasca, a brew made from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and other plants, has been used by indigenous tribes in the Amazon basin for spiritual healing and divination. While not native to North America, its use has spread to some Native American communities.
Ayahuasca ceremonies, led by experienced shamans, are believed to facilitate communication with the spirit world, provide insight and guidance, and promote physical and emotional healing.
The brew contains DMT, a powerful psychedelic compound that induces intense visions and spiritual experiences. (ref)
7. Yerba Santa (Eriodictyon californicum)
Yerba Santa, which translates to “holy herb” in Spanish, is a plant native to California that various Native American tribes have used for spiritual and medicinal purposes. Its leaves are used in smudging ceremonies to purify spaces and promote healing.
The Chumash people use Yerba Santa in sweat lodge ceremonies and believe that it has the power to protect against negative energy and illnesses. The plant is also used to treat respiratory issues, such as coughs and colds, and to boost the immune system.
8. Copal (Bursera spp.)
Copal, a resin derived from various Bursera trees, has been used in Native American spiritual practices for centuries. When burned, copal releases a fragrant smoke that is believed to purify spaces, attract positive energy, and facilitate communication with the spirit world.
Many Mesoamerican tribes, such as the Maya and Aztecs, use copal in religious ceremonies and offerings to deities. The resin is often mixed with other sacred plants, such as sage and tobacco, to create a powerful spiritual incense.
9. Osha Root (Ligusticum porteri)
Osha root, also known as bear root, is a sacred plant used by various Native American tribes in the Rocky Mountain region for spiritual and medicinal purposes. The root is often carried as a protective amulet and used in smudging ceremonies to ward off negative energy.
The Navajo and Zuni people use the osha root in healing ceremonies and believe that it has the power to protect against witchcraft and evil spirits. The root is also used to treat respiratory issues, digestive problems, and infections.
10. Juniper (Juniperus spp.)
Juniper, particularly the berries and leaves, has been used in Native American spiritual practices for centuries. The aromatic plant is often burned in smudging ceremonies to purify spaces and promote healing.
The Navajo people use juniper in traditional ceremonies, such as the Blessing Way and the Enemy Way, to protect against negative energy and restore balance. Juniper is also used in medicine bundles and as a natural insect repellent.
11. Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)
Mugwort, a plant in the Artemisia genus, has been used by various Native American tribes for spiritual and medicinal purposes. Its leaves are often burned in smudging ceremonies to promote psychic abilities, enhance dreams, and provide protection.
The Chumash people use mugwort in dream pillows to induce vivid and prophetic dreams. The plant is also used to treat menstrual cramps, digestive issues, and anxiety.
12. Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
Kinnikinnick, also known as bearberry, is a sacred plant used by various Native American tribes for spiritual and medicinal purposes. The leaves are often mixed with tobacco or other sacred plants and smoked in prayer ceremonies.
The Blackfoot people use kinnikinnick in sacred pipe ceremonies to communicate with the spirit world and seek guidance. The plant is also used to treat urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and other ailments.
13. Palo Santo (Bursera graveolens)
Palo Santo, which translates to “holy wood” in Spanish, is another tree species from the Bursera genus, like copal. However, Palo Santo has its own unique uses and significance in Native American spiritual practices. The aromatic wood is burned to purify spaces, dispel negative energy, and promote healing.
While Palo Santo is native to South America, it has gained popularity among some Native American communities for its spiritual properties. The wood is often used in smudging ceremonies and is believed to bring good fortune and positive energy. Unlike copal, which is primarily used as a resin, Palo Santo is used in the form of wood sticks or shavings. The scent of Palo Santo is also distinct from that of copal, with notes of pine, mint, and lemon.
These 13 plants represent just a fraction of the vast array of sacred plants used in Native American spiritual practices. Each plant holds a unique significance and is treated with the utmost respect and reverence.
By understanding the traditional uses and symbolic meanings of these plants, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the rich spiritual heritage of Native American cultures and the profound connection they share with the natural world.
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.