White Cedar

The needles of the White Cedar (also called Arbor Vitae) may be dried and burned as an incense to purify an area from negative thoughts and energies, and to call in protector spirits, especially the spirits of one’s ancestors. The technique is known as smudging and involves wafting of the smoke about oneself and the surrounding area with a feather or fan so that one is bathed by the smoke and all negativity is washed away. Similarly, white cedar may be placed above all doors, windows, and mirrors in a home to protect one’s family from malicious spirits. A sprig of white cedar is worn in each shoe throughout the day to protect oneself from harmful energies. Because of its incredible medicinal properties, white cedar is one of the main herbs used during sweat lodge ceremonies, which combine the four elements to purify participants holistically.

Used as a medicine tea, white cedar strengthens the immune system to fight off colds and flu and is often drank regularly as a preventative medicine. It is very rich in Vitamin C, such that drinking a glass of the tea is comparable to drinking ten glasses of orange juice. The tea is extremely easy to make…fill a 2 oz. saucepan with small boughs of white cedar. Fill 2/3 with water and boil the white cedar boughs for 10-15 minutes. The tea will turn yellow- green in color and will produce a pleasant “pine tree” scent. The tea tastes very good on its own, but I like to sweeten it with a teaspoon of honey. When I get sick, I make a pan of white cedar tea and drink four cups every day for four days. It bolsters the immune system and wipes out the cold! One final note: make sure you are using white cedar (flat needles) and not red cedar (round cone needles), which is toxic. You will learn to love white cedar. Its wonderful!