Anishinaabe Teachings of the Four Sacred Medicines

The information on this page represents only a small portion of the many sacred Indigenous teachings and protocols that exist. The teachings, stories, and cultural knowledge shared represent one perspective and may differ between Nations, regions, and individuals. DWF recognizes and respects the diversity of Indigenous teachings and experiences throughout Turtle Island.

For more information, please consult with a Traditional Elder, Knowledge Keeper, Healer, or Medicine Person.

Together, tobacco, sage, cedar, and sweetgrass are known as the Four Sacred Medicines.
It is said that tobacco sits in the eastern doorway, sweetgrass in the south, sage in the west, and cedar in the north. These medicines are used in daily life and in ceremony. Each carries their own teachings, responsibilities, and gifts. All four can be used in smudging practices, and when bundling and preparing these medicines, people are encouraged to put their good thoughts and/or prayers into them.

Caring for Medicines

Sacred medicines should be cared for with respect and intention. They should be kept in a dry place and stored in paper bags or wooden boxes. Caring for these medicines helps preserve their spirit and teachings.

Tobacco (Asemaa) – East

Tobacco, or asemaa, is known as the first medicine that the Creator gave to the Anishinaabe people. According to this teaching, it is used to connect with the spirit world.

Asemaa is a medicine of gratitude and humility. In most Anishinaabe teachings, tobacco sits in the eastern doorway, which signifies new beginnings, as the sun rises in the east. It is also connected to the season of spring, when new life begins to grow.

Tobacco ties are often made and given as a way to show thanks and respect. When offering tobacco, people share their thoughts and feelings. They may pray for themselves, their families, or their communities.

When seeking guidance from an Elder, Healer, or Knowledge Keeper, offering tobacco shows respect and signals that sacred teachings or help may be requested.

Sweetgrass (Wiingashk) – South

Sweetgrass, or wiingashk, represents kindness and healing. It is known for its gentle scent and reminds people of the importance of good thoughts, words, and actions.

Sweetgrass usually sits in the southern doorway, although in some teachings it sits in the north. The southern doorway represents summer, a time of warmth, growth, and life. It is considered a grounding medicine that brings calmness.

Sweetgrass is often called the hair of Mother Earth. This teaching reminds us that sweetgrass should be handled with gentleness and care. When harvesting sweetgrass, it is important to be gentle and mindful, taking only what is needed.

There are different ways to braid sweetgrass, but one traditional method uses 21 strands divided into three sets of seven before braiding. The number seven holds deep meaning in Anishinaabe culture. It is connected to the Seven Generations before us, the Seven Grandfather Teachings, and the Seven Generations ahead. The three strands can also represent the mind, body, and spirit, or, in some teachings, love, kindness, and honesty.

Through preparing and braiding wiingashk, people learn to move through life with gentleness, to nurture relationships, and to live in a good way with others.

Sage (Mashkodewashk) – West

Sage, or mashkodewashk, is a medicine used for cleansing and purification. It helps remove negative energy, thoughts, and emotions, and brings renewal and balance to the spirit.

In Anishinaabe teachings, sage sits in the western doorway. The west is where the sun sets and is connected to the autumn season. Sage helps people cleanse with goodness and release what is no longer needed, purifying the mind, body, and spirit.

Bundling sage is both a physical and spiritual act. It involves giving thanks to the plant, leaving some behind to regrow, and recognizing the humility that comes with receiving gifts from the land. There are many types of sage, and each community or region may have its own preferred variety.

Sage is a medicine of resilience and renewal that teaches people to approach life and ceremony with a clean heart and mind.

Cedar (Giizhik) – North

Cedar, or giizhik, offers protection and healing. It is a strong medicine used in purification ceremonies, for protecting your space, and can be used in teas.

In Anishinaabe teachings, cedar sits in the northern doorway. The north is connected to winter, rest, our Elders, and wisdom.

The most important protocol with cedar is respect. People should never overharvest and should avoid taking pieces larger than the size of their hand. When harvesting cedar, it is important to take only small amounts, to offer thanks, and to acknowledge the spirit of the tree.

Giizhik teaches respect and reminds us to protect life and to honour the sacredness of all living things.