Aboriginal Students Health Sciences (ASHS) Elder in Residence Bertha Skye talks about various Indigenous medicines and cultural practices. This episode looks at the power of Cedar.
Cedar was the first tree in Creation and one of the most powerful medicines. Any user of alternative medicine is acquainted with the healing properties of the cedar tree. The tea of the twigs and branches is simmered until the water in the pot begins to turn brown. It is then used for fevers, rheumatic complaints, chest colds and flu.
Among Native people it is considered a sacred tree and they will not perform a ceremony without it. Like sage and sweetgrass, cedar is used to purify the home. It also has many restorative medicinal uses – cedar baths are healing; cedar is used for colds and other illnesses. Cedar is used in fasting and sweat lodge ceremonies as a form of protection: cedar branches cover the floor of the sweatlodge and a circle of cedar surrounds the faster's lodge.
Cedar Tea and Cedar Baths are excellent for reducing turmoil as it is physically cleansing and brings a fresh air to the sufferer which lessens the resistance to needed change. Its application as a prophylactic is especially recommended to people subject to serious physical and mental stress (e.g., soldiers, athletes, students and managers) – not to mention smokers – thanks to the accelerated formation of free radicals in their bodies. It is fully and totally effective in the healing of ailments related to the musculoskeletal system (in pre– and post–operational conditions), skin disorders, the locomotor apparatus, respiratory disorders, as well as the digestive and cardial systems.
Cedar can be applied externally for extreme pain in muscles using the oil mixture warmed. Do not warm any herbal salves or infused oils in the microwave.
Cedar was the first tree in Creation and one of the most powerful medicines. Any user of alternative medicine is acquainted with the healing properties of the cedar tree. The tea of the twigs and branches is simmered until the water in the pot begins to turn brown. It is then used for fevers, rheumatic complaints, chest colds and flu.
Among Native people it is considered a sacred tree and they will not perform a ceremony without it. Like sage and sweetgrass, cedar is used to purify the home. It also has many restorative medicinal uses – cedar baths are healing; cedar is used for colds and other illnesses. Cedar is used in fasting and sweat lodge ceremonies as a form of protection: cedar branches cover the floor of the sweatlodge and a circle of cedar surrounds the faster's lodge.
Cedar Tea and Cedar Baths are excellent for reducing turmoil as it is physically cleansing and brings a fresh air to the sufferer which lessens the resistance to needed change. Its application as a prophylactic is especially recommended to people subject to serious physical and mental stress (e.g., soldiers, athletes, students and managers) – not to mention smokers – thanks to the accelerated formation of free radicals in their bodies. It is fully and totally effective in the healing of ailments related to the musculoskeletal system (in pre– and post–operational conditions), skin disorders, the locomotor apparatus, respiratory disorders, as well as the digestive and cardial systems.
Cedar can be applied externally for extreme pain in muscles using the oil mixture warmed. Do not warm any herbal salves or infused oils in the microwave.
VIDEO
do you think the cedar could help in some way with
cellulitus on the lower legs ?
I wonder if the cedar of the desert southwest would also work? They are slightly different than those found in the north.
does anyone know what species she is using of Cedar?
Cedar
The species used by the Cree and Ojibwe is Thuja occidentalis, also known as white cedar or northern white cedar.
I would love to know how much cedar tea was added to the bath water. Thanks so much for sharing about the carpal tunnel also.
Helps after giving birth cleaned out all the toxins out of the woman's body
Would be great to know how to make the tea and also how much to add to bath water? I had breast cancer and had the lump removed so would like to use the cedar to help it from returning. Thank you
Where do I get some in central Saskatchewan?
Excellent Reminder,,, is a Priority for people to stay away from "artificial toxic energies" such as microwaves ovens, radiation from "electronic gadgets",,,etc,,, also, entertaining "fake friendships" on internet or anywhere, eventually numb people down as consequences, then "numb-down-people" are not able to discern between Beneficial or poisonous energies,,,
It was really cool that she shared her story with us. Thank you.
Hyi Hyi to the Elder for sharing about this sacred medicine. As i travel across our beautiful land I gather cedar from various places and use it in many ways . One of the teachings I was given is that you never sell these medicines . You can share them but never sell them Ekosi Nipiwew Sokapiskaw Kihew Iskwea
The Russian woman Anastasia also uses cedar from the tundra of Siberia for healing. The oil as well as wearing amulets that you rub. There are several Anastasia books written by Vladimir Megre available.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ABe3BnTJAU
I have so much respect for Bertha Skye.