Sweetgrass, though hard to find, has been used in Native American ceremonies for generations. Traditionally used for smudging and purifying ceremonies, it has gained additional use in the rituals of many other traditions. The smoke of burning sweetgrass is said to purify and clear objects, places, and people. Often found in medicine bundles and sometimes packed with dance clothes to keep them fresh.

Sweetgrass is traditionally burned after smudging with sage to welcome good influences after the bad have been driven out.