Native American Herbs: Love Medicine

– by Tracey

The Native American herb Wah'pe was'temna (also known as Sweet Leaf) is recognized as a powerful love medicine by many Plains Indian tribes - it was (and still is) used to inspire love and was a favored herb among the legendary love healers, the Elk Men.

Aroma: Strong and musky with a sweet undertones.

Classification: Sweet Leaf comes from the mint family and is known by many different names, depending on where you're from and what you intend to do with it.

The many names of Sweet Leaf
Popular names for this herb include wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), bee balm, or horsemint; the more culturally significant (when it was used by the healer whose power comes from the elk) being hehaka tapejuta or elk medicine.

Native American uses of Sweet Leaf

  • Scented sachets: Silk sachets filled with this dried herb can be placed under a pillow, carried on your person, or packed with clothing.
  • Love Medicine: When used as a love tonic, Sweet Leaf is said to possess seductive powers and aid in alluring the opposite sex.
  • Courting tools: Mixing the leaves with buffalo fat, it becomes a pleasant smelling skin grease (or lotion) believed to attract love.

Ideal time for Sweet Leaf: Anytime
This dried herb is in high demand all year round…especially during February, the month most revered for love.