The leaves of the sweet grass are collected during the summer months and dried by natural or artificial means. The dried leaves are then used to form braids made for burning and used as incense. Sweet Grass (Hierochloe odorata) – Illustration ©The Herbal Resurce The vanilla-scented smoke is important in many sacred ceremonies, both among native North Americans and some indigenous groups in Europe. The dried leaves are also used medicinally in herbal teas and essential oil can be distilled from the plant which is then used as a seasoning in foods and alcoholic beverages. Sweet grass contains coumarin, which