Winter can feel long, and some days it’s hard to shake that gray, heavy feeling. Little moments of comfort—something to taste, hold, or smell—can help shift your mood and bring warmth to the season. Here are five Native-made products from SweetGrass Trading Company that are perfect for lifting spirits when winter feels endless.
Sweetgrass Smudge Spray by Haini Wiragusge Wiga
Sometimes all you need is a quick reset. Haini Wiragusge Wiga’s Sweetgrass Smudge Spray offers the calming, cleansing properties of traditional smudging without smoke. Spritz it in your space, on your yoga mat, or even on yourself to refresh and restore your energy. The gentle sweetgrass aroma creates a peaceful atmosphere that feels grounding and soothing. It is ideal for meditation, prayer, or a quiet evening at home.
Elements Collection Candles by SweetGrass Trading Company|
When the sun sets before dinner and the evenings feel extra long, lighting a candle can completely change the mood of a room. SweetGrass Trading Company’s Elements Collection candles are 100% handcrafted with clean-burning soy wax, premium ingredients, essential oils, and botanical accents for a fragrance experience that feels intentional and inviting. Choose from Forest Path, Prairie Wind, or Council Fire, each inspired by the natural elements and landscapes that ground us.
Grandmother’s Salve by Sakari Farms
Winter air can be harsh on skin, and Grandmother’s Salve is a reliable companion. Made with locally grown yarrow, comfrey, sweetgrass, and piñon pine from the Navajo Nation, this earthy salve soothes dry skin, minor cuts, scrapes, and insect bites. Massage it in liberally. It can also be used as a chest rub to clear congestion. The scent is earthy and grounding, making it a treat to use any time of year.
Chokecherry Syrup or Jelly by Red Lake Nation Foods
A touch of bright, tart sweetness can cut through gray winter days. Red Lake Nation Foods’ chokecherry syrup or jam adds flavor to tea, yogurt, or pancakes. It is a small way to bring color, sweetness, and a reminder of summer berries to even the dreariest mornings. Chokecherries are rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, which provide nutrients that may help fight off certain allergies and viruses.
Mini Birchbark Canoe
Sometimes lifting your spirits is about surrounding yourself with beauty and craft. A handcrafted mini birchbark canoe makes a perfect small gift or display piece. Each one reflects traditional artistry and careful Indigenous craftsmanship, bringing a connection to culture and tradition into your home or office. It is a simple reminder that art and intention can brighten even the grayest of days.
Winter won’t last forever, but you can make the season feel softer. A fragrant spray, comforting candlelight, a healing salve, a spoonful of berry sweetness, or a tiny handcrafted treasure can shift your mood and help you carry a little light all winter long.