When most people think about smoking an herb, they think of tobacco or cannabis. However, there are actually many smokable plants that offer a variety of benefits. From potential stress relief to helping people quit cigarettes, smokable herbs can be a valuable alternative for those looking to explore different options.
Here's everything to know about herbs you can smoke, as some of the most popular smokable herbs.
Key Takeaways:
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Herbs can provide several potential benefits, from aiding digestion to pain relief.
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People enjoy using herbs as an alternative to tobacco because they don't contain nicotine.
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Many herbal smoking blends are available, including ones with popular plants like lavender, chamomile, and sage.
Benefits of Smoking Herbs
There's a long history of people smoking medicinal plants. In fact, some of the most popular smokable herbs have been used for centuries in ancient traditions. Because of their purported benefits, people looking for more natural alternatives are rediscovering herbs.
Anecdotally, herbs like raspberry leaf, rose petals, and willow bark, are commonly used for numerous ailments, including pain relief, relieving headaches, alleviating stomach discomfort, and more.
While more research is needed to verify these claims, many report positive results from smoking herbs.
Why Do People Use Herbal Smoking Blends?
People use herbal smoking blends for different reasons. For example, some people use them as an alternative to traditional cigarettes, while others enjoy the taste or smell of certain herbs.
Regardless of the reason, herbs offer a natural way to enjoy smoking that doesn't involve tobacco smoke or nicotine. Plus, herbal smoking blends are often more affordable than traditional cigarettes, cigars, or tobacco products. For this reason, those trying to quit cigarettes may find herbal smoking blends to be a helpful tool.
How to Use Smokable Herbs
When using a smokable herbal blend, take it slow at first. Start by taking small puffs and see how you feel after smoking a small amount. If you're using herbs for medicinal purposes, consult with a healthcare professional beforehand.
Check the blend to see if it's made with high-quality, organic herbs. Finding the right product can be tricky, but it's worth taking time to find the right blend and manufacturer.
Smokable herbs come in many forms, including loose leaves, dry herbs, and pre-rolled cigarettes. If you're using loose smokable herbs, you'll need to invest in a tobacco pipe or rolling papers. You should also remove the stems and seeds before smoking.
Once you have your herbs and supplies, simply fill your pipe with the mix of your choice and light it. Take small puffs first to see how you react, and inhale slowly.
With pre-rolls or rolled joints and blunts, light the end and smoke as you would a cigarette. Never leave smoldering herbs unattended, as they can be a fire hazard.
What Are Some Smokable Herbs?
Now that you know more about herbs, you may wonder what smokable herbs are available. Here are some of the most popular ones and their purported benefits and uses. Remember that most of these uses are based on anecdotal evidence, and more research is needed to confirm their efficacy.
Blue Cornflower
This vibrant blue flower is often used as a decorative element in gardens. However, it can also be smoked and used in teas. Dried blue cornflower is thought to help with issues like congestion, water retention, and constipation.
Blue Lotus
Blue lotus is often used as a potential sedative for lucid dreaming in ceremonial and religious practices. And since this dream herb has some psychoactive properties, it's essential to be aware of how it may affect you before smoking it.
Many people report feeling sleepy and relaxed after smoking it, with vivid dreams, so it's best to use it in the evening or at night. Those with depression may also find relief from using it.
Calamus
With a bold, spicy fragrance and flavor, calamus root is well-known as a spice. However, its boldness can also lend itself well to herbal blends. It may also alleviate stomach discomfort and skin issues.
Unfortunately, calamus may be dangerous, and essential oils with calamus are toxic. Because of its potential dangers, it's best to avoid smoking or consuming calamus root until more research is completed.
Calendula
Also known as marigolds, calendula is often found in skincare products and teas. When dried and smoked, it has an invigorating bright citrus taste. It's also believed to help issues like depression, stress, and anxiety due to its potential mood-boosting properties.
Catnip
This herb is best known for its effects on cats, who often become very relaxed and playful after consuming it. However, it can also provide relaxing benefits for humans. For example, calmness and headache relief are frequently reported after smoking catnip.
Although it's believed to help alleviate stress, don't expect to feel the same psychoactive effects that cats do.
Chamomile
As one of the more popular smokable herbs, chamomile is mainly consumed as a tea. However, it can also be smoked for its calming effects. Chamomile is used to address issues like anxiety, stress, and insomnia.
It's also well-liked among those trying to quit tobacco because its calming properties may alleviate nicotine cravings.
Echinacea
You may have heard of echinacea in relation to colds and the flu, as it's often taken as a supplement to boost the immune system. Many people also believe it helps with lung function by aiding the recovery of lung tissue. However, smoking may not be the best way to consume this herb.
More research is needed, and although echinacea may have benefits when smoked, it's best to take it as a supplement or tea to get the most use.
Gotu Kola
With stimulating and energizing effects, gotu kola may be useful to those struggling with fatigue because it's believed to help with depression and mood. By affecting the nervous system, gotu kola may give you the boost you need if you're feeling sluggish.
Holy Basil
Also known as tulsi, holy basil is a popular smokable herb in India. It's often used in religious and spiritual rituals, and its bold flavors make it a great addition to any smokable blend. In addition to potentially aiding digestion, holy basil may reduce stress and anxiety.
Lavender
Smoking lavender is often done for its calming effect on the nervous system. It's often used to relieve stress, anxiety, and insomnia. The pleasant smell of lavender may also help reduce nausea and promote rest.
Lavender and cannabis go well together, and many enjoy adding it as one of their flavoring herbs.
Red Raspberry Leaf
A common herb found in numerous smokable blends, raspberry leaf is often used as a tobacco replacement due to its fairly neutral flavor. Many believe it helps relieve menstrual cramps and induction of labor, and many women have used it throughout history to promote womb health. However, pregnant women should avoid smoking anything, including red raspberry leaf.
Rose Petals
Dried rose petals make a beautiful and fragrant addition to your own blend. They're believed to provide euphoric and uplifting effects, and the sweet flavor of rose petals is a nice change from common herbs on this list. High in vitamin C, rose petals may also help with liver and skin issues.
If you want slight sweetness in your smoking experience, the aromatic and flavorful rose petal is an excellent choice.
St. John's Wort
Many companies like Bear Blend use St. John's Wort in smokable herbal blends because of its many potential benefits. For example, it's frequently studied for its potential ability to alleviate depression and anxiety. It's also believed to help those who struggle to fall asleep, as it has sedative-like effects.
White Sage
Sacred in many cultures, white sage is often used in smudging ceremonies to cleanse a space or person of negative energy. It's also believed to have medicinal properties and is sometimes used to alleviate pain and improve mood.
If you're looking for an herb with a strong flavor and a fluffy texture, consider adding white sage to your herbal blend. Just be sure not to accidentally use salvia divinorum, as its psychoactive effects are much stronger than white sage and other smokable herbs.
Willow Bark
For a medium smoke with a woodsy flavor, willow bark is a great choice. It's believed to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, making it a popular herbal remedy. Furthermore, willow bark adds a touch of depth to smokable blends, which can be a nice change from the sweetness of some other herbs.
While willow bark is safe for most people, those looking for a light smoke may want to avoid it.
Wormwood
An herb with a bitter flavor, wormwood is often used in smokable blends to offset the sweetness of other herbs. It's also believed to have many benefits, including potential treatment for digestive issues, fevers, liver disease, and more.
Smoking wormwood is pungent, so use it sparingly if you're new to smoking herbs.
Herbal Smoking Blends with Cannabis
Many people enjoy combining the medicinal benefits of cannabis with other plants. When smoking herbs with cannabis, be mindful of the amount of cannabis you use. Start with a small amount and adjust as needed. Some popular smokable herbs and cannabis blends can be stronger than anticipated.
It may take experimentation to find the perfect blend for you. However, smoking various herbs can add new flavors and aromas to your cannabis smoking experience.
Some herbs, like lavender and rose petals, can be added to cannabis for a potentially relaxing effect. Other ones, like gotu kola and wormwood, can be added to cannabis for a more stimulating effect.
Creating Your Own Herbal Smoking Blend
If you're interested in creating your smokable herbal blend, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, consider what herbs you want to use and what you hope to achieve. Then, find a base herb that will help carry the flavors of the other herbs. Base herbs should make up about 50% of your blend.
Next, add your supportive herbs. These herbs will make up about 35% of your blend. Supportive herbs like lemon balm are typically chosen for their potential health benefits and ability to complement other flavors.
Finally, add your flavoring or accent herb. Peppermint and other aromatic herbs are revered for their flavor and for creating a smoother smoke. Herbs with a slightly sweet flavor are also popular because they help mask the strong earthy flavor of other herbs. Your flavoring or accent herb should only make up about 15% of your blend.
Are Herbal Cigarettes Safe?
Other herbs may be a good option if you need an alternative to smoking tobacco or cannabis. However, it's important to be aware of the potential risks of smoking any herb. Unfortunately, research into how damaging herbal cigarettes are to your health is limited. And until more research findings are available, it's impossible to know for sure. Thankfully, they're legal under federal law since they don't contain nicotine or cannabis.
If you do decide to smoke herbs, there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of harmful health effects:
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Don't smoke more than you would if you smoked tobacco or cannabis.
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Avoid products containing toxic chemicals, such as pesticides.
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Don't smoke herbs treated with chemicals, such as flame retardants.
By following these tips, you can help reduce the risks associated with smokable herbs.
Using 100% Organic Herbs
Using 100% organic herbs ensures that the herbs you're smoking haven't been treated with toxic chemicals like pesticides.
Organic herbs are available from many online retailers. Always look for a 100% organic label when buying smokable herbs online. Many companies will also explain their growing and harvesting practices on their websites.
The Potential Risks of Smokable Herbs
Although herbal cigarettes don't contain nicotine, smoking any herb has potential risks. When smoking herbs or anything else, there's always a risk of damaging your lungs and airways. This is because herbal smoke contains harmful chemicals like carbon monoxide that can irritate and damage your lungs.
Other possible risks include:
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Increased risk of cancer
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Impaired lung function
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Chronic bronchitis
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Throat irritation
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Dry mouth
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Tooth and gum damage
In addition, those with poor respiratory health or conditions like asthma are at an increased risk of experiencing adverse effects from smoking an herbal cigarette.
Herbal Smokes and False Advertising
Unfortunately, as herbal cigarettes become more mainstream, there's also been an increase in false advertising. Many companies that sell herbal cigarettes claim that they're a safer alternative to smoking tobacco. However, there's no evidence to support these claims. As mentioned earlier, herbs have many of the same risks as smoking tobacco.
So, if you're considering smokable herbs, remain aware of false claims. Only buy smokable herbs from reputable sources, and follow the tips for reducing your risk of harmful health effects.
Final Thoughts: Smoking Herbs
As with any other type of smoking, there are potential risks associated with using an herbal smoke blend. However, they're a viable option if you're looking for alternatives to smoking tobacco or cannabis.
If you decide to try herbal cigarettes, consider using 100% organic herbs to reduce your risk of harmful health effects. All herbs impact people differently, so do your research before you start smoking. And as always, if you have any concerns, consult your doctor. It's always helpful to remain helpful, as finding your favorite blend may require trying many herbs.
At Burning Daily, we believe in the power of plants, and we're dedicated to providing our customers with the knowledge and information they need to enjoy their smoking experience. Visit our blog to learn more about how cannabis and other herbs can enhance your life.