Ancient Herbs You Should Smoke

Smoking herbs is a tradition that dates back to Ancient times. In the old days, it was considered a sacred ritual rather than the personal and social gratification we know today. Before we continue discussing about smoking herbs, you are probably wondering if it’s safe to even do that in the first place. So in this article, we’ll explore the ancient herbs you should smoke and why.

Ancient Smokable Herbs

Smoke produced from anything does irritate the mucous membrane. Smoking herbs does not take away this side effect.

However, the herb that you smoke, the amount and the frequency are factors that distinguish whether it is safe or harmful. Smoking therapeutic herbs temporarily to alleviate a health malady is not always bad.

Not all herbs are smokable though. It is best to do your own research before trying it.

Tobacco leaves, a widely used herb in cigarettes and related products, are likewise unsafe. Cultivated ones have high concentrations of nicotine which is dangerous for the nervous system.

Here’s what you should smoke instead:

Mullein

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is a balancing herb that enables the body to gain its balance through its smoke. It is a soothing herb that brings a cooling instead of a heating effect. Mullein is great for respiratory problems. It dries the moisture and relaxes the airways to regulate normal breathing.

You can also try this Bronchial Blend Tincture that combines Mullein and Lungwort Lichen for year-round respiratory support, especially during the winter season. This formula clears congestion from the lungs and lowers excess mucus, as well as calming coughs, wheezing, improving asthma and COPD symptoms.

Blue Lotus

Blue lotus (Nymphaea caerulea) has been used in herbal remedies for a long time. Smoking blue lotus flower activates its psychoactive and medicinal compounds to create gentle euphoria. It helps improve the mood and reduce stress.

Damiana

Damiana (Turnera diffusa) is best for relieving anxiety and depression. Smoking its dried leaves and flowers induces relaxation and helps elevate the mood. Damiana is also a powerful aphrodisiac.

Calendula

The delicate gold petals of calendula (Calendula officinalis) are smokable. It is used in many smoke blends to create a fully balanced blend. As calendula burns, it releases its anti-inflammatory properties to ease muscle spasms.

I use my homegrown Calendula for making herbal remedies. To buy your Calendula, I recommend this source.

Gotu Kola

Indian pennywort, or Gotu Kola, is another ancient herb that has been used in herbal smoking. Indian and Chinese folklore claim that using Gotu Kola for smoking may help in achieving a longer life. Smoking the herb affects the sympathetic nervous system. It helps in increasing alertness and speeding up heart rate to improve blood transport.

Red Raspberry

Red raspberry (Rubus idaeus) is a popular herb for brewing tea. Red raspberry is an alternative smoke for people wanting to quit nicotine. It neutralizes the toxic substance in tobacco and induces relaxation through its sedative effect. But don’t use it if you have hormone-sensitive conditions because it acts like an estrogen.

Peppermint and Spearmint

The cooling sensation that peppermint and spearmint exude makes them a popular flavoring in herbal smoke blends. They not only give a minty and tasty smoke but also impart healing properties. Peppermint and spearmint help clear the airways to relieve breathing difficulties in cough and related respiratory issues.

Lion’s Ear

Wild dagga or Lion’s ear (Leonotis leonurus) is a traditional smoking herb popular in South African tribes. It brings a mild euphoric effect that helps in mood enhancement and boosts mental clarity.

Passionflower

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is a well-known sedative when brewed as a tea. When taken as smoke, it brings an enhanced sedative effect, helping the brain to calm down. It results in better sleep and relief from body pains.

Mugwort

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) has a mild psychoactive effect that enhances the brain and improves clarity. It helps with vivid recollections of dreams and eases nervous problems. Mugwort is good for respiratory illnesses, and digestive and menstrual cramps as well.

Calea Ternifolia

Calea zacatechichi, or Calea ternifolia, is called the “dream herb” and is used by shamans in divinization rituals. It is a oneirogen herb which means that it can enhance lucid dreams and mental clarity.

Skullcap

Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) is a well-known sedative that rejuvenates the nervous system. When used in a smoke blend, it provides a calming effect to ease anxiety and uplift the mood. Folk medicine uses skullcap as a smoke to treat insomnia.

Making Your Homemade Smoking Blend

Smokable herbs may sound ancient, but fortunately, most of them can be found in many online stores or health food shops. You can even personalize your own smoke blend to better suit your personal needs.

Here’s the basics of preparing a DIY herbal smoke:

Composition

You can use any smokable herbs to create a smoke blend. But first, make sure that the herb is legally allowed to be used for smoking in the first place.

Base Herbs. It makes up about 50% of the blend from herbs with a neutral flavor. It can be mullein, damiana, mugwort, gotu kola or raspberry.

Supportive Herbs. These herbs provide a specific therapeutic effect. Some base herbs can be used as supportive herbs as well. You can use raspberry, blue lotus, passionflower, wild dagga or gotu kola.

Flavoring Herbs. These are the herbs that enhance the flavor of the smoke. Peppermint, spearmint, lavender, rose petals and other smokable aromatic herbs are good, depending on your taste preference.

Tools. Traditional smoke utilizes the good old pipe which is easier to use. Rolling papers are also widely popular and you only need a little skill to roll the herbs in. Rolling papers are thin sheets that can be made of hemp, flax or rice.

A filter is also an optional tool. Store-bought rolling papers often include a cardboard filter you can roll along with the herb.

DIY Mullein and Raspberry Blend

What you’ll need:

• Rolling paper
• 1 tbsp mullein leaves, shredded into tiny pieces
• ½ tbsp red raspberry leaves, shredded
• ¼ tsp peppermint leaves, shredded

Steps:

1. Prepare the rolling paper: roll the filter and position it on one end.
2. Fill the rolling paper with the herbs, evenly and without clumps. Clumps do not burn well.
3. Lightly press down the herbs to blend them neatly into the paper.
4. Use the filter as a guide for rolling and lick the edge gently to seal.
5. Twist the loose end to seal the herbal cigarette.

How to Use

Red raspberry leaf may have estrogenic properties. If you have a hormone-sensitive condition, such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids, avoid using it.

Please note that, although herbal, smoke blends may cause potentially harmful side effects. Use them sparingly and in moderation. You should only smoke them when absolutely necessary. Avoid engaging in herbal smoking if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or currently taking any medication.

You should also check about the legality of some herbs, whether they are allowable for smoking or not. Some herbs like lobelia, Calea zacatechichi, skullcap, wormwood and other potent herbs may be regulated in some states and countries.

You may also like:

Homemade Natural Valium

The Amish Herbal Remedies You Should Know (Video)

10 Herbs That Kill Viruses and Clear Lungs

Plant of The Week: Mugwort

Passionflower Tincture for Anxiety & Stress

Similar to Morphine: The Best Natural Painkiller that Probably Grows Near Your House

>>> Watch Video