Smokable Herbs - 13 Herbs to Smoke for a Healthy Lifestyle in 2024
Smoking is typically considered a practice that causes much damage to the body. No benefits are attributed to the practice of smoking. The main danger caused by smoking occurs in the usage of nicotine, which is identified as a cancerous material.
Smokable herbs offer significant benefits for smokers. They are utilized for several purposes and are also recommended in many medical contexts.
What are Smokable Herbs?
Whenever people hear about someone smoking, a clear image comes to their minds. It might be of a long, white, nicotine-filled material lit at one end. This is the typical image of a nicotine-filled product.
Smokable herbs are different from conventional cigarettes as they are herbal-based products. Herbs have other benefits as a medical agent. The bad effects of smoking and nicotine are not present in smokable herbs. Different types of herbs offer various benefits for the human body.
Different Types of Smokable Herbs
The 13 best smokable herbs available for usage are:
Calendula Flower
They are otherwise called pot marigolds. Popular within the Ayurveda and Unani systems of medicine, they are also utilized as mood enhancers. They are also considered a smokable herb that greatly helps women ease their menstrual pain.
Benefits of Calendula
- It is recognized as helping in the production of new tissues.
- It can also decrease swelling, both in the mouth and throat.
- Calendula also has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Smoking calendula can relieve muscle spasms.
- Calendula can be smoked to heal ulcers, hemorrhoids, and wounds.
- Calendula can help people reduce the risk of cancer.
- Calendula is considered to affect a person's blood sugar levels positively.
- Calendula is believed to induce lucid dreaming, which occurs during sleep. In this state, a person is highly conscious of the dream and in total control of it.
Damiana Leaf
Damiana is an incredibly tasty herb that many people prefer. It offers a smoother feel in smoking than other herbs. Many experts consider it a strong aphrodisiac. The flavor of damiana reminds many people of marijuana. It can be utilized both as a base herb and a subsidiary herb in smoking. It can easily enhance a person's mood.
Benefits of Damiana
- It helps greatly to reduce the stress of people. This makes them highly preferred among users of smokable herbs.
- It is mainly grown in labs as part of the scientific studies undertaken on these herbs.
- It is identified as having some effect on reducing blood sugar levels.
- This herb is predominantly used across Central and South America as a source of energy.
- It is considered a smooth herb with no negative effects on the throat.
Lavender Flower
Lavender is a popular flower used for various purposes. Its aroma makes it a popular flower and herb for smoking. Lavender can help people improve their sleep patterns. It relaxes the mind and increases sleep time. Lavender aromatherapy is a common medical practice.
Benefits of Lavender
- Smoking lavender is expected to stabilize the immune system and improve it further.
- It is used in treating headaches.
- Lavender can help in treating wounds.
- It can help in the long fight against certain life-threatening bacteria and infections.
- Smoking lavender is identified as a common practice for people who wish to stop smoking cigarettes completely.
- Compared to other herbs, lavender offers a better taste and feel for herbal smoking.
- The presence of the terpene linalool acts as the relaxing agent for lavender as a smoking herb.
Marshmallow Roots
Used since the time of ancient Greece, marshmallow root has many medicinal properties.
Benefits of Marshmallow Roots
- Marshmallows can easily reduce coughs and other throat issues.
- The smokable herb, marshmallow root, treats bronchitis, chest inflammation, etc.
- Marshmallow root can moisturize the dry airways in the chest.
- There are psychoactive properties in marshmallow root that make it a favorite among people.
- Marshmallow roots are combined with both tobacco and weed to enhance the experience.
Mugwort Leaves & Stalks
Mugwort is commonly used in beer-making. The plant is native to Europe, Asia, North America, etc. Mugwort also offers the user the chance to view a lucid dream. But, unlike other smokable herbs, the dream a person sees can be recalled by that person.
Benefits of Mugwort
- It is recognized as a common medicine for treating anxiety.
- Mugwort can also be used to treat digestive problems.
- It helps women manage their menstrual pain better.
- Mugwort is considered an important agent that helps with the function of the liver.
- As a smokable herb, mugwort helps users achieve better sleep quality.
- Smoking mugwort can improve a person's mood.
- Mugwort can improve a person's blood circulation.
- It also produces smoother and lighter smoke, which generates a soothing effect on the throat and chest.
- It greatly helps to relax both the mind and body.
Mullein
Mullein lacks a flavor of its own. Dry and ground mullein is considered the best base for making mixed smoking blends.
Benefits of Mullein
- As a smoking herb, mullein can ease lung-related health issues.
- Tonsillitis, several allergies, and sore throat are all treated using this smoking herb.
- It greatly helps to calm the inflammation of the lungs.
- As a basic smoking herb, it can help release mucus solidified in the nasal tract.
- The antioxidants found in mullein help smokers protect the cells in their bodies.
- It also has the capability to fight off germ cells.
- Lung congestion is also reduced by its usage.
Peppermint
Peppermint is believed to have been used since the 17th century as a smokable herb. It offers a few significant health benefits.
Benefits of Peppermint
- It leaves a cool and tasty feeling in the mouth.
- It is mainly cultivated across Europe, Asia, and North America.
- It is a relaxing agent for people who are suffering from depression.
- It can clean the respiratory system of a person.
- Regulation of the blood circulation system is also possible through smoking peppermint.
- It is mostly used as a relaxing agent by many people.
Red Raspberry Leaf
The origin of raspberry leaves as a smokable herb is identified from their use by Native Americans. It is a suggested material to reduce dependence on cigarettes.
Benefits of Red Raspberry Leaf
- Diabetics and fertility issues are treated with red raspberry leaves.
- Menstrual pain is relieved by smoking red raspberry leaves.
- Red raspberry leaf can neutralize the effects of nicotine in chain smokers.
- As a smoking herb, it is identified as an agent that can reduce pain during childbirth.
- It can also lower blood sugar levels.
- Red raspberry leaves are recognized as a sedative that can relax muscles.
- It can also tighten the skin.
- It has a fruity taste.
- Red raspberries have antioxidant properties.
Rose Petal
Rose petals are identified as the perfect blend for a smoke mixture. Rose petals have the capability to reduce the tension on the nervous system. They can make a person more relaxed and comfortable. There is a terpene present in rose petals, named Geraniol. It is Geraniol that gives them their distinctive flavor and fragrance.
Benefits of Rose Petal
- There are antioxidant properties in rose petals.
- Chronic illnesses can be prevented through its usage.
- Smoking rose petals provides immense pain relief for many people.
- Rose petals are considered a great hydrating agent. They can help people reduce the number of wrinkles on the body.
White Sage
White sage has the reputation of being used as a medicinal shrub since ancient times. Its history spans across Egypt, Rome, Greece, and Native American medical practices. In its dried form, white sage produces significant benefits for humans.
Benefits of White Sage
- Reducing bacterial and viral infections within the body is possible through the use of white sage.
- It can help in the process of digestion.
- It can protect people from memory loss.
- As a smoking herb, it is advised for people suffering from depression. White sage helps people be calmer.
- White sage can help reduce headaches and sore throats.
- It greatly helps to reduce stress and anxiety.
Blue Lotus
It is categorized as an entheogenic herb. It can alter the consciousness level of a person’s mind.
Benefits of Blue Lotus
- A substance called apomorphine is present in a blue lotus that acts as a dopamine agonist.
- Nuciferine in Blue Lotus is identified as producing a calming effect that it has on people.
- Smoking blue lotus is expected to create a ‘euphoric’ feeling in the smoker.
- It helps improve a person’s sleep quality.
Chamomile
As a strong, smokable herb, chamomile can be used as both a base and a subsidiary.
Benefits of Chamomile
- Chamomile can help a person improve their sleep quality.
- It is also considered a smokable herb capable of solving many stomach-related issues.
- Chamomile can help reduce menstrual pain in women.
- It can help reduce nervousness in many people.
Chrysanthemum
As a smoking herb, chrysanthemum provides a soothing effect for smokers. Chrysanthemum produces a clear mind.
Benefits of Chrysanthemum
- It is highly preferred for the relaxation it offers.
- It is mainly used as a recreational smoking herb.
- It is used mainly as part of a blend.
- The medicinal effects of chrysanthemum should be substantiated by more scientific research.
Different Steps is Making a Herbal Blend
Some of the main steps involved in making a herbal blend include:
- Choosing the base herb- Herbs can be utilized as a base and subsidiary. Among smokable herbs, many herbs can be used as a base. Making the right choice ensures a relaxed and smoother smoking experience.
- Choosing the secondary herb- Many smokable herbs may not do well as a base. It is advised to use them as a secondary base with some other main herb. Secondary herbs are optional, but they can improve the experience of smoking.
- Adding Flavor Herbs- Some smokable herbs are utilized only for their flavor. A smoker can easily choose any one flavor they like.
- Drying and Blending- The choice of smokable herbs has to be properly dried and blended before using them in papers. This brings out the benefits of the herbs to a maximum level.
- Grinding- The dried and blended mixture is then ground to perfection. This makes it ready for smoking.
- Rolling Paper- Smokable herbs are smoked through burning papers. Choosing the right paper is important in the process. Cigarette rollers are also available on the market for this purpose.
- Filters- As a part of smokable herbs, filters help reduce the intensity of the smoke. They are widely utilized in smoking herbs. They can make the experience healthier.
Different Ways to Smoke Herbs
Smokable herbs can be smoked in different ways. Some of the ways are:
- Herbal Spliff- Spliffs are artificial joints in which an herb is blended with weed. Half a part of the spliff can have weed. The next half can be filled with the particular smokable herb chosen by the user.
- DART Pipe- It is considered a convenient choice for smoking herbs. It provides the opportunity to mix the different smokable herbs.
- Herbal Cigarettes- They are products that are marketed as nicotine-free. They are considered the best option for people to quit smoking cigarettes.
Side Effects of Nicotine
There is a general belief that occasional smoking is a relatively safe practice. This is a myth that was busted by experts long ago. Nicotine is identified as the agent that causes all the issues related to cigarettes.
Nicotine has the following side effects:
- Nausea- Smoking keeps people nauseated most of the time. To ease this nausea, they again consume more cigarettes. For someone new to smoking, there is the possibility of extreme nausea.
- Dizziness- Some people who smoke regularly may feel dizzy for a while. It is also identified as a common side effect.
- Headache- An underrated side effect of nicotine is headaches. Often, headaches are not diagnosed as a direct side effect of smoking. Many times, they are treated separately with common medicines. But if a person smokes regularly, the issue can only be solved by quitting smoking forever.
- Abdominal Pain- The effect of smoking on the whole body will be evident for a smoker within a short period. Once a person falls for the addiction to nicotine, abdominal pain is regular.
- Diarrhea- In many cases, diarrhea is also reported as a direct side effect of smoking.
Benefits of Smokable Herbs
Smokable herbs offer the following benefits:
- Non-Addictive- Addiction to cigarettes is the biggest danger associated with smoking. The continuous compulsion felt by the smoker is the root cause of all issues. Herbs are not addictive in that sense. For many people planning to quit smoking, herbs are often suggested by doctors.
- Non-psychoactive-. The brain and nervous systems are significantly affected by smoking. When the brain and nerves are affected by nicotine, it causes psychoactive issues. Smokable herbs do not cause psychoactive matters of any kind. They are found to have increased the mood and mental state of users.
- Chemical Free- Cigarettes use a wide range of chemicals for their production. Some cancerous substances are used in cigarette factories that aggravate the dangerous effects of nicotine. Many of the substances utilized in the manufacturing of cigarettes make them cancerous. Smokable herbs, on the other hand, come chemical-free. This makes them safer for usage.
- Less Risk—Medical experts still consider a general sense of risk associated with smokable herbs. But when compared to cigarettes, herbs offer much less risk. Herbs are mainly utilized as deterrents for chronic smokers.
Risks Associated with Smokable Herbs
Even though smokable herbs are considered relatively safer than traditional smoking, there is a minimum amount of risk associated with them as well. Some of the risk factors related to smokable herbs include:
- Tar and Resin—Smokable herbs are processed through several plants. There is an increased chance of the presence of tar and resin in these plants. The filtration and processing of herbs are not clear processes. Hence, the intake of tar and resin can create new medical conditions for the users.
- Damage to the Body- Even though not as damaging as regular smoking, smokable herbs are understood to cause similar damage to the mouth, lungs, and heart. Other parts of the body, too, are supposedly in danger.
- Anxiety- Increased dependence on smokable herbs, including weed, is identified as anxiety-inducing. These materials can create anxiety or could even amplify it to higher levels.
- Ailments- Many other types of common diseases, like headaches, nausea, abdominal pain, etc., are recognized to happen if a user is too dependent on smokable herbs.
Even though these risks are present, the benefits of smokable herbs outweigh them. Smokable herbs are utilized worldwide as part of conventional medicinal treatments. Many people have embraced the usage of these herbs for various reasons.
Things to Note when using Smokable Herbs
Some of the main things to look for while using smoking herbs are:
- Research- It is highly advised to do enough research before choosing the right herb.
- Dependence- Even though it has medicinal benefits, smokable herbs should not be overly dependent. It should only be used with proper medical advice.
- Care- Mixing blends using different herbs and weeds should be done with utmost care. The wrong amount of herbs can create an imbalance in the mental and physical condition of the user.