Herbal Smoke Blends for Lung & Mental Health

Smoking has been used as a delivery method for medicinal and ritual practices across the world for thousand of years.

In society today, we use herbal blends to cleanse our sacred spaces, infuse into teas, fragrance our rooms, cooking etc. Most of us already know about the addictive properties of Tobacco aka "grabba" or "fonto" and others like THC-cannabis can have psychoactive effects on the brain. Herbal smoking blends are quite the opposite.

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Herbal Smoking blends are usually a blend of herbs chosen for their taste, smell, calming or euphoric and lung health benefits. Just as you would smoke cannabis or tobacco whether it is in rolling papers, a pipe or vaporizer.

If you are interested in lessening your dependence on tobacco I would highly recommend you trying out a smoking blend of various herbs like the ones mentioned below to help support better lung health and get rid of excess phlegm in the lungs which could be cause shortness of breath.

How to Create your own Herbal Smoking Blend

There are 3 parts to a smoke blend:

1. the carrier or base herbs

2. herbs with a specific supportive role

3. herbs for flavoring

The Base

The base of any good smoking blend is usually made of a herb that is light and fluffy. Herbs such as Mullein, Red Raspberry leaf and Damiana are good bases.

Mullein Leaf aka "Cowboy Toilet Paper" makes for one of the best base herbs in any blend because of its light and fluffy texture as well as its slow and steady burn. It is also great for relieving lung congestion, dry coughing and shortness of breath.

Red Raspberry Leaf is another excellent choice for a good base herb. It is also fluffy and adds a very mild fruit test to the blend. Raspberry leaf is also excellent for healthy women's reproductive function and contains lots of nutrients.

Damiana is both a base and supportive herb. It is excellent support for the nervous system by easing stress and inducing relaxation. it is also great support for those trying to quit smoking tobacco due to its mood-lifting qualities. It is also know for being a natural aphrodisiac.

Herbs with a Supportive Role

Herbs that have a supportive role for the lungs or nervous system are highly recommended additions to smoking blends.

Nervous System Support:

Skullcap Leaf is well known for its ability to ease stress and encourage sleep. It is also very calming without the feeling of drowsiness. It also boosts the nervous system, reduces nervous anxiety and helps with nervous headaches.

Mugwort aka "Dream Herb" is great for relaxing the body as well as enhancing and improving recollection of dreams. If you tend to have trouble falling back asleep at night after waking up in the middle of the night, this one is highly recommended to try also brewed in a tea the evening before you go to bed.

Rose Petals are another beautiful addition to your blends. Did you know that it is the highest vibrational flower? YUP! It creates a feeling of inner peace when smoked and has a very pleasurable aroma. There's just something about seeing those pink petals in the blend that makes it even more exhilarating to smoke.

Lavender is a well known stress reliever and a good promoter of relaxation. It also doubles as a herb for flavoring.

Pulmonary (Lung) Health Support:

Horehound supports respiratory function and is commonly used as an expectorant, meaning it helps loosen mucus and promotes productive coughing. If it is your first time trying this herb, try not to use too much as it may make you cough excessively.

Lobelia aka Indian Tobacco can help you to stop smoking. Lobeline, an active ingredient in the plant works by binding the same receptor sites in the brain as nicotine. It also aids in protecting against depression.

Herbs for Flavoring

Peppermint

Spearmint

Lavender

Sage

Rose

How to Create your Smoke Blend

Here is a easy recipe to follow when creating your own blend:

2 tbsp Base Herbs

1 tbsp Supportive Herb

1/2 tbsp Flavoring Herbs

Once all the ingredients have been selected and portioned out, grind all the herbs into small enough pieces to be rolled into a paper or added to a pipe.

PRECAUTIONS

Herbal smoking blends are better than tobacco, but constant smoking is not good for your lungs. The burning of herbs can still expose your lungs to tar, carbon monoxide, and other toxins. Smoking blends are best used occasionally, and you can get better benefits by using these herbs as a tea or extract.

Also, be aware that even though these herbs are "safe" to smoke, they may cause irritation, and each comes with its own precautions. Be careful about your choices and always pay attention to how your body reacts.

ALWAYS purchase ORGANIC herbs because you don't want chemicals from pesticides going straight into your lungs!

A great Local Source for Organic Herbs and custom made smoke blends is Toker's Path in New Britain, Located at 224 South Main Street, New Britain.