As a witch who smokes and uses smoke rituals in her practice I like to experiment with a variety of smokable herbs and their uses. Below is a list of herbs that are commonly used for smoking and smoke rituals. All of them can be mixed with other herbs to create potent blends.
Important tips!! Most of these smoking herbs are pretty easy to find online or at local health and metaphysical shops. They can also be grown in your garden but make sure to check your local laws to make sure you can grow them legally or within your hardiness zone as some will only grow in certain climates. A few of these can also be foraged wildly if within your hardiness climate, but I suggest staying away from picking them from high traffic areas such as busy parks, trails and road ways because of pollution and contamination from animal waste. When purchasing these herbs try to source organic and make sure it is safe for human consumption. Some dried flowers and herbs found online are for decorative use only and dried using silica which is toxic if consumed!
DISCLAIMER: I am not a medical practitioner and am not promoting that any herbs will "cure" you. I do not recommend Smoking or ingesting herbs to replace medical treatments and always suggest speaking to your doctor first before starting any "treatments". It is very important you do proper research to see if you can smoke a certain herb as they can interact with medication and/or may be allergic to some herbs. If at any point you do feel sick inhaling smoke cease use of it immediately. Do not smoke if you are pregnant/breastfeeding and do your research on how to handle each herb safely as some may irritate the skin or are unsafe in large quantities.
Cannabis: Supports in relief of anxiety, depression, pain relief and encourages appetite amongst many other uses and benefits. Strain positive with THC will cause psychoactive (high) feelings but CBD strains will still give the same benefits without the psychoactive results. Cannabis can be smoked on its own or used as a base mixed with other herbs. Besides smoking it can be infused into tea, salves and capsules giving similar effects.
Calendula: This flower is great for clearing a clouded and busy mind, has anti-inflammatory benefits and anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. Smoke in small doses mixed with other herbs and do not smoke when pregnant/breastfeeding. Double check that you are not allergic to this flower as it can causes anaphylaxis, rashes and hives. Besides smoking it goes great in a salve or bath salt blends as it helps soothe skin.
Chamomile: This flower aids in relaxation for better sleep, PMS cramps and calms an upset stomach from stress and nerves. Do not use if on Blood thinners and/or have an allergy to ragweed. Besides smoking it can also be used in Salves, teas, food and bath salt blends.
Catnip: Yep, this popular "Cat weed" can also be ingested/smoked by humans! However, it has the opposite effect on humans compared to cats and helps aid in relaxation and muscle spasms. With the lovely terpenes in this herb it makes for a great herb for replacing and curbing cravings for tobacco without addictive or psychoactive side effects. Catnip makes a great base/flavor herb for smoke blends especially weed as it enhances the herbs effects/flavor. Stop smoking if experiencing nausea, headaches and dizziness. Do not smoke while pregnant.
Damiana: This flower is considered sacred in some cultures and has a long history of medicinal uses across the Americas and West Indies. Traditionally it was used as an aphrodisiac and for treatment of impotence but has also been shown to have positive benefits for mental health symptoms and helps curb addiction cravings. It is often referred to as a replacement for cannabis for its up-lifting effects but it does not contain any THC or CBD and isn't as potent. Caution to not over-consume this plant as can lead to overdose. Symptoms of overdose include convulsions, vomiting, excessive saliva and rapid eye movement. Great to smoke on its own but also as a base for a herbal blend. Besides smoking it it does well consumed as a tea or infused into a tincture.
Lavender: This fragrant flower is known for treatment of anxiety and depression and as a sleep aid but it is also known to support in migraine relief and is a natural mosquito repellant! Despite having a delicate scent it has a very potent and "soapy" flavor when smoked so a little goes a long way and is meant to be consumed in a herbal blend. Besides smoking it can be infused in aromatherapy, tea, bath salts, oils, tinctures, milks and more!
Mugwort: This smoking herb is famous amongst the witchcraft community as a dream enhancer. For those exploring lucid dreaming and trying to open their third eye this herb will typically be recommended. Its mild taste makes for a great base for herbal blends and is often mixed with Lavender and Damiana as a sleep aid. Caution do not consume when pregnant or when trying to conceive and is recommended to smoke in small quantities! Besides smoking it can be infused into teas and salves.
Mullein: Many people overlook this flower as a useless weed but its wide and fuzzy leaves (and is invasive in many areas so don't hesitate to pick it!) has many useful properties. Take care handling the leaves if you have a ragweed allergy as it can cause some irritation however it is known as a decongestant and for its anti-inflammatory benefits. It can be used as a pain reliver and aids in treatment for colds, flus, pneumonia and those with a chronic cough and lung issues. The leaves, roots and flowers are useful however careful with the seeds as they contain harmful toxins if ingested. Mullein can be smoked on it own or as a base for a herbal blend. Besides smoking Mullein can be used in teas, salves, infused into oils and tinctures and much more.
Mint/Peppermint: This accessible herb is easy to grow and has many uses! Peppermint/mint is commonly used in treatment of nausea and a decongestant. Its cooling and calming effect helps clear the mind and is often recommended in curbing tobacco cravings when trying to quit. Though quite potent it can be smoked on its own but is typically used as a flavor booster in a herbal blend. Besides smoking it can be infused into oils, tinctures, bath salts, teas, and for cooking.
Raspberry Leaves: This smokeable herb is typically recommended as a tea for women as it helps regulate hormones, menstrual pain and aids in preparing the body for pregnancy but also has positive benefits if smoked. It helps with muscle pains and spasms, helps lower blood pressure, boosts the immune system and reduces inflammation. Its mild taste makes for a great base for smoke blends and is often blended with rose, damiana and mugwort but can also be consumed on its own and used for bath soaks, teas, and tinctures.
Rose: This beautiful flower has become increasingly popular in the smoking world by using dried petals layered to make "rolling papers". I've seen many new brands creating pre-rolled herbal blends with them. A caution I've come across is making sure to not use any roses that been dyed using chemicals. The pretty colors are tempting to create a range of rolls but the chemicals can be carcinogenic and toxic if smoked or consumed in any matter. Roses are known for having anti-inflammatory uses including helping ease menstrual cramps. It is also commonly used as an aphrodisiac and increases libido. It's mild floral flavor adds a great flavor boost to any herbal blend. Besides smoking it can be consumed in teas, infused into tinctures, oils and bath salts, or even eaten on its own!
Skullcap: This smokeable herb has many medicinal and traditional uses across many cultures. Its most commonly known for its calming effects and acts like a sedative soothing panic attacks and anxiety quickly when smoked but is also said to also have a revitalizing benefit that helps with heat stroke and burn out when consumed. When consumed in larger qualities it can have psychoactive effects creating visual effects which is often used for ceremonial and medicinal uses amongst many indigenous groups. It can be smoked on its own but also does well blended with other herbs such as passionflower and Damiana. Besides smoking it works well in tinctures, teas, and infused into oils.
I hope this list brought some helpful information and opened your curiosity to other smokable herbs besides tobacco and their potential.
I'd love to hear from you!
What are some other herbs you've tried or have interest in?
Do you have a favorite herbal blend recipes you want to share?
Let me know in the comments!
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