The Art of Smoking Herbs: A Mindful Guide
Herbs have been smoked by cultures across the globe for millenia. Whether for medicinal, spiritual, recreational, or ceremonial purposes, humans have long been drawn to the particular magic of plant smoke. When used intentionally, smokable herbs can be a beautiful way to connect with others, enhance meditation and rest practices, promote relaxation, and support creativity. This guide offers ideas for exploring smokable herbs safely and mindfully.
Choosing your herbs
There are dozens of plants that can be smoked. If there are herbs you feel particularly drawn to, follow that energy. While many common herbs are smokable, not all herbs are safe to consume in this way so always do your research before including a particular plant in your smoking blend.
When crafting a herbal blend, there are 3 broad categories you want to include in your mix:
Base herbs (40-60% of your blend) - these are selected for their smooth burning qualities. Mullein is an exceptional herb for this, and is almost always included in smokable blends thanks to its gentle texture, mild flavour, and supportive effect on the respiratory system.
Effect herbs (30-40%) - these are selected for the specific physical or mental effects you are seeking. Examples include rose, damiana, blue lotus, mugwort, calendula, catnip, skullcap, and passionflower.
Flavour herbs (10-20%) - these add flavour and aromas to the blend. Popular options include lavender and peppermint.
Creating the perfect blend for you is an entirely personal adventure so use these ratios as a guideline but experiment and play to discover what resonates best for you.
It’s important to ensure the herbs you use are organic, sustainably grown, and pesticide-free. Source them from a reputable supplier or, if you have a green thumb, you can grow your own.
Preparing your smoke
Once you’ve selected your base, effect, and flavour herbs and have chosen the specific ratios you will use, you will then mix the herbs together and grind them. You want them to be in relatively small pieces to ensure an even burn but avoid grinding them too finely as this can irritate your airways. You can use a grinder, scissors, or a knife for this.
Next, place your herbs into your rolling paper, distribute them evenly, and roll up tightly. A well-rolled smoke makes the experience much more pleasurable and potent.
You’re now ready to light your smoke. First, take a moment to sit and connect to the plants you are about to inhale. Consider their colours, their texture, their smells. You might close your eyes and go inwards, settling your breathing into a relaxed and deep rhythm and noticing whether an intention for your smoking session naturally emerges.
When you feel ready, light your smoke. Take a few slow, mindful puffs and then pause. Tune into your body, your breath, your senses. What do the plants feel like as they meet your body? Are any messages, emotions, images, or thoughts arising? If you’d like to continue smoking, do so, pausing every few puffs to check in with yourself. You may want to journal before, during, or after the experience to note what has emerged for you.
Experience the power of smokable herbs in our guided online ceremonies. In these intimate circles, we will guide you through a deep rest practice enhanced by a specifically-crafted herbal smoke blend. For more information, email us at: yelena.m.bide@gmail.com
Blend suggestions
Below are two of our favourite blends. The first brings together potent mood-boosters that also support us to drop into our body and heart centres. The second brings a synergistic mix of mind-clearing and calming energies.
Heart opening + uplifting
Mullein - base herb + lung support
Damiana - an ancient aphrodisiac that can enhance presence in the body
Rose - a heart opener and mood booster
Calendula - uplifting, mood-boosting
Evening unwind
Mullein - base herb + lung support
Peppermint - for mental clarity
Lavender - for calming the nervous system
Safety
All forms of smoke contain carcinogenic compounds. Smoking herbs is something to be done intentionally and in moderation. If smoking doesn’t suit you, you can take in the blends as a tea to experience similar benefits in a more gentle form. Allergies and sensitivities are another thing to consider before purchasing a particular blend or blending your own. Herbs in the Asteraceae family (e.g. chamomile) can trigger respiratory issues for those with allergies to this class of plants. Always double-check the ingredients in a blend for known sensitivities or allergies.
Written by Alexx Temeña & Yelena Bidé
Experience the power of smokable herbs in our guided online ceremonies. In these intimate circles, we will guide you through a deep rest practice enhanced by a specifically-crafted herbal smoke blend. For more information, email us at: yelena.m.bide@gmail.com
The information provided in this guide is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical or psychological advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before using smokable herbs, particularly if you have pre-existing health conditions, are pregnant, or are taking medications. Ensure that the herbs you use are legal in your area and source them from reputable suppliers. Smoking any substance can pose health risks, including irritation of the respiratory system. Use herbs responsibly and in moderation, and be aware of individual sensitivities and reactions.