Lobelia ( Lobelia inflata) — also called Indian tobacco — has a long history of medicinal use, especially within the Thompsonian medical system of middle-aged Europe. This medical practice employed high-dose lobelia as an emetic (induces vomiting) for many health conditions. Not much is known about this plant, but there are reports of hasana —or a closely related species —being used in places like Nepal as am entheogen. Hasana ( Cestrum nocturnum) 27. Hawthorn Not much is known about these alkaloids or how they work, but the effects of this plant resemble herbs like Kanna or kratom. They’re mildly euphoric, inebriating, and even a bit psychedelic. Sinicuichi ( Heimia salicifolia) 67. Skullcap (American) Sweet Woodruff Herb link: https://healthembassy.co.uk/en/herbs/163-sweet-woodruff-herb-galium-odoratum-l.html

This herb is a great bulking agent for smoke blends. It has a nice slow burn and produces a dense white smoke. It imparts a subtle but pleasant taste that can mask even the most bitter blends. In high doses, damiana has an almost “marijuana-like” effect —albeit not quite as strong or long-lasting. Damiana is also used as an aphrodisiac and anxiolytic in both smoked and tea forms. The passionflower vine ( Passiflora incarnata and Passiflora edulis) is traditionally used for its antimicrobial, neuroprotective, and mood-supportive benefits. While linden flower & damiana help improves the flavor, Raspberry also helps cool the smoke & even out the burn of your mix. You may notice that tobacco smoke has a certain heaviness and smoothness and sometimes this feature is missing in herbal mixtures. A similar “body” can be created by adding barks and astringent herbs. The smoke of herbal blends has a specific taste and texture, and it resonates with your mood. It is recommended to use leaves that are thoroughly dried.

a b Stace, C.A. (2019). New Flora of the British Isles. Suffolk. ISBN 978-1-5272-2630-2. {{ cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher ( link)

Rose is revered as an aphrodisiac and euphoriant, but it also provides a sense of calmness that compliments herbs like marijuana, damiana, and dagga very well. Rose ( Rosa spp.) 63. Rosemary As a mucilage, marshmallow harbors important antitussive properties that help to reduce irritation of the throat, reduce swelling in the lymph nodes, and reduce aggravation from coughing. Marshmallow extract is often included in natural cough syrups and throat lozenges and has long been used to treat pertussis (whooping cough) and bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchial tubes). 4 Treats bacterial infections Beaune, A. and Balea, T. [Anti-inflammatory experimental properties of marshmallow: its potentiating action on the local effects of corticoids]. Therapie 1966;21(2):341-347. View abstract. The marshmallow plant ( Althaea officinalis) is one of the best soothing agents you can add to your smoke blend. It’s one of the best alternatives to mullein or raspberry in this regard.

Blue Lotus for psychonauts

Skullcap works great with herbs like tobacco, passionflower, and damiana for improving focus, memory, and other higher executive functioning. It also imparts a nice herbal flavor to the smoke. Skullcap ( Scutellaria lateriflora) 68. St. John’s Wort Tread cautiously with this herb, too much ephedrine can cause heart arrhythmias and high blood pressure. Wireweed ( Sida acuta) 76. Wood Betony Orally, angelica has many uses as a herbal bitter — such as stimulating digestion, easing nausea, or improving sleep quality. Angelica ( Angelica archangelica) 3. Bay Bean

Damiana ( Turnera diffusa) has a long history of use in Mexico and Central America as part of smoking blends. It’s revered as both an aphrodisiac and oneirogenic (dream-inducer). Romans and Egyptians ate marshmallow as a vegetable on a daily basis, as did the poor in Syria to prevent starvation. There may be a place for these herbs when used in the right dose and in the right context, but because of how easy it is to get it wrong and how nasty the side effects can be, it’s wise for the vast majority of people to give this plant a pass. Wormwood ( Artemisia absinthium) 78. Yarrow White Willow Bark link: https://healthembassy.co.uk/en/bark/126-white-willow-bark-salix-alba-l.html Cavero, R (2 December 2014). "Medicinal plants used for respiratory affections in Navarra and their pharmacological validation". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 158 (Part A): 216–220. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2014.10.003. PMID 25311273.Red spinach ( Amaranthus dubius) is sometimes added to smoke blends for its unique Earthy flavor —but it doesn’t add much in the way of health benefits or psychoactive effects. Red spinach ( Amaranthus dubius) 61. Rooibos The only problem with willow is that it doesn’t burn very evenly, so other burn-enhancing herbs like raspberry, mullein, or tobacco need to be added to level it out. Willow ( Salix alba) 75. Wireweed ⚠️ Adding calendula ( Calendula officinalis) to your herbal cigarettes helps them burn slowly and more evenly, and many users enjoy the taste. It’s a common addition to commercial smoking blends because it adds a nice orange color to the mix. Calendula ( Calendula officinalis) 10. California Poppy

Smoking California poppy produces similar effects to other opiate-containing herbs — it’s euphoric and uplifting, as well as sedating and analgesic. Unlike the opium poppy, the California poppy is only very mildly psychoactive. California poppy ( Eschscholzia californica) 11. Catnip Angelica ( Angelica archangelica) is mainly used as a flavoring for herbal smoking blends. This herb doesn’t offer much advantage in terms of effects when used this way, but it can cut down the harshness of other herbs in the mix. CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.Wireweed ( Sida acuta) is a source of ephedrine — a stimulating alkaloid that mimics adrenaline (epinephrine). Linden flower ( Tilia spp.) is more common as a tea, but it also lends itself well to a smoking blend. Willow bark was often shredded and added to smoking blends to provide a pleasant “cooling” sensation and formidable pain-relieving and fever-reducing effects. Tobacco (belonging to the Nicotiana genus) is probably the number one herb you were expecting to see on this list. Tobacco has a long history as the primary ingredient in smoking blends, and it works incredibly well for this purpose. a b Simonetti, Gualtiero (1990). Stanley Schuler (ed.). Simon & Schuster's Guide to Herbs and Spices. Simon & Schuster, Inc. ISBN 0-671-73489-X.