Before I begin, proper credit has to be given to the herbalist who taught me almost everything I know about herbs for smoking: Howie Brounstein, of Columbines School of Botanical Studies. At the very least, Mr. Brounstein gave me the confidence to try my own herbal blends to replace tobacco, for my smoking friends.
He is the absolute master of herbal smoking knowledge, and helped me many years ago, when a dear friend came to me in a panic about quitting smoking. He wanted to quit so badly, but found it was too overwhelming to even try to stop.
I was able to do some research, and come up with a blend that gave my friend something to smoke for a few days. I will admit, he still didn't quit cold turkey. He did however, skip a cigarette whenever he could by smoking an herbal one. It was progress.
Let's take a look at a tiny sampling of herbs that can be used for a smoking mixture. For an exhaustive list, see Howie's site on Smoking Mixtures. It is beyond the scope of this site.
1. Mullein
© A.Jeanroy
Think of mullein as the neutral base in any herbal smoking mixture. It add bulk, a very light smoke, and not much else to the flavor.
Mullein is also used in smoking mixtures for smokers who are trying to bring up congestion. Be aware that this technique is not to be used by someone who is not a smoker. The resulting coughing fit will not benefit any respiratory illness.
Dry mullein will go up in a puff of smoke and taste too harsh to be enjoyed at all. Use the fuzzy leaf, when it is dry but still very pliable - think too moist to store in a jar.
To prepare mullein leaf, allow it to dry slightly and then rub it as you would sage, to produce a light, fluffy herb. For instructions on how to hand rub mullein, see: Hand rubbed Sage
2. Raspberry Leaves
© Daniel Dainty
Used for flavor, raspberry leaves also add some body to the smoking mixture. It was the next largest amount of herb that was added to my smoking mixture.
I also found that my smoking friend who was quitting, needed much more red raspberry leaves in the beginning. Eventually, I scaled back this ingredient, as it became easier to smoke less.
Use dried leaves, that are thoroughly dried, and lightly spritzed with water to refresh them a bit. Remember, herbs that are too dried out tasted harsh and will not be enjoyable, but raspberry leaves need to be dried completely before use. The remedy is a light misting with water and allow the leaves to absorb just a bit.
When making a smoking mixture, I hand-tear the raspberry leaves. This produces a larger piece that can be better blended into the mixture.
For more about Red Raspberry Leaf, see: Red raspberry leaf
3. Catnip
A.Jeanroy
Catnip add a relaxing note to the smoking mixture. It is gentle and can be effective to take the edge off the craving for tobacco. I find it a little too harsh once that craving abates.
When adding catnip, use a light hand - it is an acquired taste for many.
Catnip is a very useful herb to have at your disposal. For more on what to do with catnip, see: Herbs For A Butterfly Garden
4. Sage
© Cyancy
Sage is an herb that will enhance the smoke of your mixture. All varieties of sage can be used. Each variety has its own unique flavor.
From smudging, I have grown fond of white sage, I like a sprinkling of it added to a smoking mixture, especially if the user is going to be smoking near me. The sages all work well in this way, so try a few types before settling on your favorite.
5. Lemon Balm
© Patti Wigington, 2009
