Tobacco smoking can lead to addiction and several debilitating side effects. So, many smokers are trying to quit. For these people, herbal smoke blends offer a healthy alternative.
Why Choose Herbal Blends?
Herbal blends do not have tobacco’s addictiveness. Moreover, they can be pleasurable to the senses. Some blends have benefits such as aiding mental and physical relaxation, and soothing the lungs. However, there will always be certain ill-effects involved with smoking.
Smoking Mixture Bases
Herbal smoke blends contain barks as a standard ingredient. These have been used by Native Americans for centuries. These barks do not have any useful effects when they are smoked. They have a thick, dull flavor. Some types of smoking bases are provided below:
- Willow bark has a variety of textures, flavors and strengths.
- Dogwood bark can provide texture to herbal smoke blends.
- Pyrola is an effective ingredient, though it is mild. Varieties include Chimafila and Pipsissiwa.
- Bearberry or Kinnikinnik is mild, so it can be smoked separately. This plant’s leaves and red bark are also used.
- Manzanita is so flavorful and powerful that it cannot be smoked on its own.
- Madrone tree has a powerful bark and leaf. Therefore, it should be used moderately while making herbal blends.
Calming Herbs
These herbs can help relieve hiccups, tight muscles, menstrual and muscle cramps and sore muscles. These herbs can also provide relief from psychological problems like pain, irritability, anger, fear and anxiety. Calming herbs help one relax without impairing thought or judgment. They can help a person fall asleep easily. A few of the popular calming herbs are given below:
- Skullcap is a plant that blends well in various smoking mixtures.
- Pedicularis relaxes the muscles and is also a tranquilizer. It’s flavor is pleasurable. Elephant’s head is a mild type of this herb and gives the best flavor. Other varieties are Indian Warrior and Parrot’s Beak.
