When the topic of vaporizing comes up, there are two plant allies that take center stage: Cannabis and Tobacco. But those two mighty plants are far from the only ones that can be vaporized. Many of our most cherished medicinal herbs not only make flavorful vapor but deliver their therapeutic gifts through the ritual of inhalation. Here at Greenthread Apothecary, Cannabis and Tobacco consumers come around often asking for ways to enhance the effects of their vapor, mitigate some of the harmful effects of daily vaporizing, take some preventative care for their respiratory system, or just switch up the flavor and scent of what they’re enjoying.
In this article I’ll be sharing a few of my favorite herbal offerings that make for choice additions to Cannabis blends- or to simply enjoy on their own. These herbs represent some of the most aromatic, delicious, and effective I work with when crafting custom vaporizing blends for my clients. I hope you’ll give them a try and see which ones you like best. Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked around the apothecary…
WHICH HERBS CAN I VAPORIZE?
This is a question I get asked a lot. When people learn that many of our medicinal herbs can be consumed, their eyes light up and suddenly a new world of possibility opens up. While many herbs can be safely and effectively vaporized for both flavor and effect, there are some that are an absolute pass.
Herbs that shouldn’t be vaporized include those that are spicy or hot such as Ginger Root, Cinnamon, Cayenne Pepper, and Clove Buds. Herbs that are unsafe for internal use in most people are also not a good idea to add to your vaping blend: Comfrey Leaf and Arnica Flowers being two important ones to remember. Finally, herbs that have a strong physiological effect on the body should either be avoided in a vaping blend or only worked with under the guidance of a qualified herbalist.
HOW DO I SMOKE/VAPORIZE MEDICINAL HERBS?
If you’re familiar with vaping cannabis or tobacco, you already know what to do! Herbs that have been properly harvested, dried, and stored are generally ready to be consumed using your favorite method. Many whole dried herbs can be packed directly into a pipe, vaporizer, or other apparatus with a bowl. For rolling, I suggest giving your herbal blend a few spins in a clean spice grinder or blender to even out the texture and get rid of any bits of larger material.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I CONSUME?
That’s up to you! Everyone is different, so I suggest starting with one or two inhalations of either a blend or single herb to fully experience their personality and effects on you. As you learn the texture, taste, aroma, and effects of each herb, you can modify how much you add to your blends or start creating your own herbal vaping blends that can include Cannabis as a base or be a nice Cannabis alternative.
HOW SHOULD I BLEND MEDICINAL HERBS WITH CANNABIS FOR VAPING?
Again, everyone is unique, but I suggest the following ratio to get started with what’s usually a really enjoyable vapor:
1 part Cannabis Flower
1 part Base Herb
2 parts Combined Medicinal Herbs
Base herbs are those plants that, when dried, are fluffy, cool, and sweet. They keep the vapor going and help to harmonize the blend so that the Cannabis and medicinal herbs get along well with every inhalation. Some of my favorite base herbs include:
- Mullein Leaf – Smooth, light, and cooling
- Horehound – Sweet, fluffy, and gentle
- Hyssop – Soft, smooth, and cleansing
- Raspberry Leaf – Herbal, bright, and floral
- Marshmallow Root – Super sweet and dense
- Uva Ursi – Earthy and full-bodied
The combined medicinal herbs will be all the other allies you choose to bring into your blend. This could be one single herb or several that have been chosen for flavor or therapeutic effects. You can use the list below to craft your own recipes to try, or come visit me and get a custom formulated blend that’s just for you with our selection of over 300 organic herbs.
WHICH ARE YOUR FAVORITE HERBS TO VAPORIZE?
Great question! I’ve got a whole list of them for you. As you read through, see which of these herbs feel like an interesting fit for you. If you plan on cutting them with Cannabis, you can follow the formula above or experiment with a simple 50/50 blend. If you want to consume these herbs on their own, consider cutting them 50/50 with one or two of the base herbs listed above.
The root of the Marshmallow Plant is a powerhouse demulcent herb meaning that it soothes, lubricates, and brings moisture into the body. When added to a vaping blend, Marshmallow Root can cool the heat from harsher herbs, moisten the lungs to help protect them from the dry-heat of vapor, and bring a lovely sweetness to every puff.
Marshmallow Root can be added in small bits to a vaping blend or cut into Cannabis, or used as part of an herbal vaping blend base.
Also known as Tulsi throughout the Ayurvedic traditions of herbalism, Holy Basil brings a mossy, licorice-sweet, herbal flavor to consume. This ally is incredible for soothing the nerves, quieting the spirit, and easing one into the right mindset for meditation, intentional movement, or creative flow.
Holy Basil is a tried and true adaptogen herb meaning that they help protect us from the damaging effects of everyday stress. Adding this herb to your blend gives you that supporting adaptogenic energy to help shake off anxiety and keep yourself centered.
Medicinal varieties of Rose such as Rosa canina, R. rugosa, R. centifolia, and R. damascena that have been organically grown and properly harvested make a beautiful addition to any vaping blend. Rose petals are cooling and astringent- they can soften the harshness of vapor while toning the respiratory tract and adding a decadent floral aroma.
A classic garden friend, Chamomile flowers are right at home in a vaping blend. Their apple-like flavor and nerve-calming vibe makes them the perfect flower to bolster Cannabis or mix into a relaxing evening time blend.
Another floral favorite, Lavender eases the emotions and quiets the spirit. The scent of Lavender carries through the vapor and wraps you up in its rich fragrance. Try combining Lavender with Rose and Chamomile for a floral blend I think you’ll love.
One of our most cherished respiratory cleansing herbs, Hyssop makes an effective addition to vaping blends to help keep the lungs clean and free. Try adding a small pinch of Hyssop to your vapor a few times a week to show some extra love to your lungs while enjoying the earthy-sweet flavor it brings.
The champion base herb, Mullein Leaves are flannel-soft and create rich clouds of soothing vapor. Mullein Leaf can be vaped alone, used as a base herb for a vaping blend, or cut in any ratio with Cannabis to cool and moisten the vapor for less irritated lungs and throat.
Another herb that grows really well here in Utah, Lemon Balm is a favorite for bees and herbal vaping fans! The lemon-mint aroma of this plant carries well into vapor and works to quiet the nervous system, soothe the mind, and relax the body.
For folks who have a hard time turning their restless mind down at night, Skullcap might just become your new best friend! Add a pinch to your blend as you wind down before bedtime and enjoy the deeply relaxing and quieting effects of this medicinal herb.
Known as one of our most potent aphrodisiac allies, Damiana has a flavor and aroma unlike any other herb and I love it! Add Damiana to your blend to lift your spirits, chase away the blues, or to get in the right space for sexual adventures. Like all aphrodisiacs, Damiana relaxes the mind and excites the body simultaneously- a feeling that you can only truly understand once you’ve journeyed with this ally.
Last but surely not least, Mugwort can be added to pre-sleep blends to help incubate lucid dreams, help with dream recall, or just turn up the color and volume on your nightly dreamtime adventures. I prefer Mugwort in very small amounts within a larger blend as to not overtax my resting body. I also really enjoy vaping this herb before meditation, divination, or forest walks to help open up my faculties of spiritual vision.
