Put That In Your Pipe and Smoke It!
- James Boyd
- Aug 31
- 4 min read
Smoking herbs offers a completely different experience compared to smoking cigarettes. It’s not about satisfying an addiction or indulging a craving by inhaling harmful substances. Instead, it’s about forming a serene connection with nature, grounding your soul to the Earth through a blissful herbal experience.
There's something fascinating about the alchemy of herbs and smoke. Part of it is visual. We can see the plants undergoing a fiery physical change as they are transformed into smoke and ash. It is also something that we can experience with our bodies, providing an opportunity to commune with nature. This ritual of smoking herbs from nature offers tastes and textures all their own, and it resonates with mankind on an emotional and physical level.
Ritual smoking has been a ceremonial staple for many cultures since before we even have records written.
North American indigenous communities smoked around 100 different plant species, according to Brownstein and his colleagues at WSU 1 (a)
Archaeological investigation has linked the first smoking pipes, made of copper, to Egypt around 2000 B.C. The pipes were found inside of tombs, next to mummies, though it's not too clear if the pipes were used for religious ceremonies or were recreational. Romans, Greeks, Celts and Nordic tribes also smoked pipes. Probably after having picked them up from their travels east.
Hippocrates - the Greek who gave birth to medicine and the Hippocratic Oath - prescribed "smoking herbs in a pipe" to treat female maladies. Another Greek, Herodotus, known as the "Father of History," noted Iranian tribes smoking "burning leaves" in 500 B.C.
In fact, many plants have been smoked for thousands of years by shamans, medicine men and herbalists. Some popular herbal plants smoked include:
White Sage Leaves
Mullein Leaves and Flowers
Damiana Leaves and Flowers
Lobelia Flowers
Mugwort Leaves
Spearmint Leaves
Skullcap Flowers
Red Raspberry Leaves
Rose Petals
Catnip Herbs
Hops Flowers
...and of course Cannabis
In many cases the herbs above were smoked for their flavor, however all of the herbs above also offer medicinal properties. Many cultures smoked specific herbs for specific reasons. whether for ritual or spiritual purposes or for their therapeutic properties, herbs have been a part of human history and culture since the earliest historical writings. Herbs were considered both as food and as nature's medicine cabinet.
Smoking these herbs for your own usage, you need to understand some are smoother and some are harsher to smoke. Just because cultures used them in the past does not mean they can automatically be used by everyone today. Using herbs in any form work for some and do not work for others. It is important to find what herbs/blends work best for you. If not already, this is where your herbal journey begins!
Smoke Herbs: Slow And Steady
The key to smoking herbs is to gently puff. Sip it like it's a hot tea – don’t chug it like a beer.
Enjoy the herbs, nice and gently. You’re smoking to unwind, so take the time to truly notice and appreciate the herbs and your surroundings. Inhale a small amount, savor it in your lungs, and let the herbs do their magic.
Gently sip the herbal smoke to allow the flavors to unfold gradually, like a delicate symphony on the taste buds. Savoring each breath becomes its own meditation, grounding you in the moment so you can better appreciate the subtle beauty of the present.
How to Smoke in a Pipe or Bowl
If you enjoy our blends in a pipe, press the herbs down until they are snug. If you prefer to mix your herbs with Cannabis, adding a bit of hash on top provides a pleasant buzz and helps the herbs burn steadily throughout the smoking session.
We also recommend using a hemp wick to light the herbs. This prevents you from inhaling butane from a lighter, which is not beneficial for your health at all.
The Sacred Ritual of Smoking Herbs
When you smoke herbs, engage in the process as your own sacred ritual. This is a moment to connect with the herbs, a gift of nature, and an opportunity to appreciate all that Earth offers us.
Approach the smoke with reverence and mindfulness. Express gratitude to the smoke. As you exhale, the smoke transforms into spirit, a gift to the sky. Honor the wisdom of the plants, cultivate mindfulness, and deepen your understanding of yourself and the natural world. Smoking herbs should be a sacred act – an invitation to dance harmoniously with the forces that shape existence. Smoke herbs like our Calming blend and become one with the moment.
Inhaling our blends is more than just savoring flavor – it’s embracing the present. Savor each moment. Celebrate life one breath at a time. Enlightenment is just a state of mind.
Personally, in my experience vaping herbs has been my favorite. There are many vape devices that herbal leafy material can be added, and the temperature adjusted for a very clean and tasty flavor. Folks like the taste and feel of actual carboxylation (burning) of herbs.
Acknowledging Concerns and Drawbacks
Mind the Smoke – Health Risks:
It's crucial to acknowledge that inhaling any type of smoke, even from herbal blends, isn't risk-free. The combustion process produces carbon monoxide, and while herbal smokes may have fewer toxic chemicals than traditional cigarettes, they aren't entirely without risks.
Moderation is Key:
Smoking anything, even herbs, poses potential risks. Small amounts and moderation are emphasized to minimize negative effects. Consider alternatives like herbal spliffs or herbal joints and always be aware of your health.
Reference:
(a)
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