Rosemary: What effects does it have, and what can it be mixed with?

Smoking rosemary or other aromatic herbs is a practice that dates back to ancient times. Many cultures have been doing it for millennia for ritualistic or medicinal purposes. Although when we think of smoking, we automatically associate it with tobacco or cannabis, the truth is that there are many other herbs you can smoke that provide various effects. When combusted, some plants have relaxing or stimulating effects. Others can enhance mood or concentration. Best of all, they can be mixed. Below, we explain which herbs you can smoke and how to create the perfect blend.

Which herbs can be smoked?

Can all herbs be smoked? Generally, if a herb is safe to consume as an infusion, it’s also safe to smoke, although its effect will depend on the phytochemicals it contains. One of the main benefits of smoking medicinal herbs is that their effects are immediate, as the compound crosses the blood-brain barrier in just about 8 seconds. While smoking isn’t good for your health, these herbs can provide quick relief for certain ailments due to their rapid action.

Smoking rosemary is gaining popularity among those who want to avoid tobacco and nicotine. This Mediterranean aromatic herb belongs to the same family as sage and mint. It’s a great source of antioxidants, potassium, iron, and calcium, with a strong, intense, and distinctive flavor, whether used in cooking, smoked, or consumed as an infusion.

The main issue with smoking various aromatic or medicinal herbs is that there is little research on the potential effects, dosages, or risks. Therefore, we can only rely on anecdotal user experiences.

What effects does smoking rosemary have?

Does smoking rosemary get you high? According to anecdotal evidence, rosemary may produce relaxing effects, likely due to the compound terpene caryophyllene, which is also found in other plants, including cannabis. This compound can bind to CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, similar to CBD, potentially helping to alleviate stress.

Ingesting rosemary, usually in tea or capsule form, has proven medicinal benefits. However, there is no scientific evidence that smoking this herb offers the same properties, as many plant compounds do not withstand the heat of combustion.

Mixing herbs with cannabis: Yes or no?

In addition to rosemary, there are other herbs that can be smoked instead of tobacco. For example, chamomile, known for its relaxing effects and mild, sweet flavor, is a widely available medicinal herb that can also be smoked. Both chamomile and rosemary can be mixed with CBD buds or marijuana to make a joint—essentially, a cannabis cigarette blend.

Joints are typically made with tobacco, although some purists consider this sacrilegious. Still, many people mix cannabis with tobacco for various reasons. It can help stretch their supply or improve the herb’s burn quality. However, since tobacco is addictive and contains many toxic and carcinogenic substances, it’s best to avoid it and switch to other herbs.

Aromatic herbs for an herbal joint

Aromatic herbs can be smoked alone or mixed with CBD flowers, marijuana, hash, pollen, etc. The possible combinations are almost endless. In addition to rosemary and chamomile, here are other herbs you can use to make a cigarette:

• Mullein. Used in some cultures as a tobacco substitute. As a tea, it’s beneficial for lung health.
• Lavender. Known for its pleasant fragrance and relaxing effect. Often mixed with other herbs to soften the flavor.
• Lion’s tail. Native to South Africa, traditionally used to reduce stress and improve mood.
• Red clover. Known for its relaxing properties.
• Yerba mate. Famous as a stimulating tea rich in antioxidants, it can also be smoked for an effect similar to coffee.
• Damiana. Used to treat headaches and depression. Also acts as a mental stimulant and aphrodisiac, with a flavor reminiscent of cannabis.
• St. John’s wort. Known for its sedative and natural antidepressant properties.
• Catnip. Calms the body, aids sleep and digestion, relieves toothaches, and regulates menstruation.
• Mugwort. Relaxes the body and improves sleep quality.
• Marshmallow root. Supports lung health and adds a pleasant flavor to herbal blends.
• Willow bark. Contains salicin, the natural precursor to aspirin, with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Spearmint. Adds a pleasant taste and aroma while relaxing the nerves and stimulating circulation.
• Sage. Known for its excellent taste, aroma, and soothing effects.

How to create the perfect herbal blend

These are just some of the aromatic herbs you can use for smoking, but the world of botany offers countless possibilities. Mixing different herbs with cannabis or other plants is a fun way to create a personalized product and enjoy unique flavors and therapeutic effects. Here’s how to make an herbal blend:

Start with a base

The base is the predominant herb, which can be your cannabis flower or another herb like mullein. The base should make up 50% of your herbal cigarette, and it’s best to choose a fluffy and solid variety to provide structure.

Add herbs

Next, add herbs with the desired effects. For example, for a stimulating experience, you could include yerba mate, damiana, and ginseng. This should make up 40% of the blend.

Add a flavor enhancer

The remaining 10% should consist of a herb with a stronger aromatic profile, like mint, sage, or lavender.

You don’t need many herbs to create an herbal joint or cigarette. Simply smoking a 50/50 mix of rosemary and cannabis can provide a great experience. However, it’s also worth experimenting with the natural options available to you.