Marigold (Calendula officinalis)

Marigold (Calendula officinalis) has been highly valued by herbal healers of centuries. Marigolds are found almost anywhere in the world. They grow easily, bloom reliably, and have few insect and disease problems. Marigolds are highly useful for medicinal purposes such as headaches, toothache, swelling, and strengthening the heart. They have also been used in cooking as well.

Lobelia (Lobelia Inflata)

Lobelia (Lobelia Inflata) has a long use as a medicinal plant, as an entheogenic, emetic, and a dermatological and respiratory aid. Native Americans used it to treat respiratory and muscle disorders, as a purgative, and as a ceremonial medicine. The plant was used as a traditional medicinal plant by the Cherokee, Iroquois, Penobscot, and other indigenous peoples. The foliage was burned by the Cherokee as a natural insecticide, to smoke out gnats. It was widely used in the pre-Columbian New England region, long before the time of Samuel Thomson, who was erroneously credited as discovering it.

Hops (Humulus lupulus)

Hops (Humulus lupulus) is a close relative of cannabis, Hops has been used for centries in brewing. Ironically Henery VIII banned the addition of Hops to ales and beers and described Hops as "a wicked weed that would endanger the people." Of course, hops beer is now one of the most freely available and socially accepted drugs but certainly has 'endangered the people' with all the harm and tragedy associated with motor vehicle accidents, social and domestic violence, misadventure, alcoholism, liver damage, fatal drug combinations and so on. Yet its botanical cousin, the Hemp plant, a revered herb in Henry VIII's time, is currently banned in our time!

Damiana (Turnera diffusa)

 

Damiana (Turnera diffusa) is an aromic herb found in dry and rocky areas of Texas, Southern California, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. Damiana has pale green leaves, small yellow flowers and can grow up to twenty four inches high. The plant has a resesmblance to chamomile. It's leaves, flowers and steams are used for medicinal and recreational purposes. Damiana also goes by many names; Turnera diffusa, Turnera aphrodisiacal, woman's broom, mexican damiana, pastorata, hierba del venado, oreganello and the bourrique.

Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara)

Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) belongs to the daisy family. It is also known by the name of coughworth, bull's foot, assfoot, and farfara. athe coltsfoot plant has bright yellow flowers (which are beautiful) and has scaly stalks. The flowers have a sweet honey tast. The flower blooms first and then the leaves develop.

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is a gentle herb known throughout most of the world which has been used continually for many centuries. It is often ingested as a tea to calm the nervous system and the digestive tract, and is mild enough to be administered to babies with colic. Chamomile is soothing to irritated skin and membranes, and is often found in lotions and hair products. Other studies illuminate this plant's potential to assist in healing wounds and soothing gastrointestinal conditions.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is also known as Catmint, Catnep, Catswort, and Fieldbalm. Catnip is an aromic herb that belongs to the mint family. The herb has small white flowers with purple dots. Catnip is found in Europe, the United States and Asian countries. It was once believed that smoking the leaves would produce a mild hallucinogenic effect. Although this use has since been dispelled, it may work in some individuals. It was also believed to deter the (evil-eye) from children given to fits, this because of its ability to calm an extremely agitated child and diminish nightmares.

California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)

 

California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) is also known as Golden Poppy, copa de oro, and Khishkhash Kalifornia. California Poppy is a perennial herb native to the American west coast, particularly California. It is the state flower of California and can be found growing abundantly along highways and roadsides there. Native Americans used California Poppy to treat headaches, anxiety, insomnia, as a topical analgesic, and to relieve tooth pain. In fact, California Poppy is considered a sub-opiate, as it is a milder version of the red poppy from which we get opium.

Blue Lotus (Nymphaea Caerulea)

Blue Lotus (Nymphaea Caerulea) is also known as Blue Water Lily, and the Sacred Lily of the Nile. It is found along the Nile River but can also be found in Thailand. The blue lily was considered sacred, and revered amongst ancient Egyptians as they considered it a symbol of life. Nefertem, the lord of perfume, was the god of the blue lily. The Egyptians were not only fond of it for perfume but also for the euphoric effects, and tranquility it provides. There is much evidence that the Egyptians used blue lily to induce an ecstatic state, stimulation, and hallucinations. Egyptian monarchs and priests used it as a narcotic herb for its healing and recreational qualities. Blue lily's flowers were famous for their visionary, and inebriating effects.

How To Make Herbal Smoking Blends

 

There are many different methods for making herbal smoke blends. The easiest way is to mix dry herbs together to create a balanced smokeing blend. Your herbal smoking blend should consist of three parts. You base herbs, your modifier herbs, and your flavor herbs. Make sure you mix herbs that compliment each other. If you are after a lucid dream blend, or something relaxing, be sure to not use herbs that are over stimulating. If you are looking for a day time blend, don't use herbs that encourage the mid-day nap!