This article provides a step-by-step guide to crafting your own DIY herbal smoking blends. It covers choosing the right herbs, blending techniques, proper storage, quality inspection, acquiring herbs, sampling for taste and effect, refining your blend, scaling up production, and important information on safety and potential health risks.

What are Herbal Smoking Blends?

Mixtures of various herbs, flowers, and sometimes spices, serving as an alternative to traditional tobacco or cannabis smoking. They’re crafted for purposes like relaxation, aiding meditation, or simply for their unique flavors and aromas. Unlike tobacco, which contains nicotine, or cannabis, which has THC, herbal blends are often chosen for their lack of these psychoactive or addictive substances, offering a different kind of smoking experience.

Why Craft Your Own Blends?

• Health Advantages: Many herbs in these blends are selected for their potential health benefits, like soothing respiratory systems or calming the mind, without the harmful effects typically associated with tobacco smoke.[5]
• Cost-effectiveness: Creating your own blends can be more economical than buying commercial tobacco products, especially if you source herbs locally or grow them yourself.
• Customization: Blending your own herbs allows for personalization. You can tailor the blend to your taste, desired effects, or even to complement different moods or activities.
• Avoiding Nicotine: For those looking to quit or reduce nicotine consumption, herbal blends offer a nicotine-free smoking alternative, potentially helping to break the addiction cycle.

Acquiring Herbs:

In order to create your own herbal smoking blend, you will need to first acquire herbs and/or flowers. Understanding where to source them, the distinctions between key terms, and how to store them properly is essential for a quality blend.[3]

Quality and Sustainability:

Purity and potency are key; choose organic or wild-crafted, pesticide-free herbs when available. It is sometimes hard for small farms to acquire an organic certification. So be a little flexible and understanding when interacting with some suppliers and ask them for detailed information on how their herbs are grown.[12]

Consider using suppliers who practice ethical harvesting, wildcrafting or organic farming. Sustainable sourcing helps protect the environment and ensures that the herbs you enjoy today will still be available for future generations.[13]

Get samples before buying in bulk to test for quality and consistency.[14]

Learn How to Assess Herbs for Quality and Viability by Examining Them For:

• Stems: are harsh and harder to burn than leaf or flower petals and stamens.[15]
• Seeds: are harsh and can pop when smoked.[19]
• Dust: which causes uneven burning, makes the smoke harsh, and can clog a pipe, vaporizer, or herbal smokes. Excessive dust may indicate poor quality.[15]
• Mold or Mildew: visible signs of mold or an off smell can indicate improper drying or storage, making the herbs unusable.[15]
• Color and Vitality: look for vibrant, natural colors. Dull or faded herbs might have lost potency or been exposed to too much light or heat.[16]
• Aroma: fresh herbs should have a strong, characteristic scent. A lack of aroma can indicate the herbs are old or have been improperly stored.[16]
• Unwanted Material: ensure there are no foreign materials or contaminants in the herbs, like bugs, plastic, etc.[17]
• Moisture content: herbs should feel neither too brittle (over-dried) nor too soft (under-dried).[17]

When Purchasing Herbs, You Need to Understand the Terms Used by Supplies to Describe Them:

Herb: generally refers to the whole plant above the roots ground up.

Leaf: specifically the leaves of the plant, which is what you want. However, depending on the supplier, this material can still contain stems.

Flowers: depending on the supplier, this might refer to the whole flower ground up or just parts of it. This should be verified before purchasing.

Whole Flowers: refers strictly to the complete, intact flower. Whole flowers will need further processing to be usable in a blend and will likely have parts that you do not want to smoke.

Flower Petals: only the petals and stamens of the flower. In rare cases this can mean just the petals and not the stamens. This is what you want to acquire for blending whenever available.

Storing Herbs:

Before storing, check the material to see if it’s too moist. Herbs need to be dried at the right moisture level, or they will mildew and mold when stored and can also become infested with bugs. If so, you will need to dry them further before storing them. Air drying in a greenhouse or using a dehydrator at low settings is ideal.[11] After you have verified the material is properly dried, store it at or slightly below room temperature in a dark, bug-proof, airtight container.[11]

Creating Your Blend

Many herbs suitable for smoking can also make excellent tea, so consider evaluating them for dual use.[3]

Sampling and Understanding Medicinal Properties:

Taste: Sample the herb to see how it tastes, how strong the flavor is, and how harsh or smooth it is to determine which herbs will blend well together and in what proportions.[3]

Medicinal Properties: Research if the herb is stimulating, relaxing, etc., so you do not mix herbs with opposing properties unless intended. Some herbs have been documented to complement and possibly enhance other herbs.[5]

Consistency and Size: Consider the texture and size of the herb. Is it light and fluffy, or dense? How will it blend with other herbs? Blending small material with large can result in an uneven mix, since smaller particles tend to sink to the bottom, affecting the blend’s consistency.[21]

Smoking Devices: Herbs will burn differently when rolled or smoked in pipes or vaped. Identifying this is crucial for blending them. For example, some herbs may not burn well in papers, so you can blend them with herbs that do, or vice versa. This information allows you to perfect blends specifically for use in vapes, papers, or pipes.[3]

Blending the Herbs:

Blending herbs requires precision and experimentation. Here’s how to mix, test, and refine your blend.

• Quantities: Other articles recommend starting with ratios like 5 parts base herb, 3 parts supportive, and 2 parts flavoring. This can make sense to avoid diluting the herbs in your blend by using too many herbs. However, this fixed ratio isn’t universally applicable; the flavor and medicinal properties of herbs can vary, so your blend’s proportions should ultimately be determined by your own testing. Use a scale to measure out your herbs accurately during the initial blending. Keeping detailed records will help you replicate successful blends and adjust proportions for future batches, ensuring consistency and aiding in making larger batches.[1]
• Start with Small Batches: Begin making small amounts of the blend to test and adjust without wasting herbs. This approach allows for fine-tuning based on taste, potency, and effect. Don’t be afraid to experiment! Sometimes, blending herbs that shouldn’t work well together in theory can result in unique and enjoyable blends.[2]
• Check and Prepare Herbs: Before mixing, check your herbs for stems, seeds, or any other unwanted materials. In some cases, manual removal of stems or seeds might be necessary.[10]
• Mixing: To mix your herbs, place them into a clean, dry bowl. For hygiene, consider wearing gloves. Use your hands to thoroughly combine the herbs, ensuring even distribution. If the herbs vary significantly in size, layer them in the bowl to assist in mixing. For example, put smaller herbs on top of larger ones so the smaller material sinks into the larger material. Mix for several minutes to achieve a uniform blend.[10]
• Inspect the Blend: After mixing, stop and look at the mixture to see how well the herbs have mixed together. Are they evenly distributed, or do you see clumps or separation of different herbs?[10]

Sampling and Refining the Blend:

Smoke a small amount of the blend to assess the taste, burn quality, and effects. Make adjustments if needed. Enjoy the process of perfecting your blend; take your time and experiment and observe how each change impacts the quality of the blend.[3]

When the blend is perfected, it’s time to make a larger batch by using the ratios and quantities used during sampling.

Making a Larger Batch:

Option 1: Large Food-Safe Bin: Add the herbs to the bin and manually stir them with your hands, ensuring that even distribution is achieved across the entire batch. Wearing gloves is suggested for hygiene. This method is ideal for mixing herbs that are difficult to blend.

Option 2: Sealed Container like a Large Bucket: Place all the herbs into the bucket, seal it, then turn it over several times from the lid-up to lid-down position. After this, turn the bucket sideways and gently shake it, then repeat this process until the herbs are evenly mixed. Note that fluffy materials like mugwort, mullein, or flowers like wild dagga petals might not mix well using this method and could require hand-mixing for better distribution.

Popular Herbs for Smoking Blends

When crafting smoking blends, numerous herbs can be used—way too many to list here. These are four of the most popular.

Mullein: This plant got its name from the French word for “soft,” reflecting the plant’s velvety leaves, and is known for its soothing properties on the respiratory system and relieving congestion even when smoked. Mullein is very fluffy, which makes it hard to blend with other herbs; it burns faster than other herbs and is challenging to roll. In the old days, mullein was not typically used in blends; instead, its flower spike was sold because it resembled the buds of another popular smoking herb.[5]

Damiana: This herb is often used to promote relaxation, improve one’s mood, and is touted as an aphrodisiac. It has a slightly sweet, earthy flavor, making it a good supportive herb in blends aimed at stress relief.[5]

Lavender: Adds a pleasant floral aroma and flavor to blends. Beyond its taste, lavender is renowned for its calming and stress-relieving qualities, making it ideal for blends designed for relaxation or before sleeping.[5]

Mint: Provides a refreshing, cooling sensation when smoked, which can help to clear the palate and lungs, potentially aiding in respiratory comfort as well.[5]

To find more herbs to use in herbal smoking blends, check out Smoking Herbs List and Guide: Benefits, Safety, and History which lists 10 smoking herbs and 4 runner-ups, offering insights into their uses, effects, and blending potential. Never stop looking for new, safe herbs to try in your blends.

Herbal Smoking Blend Recipe:

This recipe provides a basic foundation. You can start experimenting by tweaking the proportions, adding herbs for flavor, or adjusting for your preferred smoking method. It also makes a great tea!

• Mullein Leaf – 3 parts
• Damiana Leaf – 5 parts

We’d love to hear about your favorite blends and any tips you have for blending. Please share your creations and insights with us!

Safety and Health Risks:

• Respiratory Health Risks: Even though herbal smoke may contain fewer toxins than tobacco, inhaling any smoke introduces particulates and carbon monoxide into your lungs, which can lead to respiratory irritation or long-term health issues if done excessively. Herbs are often used for their soothing properties, but if you have existing respiratory conditions, proceed with caution or consider non-smoking methods like teas or tinctures.[11]
• Allergies: Some individuals might be allergic to certain herbs. Always test a small amount first, especially if you’re new to an herb. Symptoms can range from mild irritation to severe allergic reactions. This can be serious for pregnant women or individuals with health problems.[11]
• Moderation: Moderation is key. Overuse can lead to health concerns.[11]
• Cautions: Some herbs, even when traditionally used in smoking blends, can have contraindications for pregnant or nursing women, people with health conditions, or taking medications. Anyone in one of those categories should consult their doctor prior to using new smoking blends or herbs.[11]
• Quality Control: The quality of the herbs used directly impacts safety. Ensure herbs are free from pesticides, heavy metals, and mold.[17, 18]
• Education and Awareness: Educate yourself on each herb’s profile. Some might be safe in small quantities but harmful in larger ones or when combined with other herbs.[11]

This article provides a comprehensive guide on crafting herbal smoking blends, from understanding the basics to the nuances of blending and usage, while emphasizing the importance of safety, health, and sustainability. Remember, enjoying herbal blends is about enhancing experiences, not compromising health or the environment.[11]

Sources:

1. How To Craft Your Own Herbal Smoking Blends – theherbalacademy.com
2. How to Make Herbal Cigarettes: 14 Steps (with Pictures) – www.wikihow.com
3. Make your own Herbal Smoking Blends – www.pixiespocket.com
4. How To Smoke Herbs (With 3 Herbal Smoking Blends) – plantedwithkatie.com
5. What Herbs Can You Smoke? – Euphoric Herbals – www.euphoricherbals.com
6. DIY Herbal Cigarettes – Smoking Room – smoking-room.net
7. Herbal Smoking Blends – Hermi(one) Banger – hermionebanger.com
8. Harnessing herbal smoking: Discover smokable herbs – spliffherbals.com
9. Ultimate Guide to Tobacco-Free Herbal Cigarettes – herbalhenna
10. Hand Processing Herbs – Smokingblends.com
11. Advancing herbal medicine: enhancing product quality and safety through robust quality control practices – Hongting Wang
12. What to Look for When Buying Herbs & Spices – sunwarrior.com
13. How to Choose High Quality Herbs and Herbal Remedies – Bloom Institute – bloominstitute.ca
14. 4 Tips to Identify Quality Herbs – www.evherbs.com
15. 4 + 1 Ways to Distinguish Quality Herbs – tofillo.com
16. Quality of herbal medicines: challenges and solutions – Junhua Zhang 
17. What You Should Know About Chinese Herbs – Cleveland Clinic
18. Quality specifications for herbs and spices – ScienceDirect – www.sciencedirect.com
19. Can You Smoke Weed Stems? Here’s What Happens – www.healthline.com
20. Smoking Herbs List and Guide: Benefits, Safety, and History – www.smokingblends.com
21. Herbal Smoking Mixes – Nome McBride

Yerba mate, a traditional South American beverage made from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant, which grows in the subtropical Atlantic forests of Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina, has a long history among indigenous communities such as the Guarani and is now gaining international recognition.

Historical Background

The Guarani people used yerba mate long before European colonization. The term ‘yerba’ translates from Guarani ‘ka’a’ meaning ‘plant’ or ‘herb’, and ‘mate’ from Quechua ‘mati’, meaning ‘cup’. Introduced to the Spanish in the 1500s, yerba mate was disseminated across the Viceroyalty of Peru by conquistadors and Jesuit missionaries, influencing regions now known as Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay [1][2].

Cultural Significance

The Yerba mate drink is integral to the cultural fabric of Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, often featured in literature, music, and daily life. It inspired the first written tango lyrics and is a staple in social gatherings.

Yerba mate has found a place in other cultures Beyond South America:

• It is notably consumed in Lebanon and Syria, where it is a significant import.
• In the North Atlantic, it’s used in various forms, including energy drinks and tea bags [1][2].

Smooth Energy

Yerba mate contains caffeine, theophylline (found in tea), and theobromine (found in chocolate); this combination produces a smoother energy boost when compared to coffee or tea [4].

Preparation and Consumption

You’ll Need:

• Yerba Mate
• A cup with a narrow top or a Mate Gourd
• A Bombilla (Mate Straw)
• Water

For new Gourds

• Cure your gourd by filling it with yerba mate and hot water, let it sit for a day, then empty and scrub the inside. Repeat this process at least once.

Steps to Brewing the Perfect Yerba Mate:

• Fill the Gourd: Add yerba mate to fill about half to two-thirds of the gourd. Cover the gourd with your hand, invert it, and gently shake to bring the finer particles to the top.
• Position the Gourd: Tilt it at a 45-degree angle and uncover it. Keep this angle, sometimes using the bombilla to prop it up if necessary.
• Moisten the Mate: Pour room temperature water into the empty side, keeping the water level below the top of the mate. Let the mate absorb the water for a few minutes this will help lift finer particles to the top of the mate
• Insert the Bombilla: Place the bombilla into the side with the water, ensuring it reaches the bottom. Avoid stirring.
• Add Hot Water: Gradually pour hot water (not boiling, ideally no hotter than 140°F) into the same side. Keep the water level below the mate’s surface. Some prefer using room-temperature water.
• Drink: Sip through the bombilla until the water is gone. Try to keep the bombilla steady. You can refill with water for multiple servings, depending on the mate quantity, type, and water temperature.

Keep in mind, Mate can also be brewed the same as tea leaves.

After Use:

Empty the gourd, rinse with water, and pat dry both inside and out. Avoid soap to preserve the flavor for future uses. Some people dry their gourd in the sun.

Taste

Green Aged Leaf

A blend of earthy, grassy notes, similar to what you might find in green tea, but slightly more robust. The aging process mellows the leaf, lessening bitterness and providing a smooth, almost sweet taste.

Roasted (smoked) Leaf

Roasted leaf provides a bold, smoky, nutty flavor with a hint of dark chocolate, similar to dark roast coffee but without the acidity.

Health: Yerba Mate Benefits

• Rich in Antioxidants: Contains polyphenols, which combat oxidative stress [3].
• Weight Management: Studies suggest it may increase fat oxidation and reduce appetite, aiding weight control [3][4].
• Heart Health: May improve cholesterol levels and reduce blood pressure [3].
• Mental Alertness: May enhances cognitive functions like focus, memory [4].

Conclusion

Yerba mate’s journey from South American tradition to a global phenomenon showcases not just a beverage but a botanical that connects people across continents. Whether sipped from a traditional gourd in Buenos Aires or enjoyed in a modern energy drink in New York, yerba mate offers a unique taste and gentle energy, inviting everyone to partake in its rich heritage.

References

1. Yerba-maté – Wikipedia
2. Tracing the origins of yerba mate – ASU News
3. What Is Yerba Mate? And the History of Yerba Mate – Amigofoods Blog
4. What is yerba mate? and is this caffeinated drink really good for you – National Geographic